- 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
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?