Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle Class
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Right to work advocates made big gains this week in Michigan with the passage of bills that affect both public and private sector employees. On this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry explores why the right to work movement is growing. Who benefits from these laws, and what role does politics play in determining who's covered and who's exempt? Also, is the Syrian government losing its last allies? On Reporter's Notebook, it's Golden Globes time. How much do their nominations matter during Hollywood's awards season?
Banner image: Anti right-to-work protesters gather outside of Michigan's state capitol building in Lansing December 11, 2012. Photo by Rebecca Cook/Reuters
Making News
Is the Syrian Government Losing Its Last Allies? ()
Russia's top Middle East diplomat said today that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is losing control of the country after nearly two years of conflict there. The comments from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov bring new pressure to bear on Assad since Russia has been a staunch strategic ally throughout the conflict. Ellen Barry is Moscow Bureau Chief for the New York Times.
Guests:
- Ellen Barry: New York Times, @EllenBarryNYT
Main Topic
Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle Class ()
On Tuesday, Michigan became the 24th state to pass right-to-work laws, which prevent unions from compelling workers to pay union dues. It's a big hit to organized labor, which has historically had a strong hold in Michigan, the birthplace of the United Auto Workers Union. Advocates say that right-to-work laws stimulate economic growth, but opponents argue that they undercut pay for middle class workers. Only 12 percent of American workers belong to a union. What's behind the dramatic changes in labor union power? Who benefits from right to work laws? What role did politics play in Michigan?
Guests:
- Micheline Maynard: Forbes, @MickiMaynard
- Bill Ballenger: Inside Michigan Politics, @iMIpolitics
- Gordon Lafer: University of Oregon
- Stanley Greer: National Right-to-Work Committee
Links:
- Maynard on what's next for labor after Michigan's right to work
- Maynard's 'The End of Detroit: How the Big Three Lost Their Grip on the American Car Market'
- Lafer on Michigan's right to work law being 'just plain wrong'
- AEI Economist Mark Perry on Proposal 2 offering a public sector history lesson
- Robert Reed, 'Does Right to Work Boost Economic Development' (University of Oklahoma, 2001)
Reporter's Notebook
Golden Globe Nominations Play It by Its Own Book ()
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln racked up the most Golden Globe nominations today – seven nominations in total, including best picture and best director. In Hollywood, there's always a bit of eye-rolling over the Globe nominations and awards – and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which chooses them. Steve Pond covers awards and indie film for TheWrap.com. He's also the author of The Big Show.
Guests:
- Steve Pond: The Wrap, @stevepond
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
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