University of Oregon
Professor of Labor Studies and Political Science at the University of Oregon; former Senior Labor Policy Advisor for the House Committee on Education and Labor (2009-2010)
PROFILE
Gordon Lafer
Guest
FROM Gordon Lafer
To the Point
Collective Bargaining for Public Employees With a history of support for organized labor, Wisconsin was the first state with collective bargaining for public employees. But now, after three years of upheaval, Republican Governor Scott Walker has made it a bastion of opposition. The state Supreme Court has upheld Act 10, which all but eliminates collective bargaining with public sector unions. Patrick Marley is Statehouse Reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Which Way, L.A.?
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?
To the Point
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?
To the Point
'Right to Work' Laws in an Election Year Under federal law, employees don't have to join unions, but labor contracts require that they pay for the representation that unions provide. "Right to work" laws say they don't have to pay any more. Democrats argue that weakens the power of unions. Republicans think corporations are better off. This week Indiana became the twenty-third state where Republicans have prevailed. Why did Republican Governor Mitch Daniels change his mind ? Will new companies locate in Indiana, a manufacturing hub surrounded by states that don't have "right to work" laws? Will wages and benefits be reduced? Will there be union protests in Indianapolis during Super Bowl weekend?
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Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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
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.