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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Measure B and municipal banking After the 2008 financial crisis, an activist movement rose up in opposition to the big Wall Street banks that caused the subprime mortgage collapse. They camped out in a park at the base of Wall Street, called themselves Occupy Wall street and eventually the movement spread to other cities. And here in LA there is a measure on the ballot for this Tuesday that has its roots in the Occupy LA movement.