- Social:
Clark University
Professor of Industrial Relations at Clark University in Worcester Massachusetts; author of Unions in America and The New Collective Bargaining
PROFILE
Gary Chaison
Guest
FROM Gary Chaison
To the Point
Are Government Workers Facing a Broken Promise? Public workers may not be getting the retirement pay they've traditionally been guaranteed by contracts, laws and state constitutions. Last week, a federal bankruptcy ruling declared that Detroit's pension plans for city workers could be modified , just like any other debts owed by the city. That has other cities threatening to declare insolvency, in part to cut pension payments. But some Democrats, as well as Republicans, are already saying that state and local governments can't afford to make contributions any more. What's in store for firefighters, police officers, trash collectors and teachers who've accepted modest pay knowing their old age would be taken care of?
To the Point
Wisconsin Governor Walker Survives Recall In yesterday's recall election, Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker faced the Democratic Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett . It was a re-run of the election in November of 2010, and the results looked almost the same. What does it mean for the future of organized labor and the prospects for the presidential election?
Which Way, L.A.?
The National Showdown in Wisconsin Three months after Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker took office last year there were massive protests in the state capitol. Democrats fled the state to prevent a legislative quorum for his proposals. But Walker finally got his way with enactment of new laws to restrict almost all collective bargaining for public employees and to increase their payments for health insurance and retirement benefits. Next Tuesday, Walker faces a recall against Democrat Tom Barrett , the Mayor of Milwaukee. We size up next week's election and learn what's at stake for the presidential campaign in a crucial swing state.
To the Point
The National Showdown in Wisconsin Three months after Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker took office last year there were massive protests at the state capitol. Democrats fled the state to prevent a legislative quorum for his proposals. But Walker finally got his way with enactment of new laws to restrict almost all collective bargaining for public employees and to increase their payments for health insurance and retirement benefits. The first-term governor is making the kind of history politicians fear most, becoming only the third governor in US history to face a recall election. But Walker's being called a "hero" by Mitt Romney, and his fate could have a major impact on this year's presidential election. Big-time money from Republican outsiders is pouring into a state that could be the archetype of political polarization. If Walker survives, will it help Romney's chances against President Obama in the industrial Midwest? Will it be a blow to clout of organized labor?
Recommended
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.