7 chapters across the catalog
A donor from a Minnesota construction company reports that despite high gas prices, building suppliers have stopped sending fuel surcharge letters, a departure from previous economic cycles. Listeners are encouraged to claim their official production credits on IMDB for episode 1468.
A truck driver producer discusses how rising fuel costs are passed on to consumers via surcharges. Joshua McClain requests "recovery karma" for his wife after the birth of their fourth child. The benefits of the "Associate Executive Producer" title are discussed, including the ability to create an IMDB profile and share credits with high-profile producers like Dana Brunetti.
Delta Airlines Vaccine Strategy, Unvaccinated Insurance Surcharges
Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian reported that 90% of his workforce is vaccinated without a formal mandate, opting for a collaborative approach. Conversely, reports suggest insurance companies are implementing $200 surcharges for unvaccinated employees, leading to predictions of future class-action lawsuits.
Delta Airlines announced a $200 monthly surcharge on health insurance for unvaccinated employees, citing the high cost of COVID-19 hospitalizations. This move is criticized as a "slippery slope" that could lead to surcharges for other behaviors like smoking or obesity. The policy marks a shift from incentives to financial punishment for non-compliance.
San Francisco Restaurant Health Surcharge, Merguez Sausage
A grand jury report found that several San Francisco restaurants were pocketing a "universal health care" surcharge instead of using it for employee benefits. The conversation shifts to a local farmers' market experience involving "Merguez," a North African spicy mutton sausage, and the "cob" or physical shape of chickens.
California Health Care Tax, Restaurant Bill Line Items
San Francisco restaurants have begun adding a 4% line item to bills to cover employer-mandated health care costs. This surcharge is often accompanied by messages blaming the governor or local government. The discussion notes that this tax appeared on multiple restaurant bills throughout a week-long stay in the city.
San Francisco Restaurant Health Surcharges
Restaurants in San Francisco have begun implementing a 3.5% "health and welfare surcharge" on customer receipts to cover the costs of new union contracts. This fee is added on top of standard sales tax and gratuities. Critics argue the floating percentage fee is inappropriate since worker benefits are typically fixed costs.
