Professor of Labor, UC Berkeley
Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in labor and the global economy
PROFILE
Harley Shaiken
Guest
FROM Harley Shaiken
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why the Focus on Factory Jobs? We hear a lot of political rhetoric touting good middle-class manufacturing jobs. But what's so great about factory jobs? How many people do they still employ? Is this the economic future we should be shooting for? We talk to someone who can put the political emphasis on factory jobs into focus.
Which Way, L.A.?
Detroit Revs Up One More Time The nation's carmakers may be nearing a finish line that no one wants to cross. Chrysler has until Thursday to submit a restructuring plan that will satisfy the federal government, which has loaned $4 billion to the auto manufacturer. Although America's smallest automaker won concessions from American and Canadian labor unions over the weekend, it still needs to reach an agreement with creditors. Will Italian carmaker Fiat step in to help save the day? Meanwhile, General Motors has announced it will close its classic Pontiac brand, as part of its third attempt at coming up with a restructuring plan that will please the feds. If the carmakers survive, what will a restructured industry look like? What will happen to the unions? How is Detroit's crisis affecting the rest of the state?
To the Point
Detroit Revs Up One More Time The nation's carmakers may be nearing a finish line that no one wants to cross. Chrysler has until Thursday to submit a restructuring plan that will satisfy the federal government, which has loaned $4 billion to the auto manufacturer. Although America's smallest automaker won concessions from American and Canadian labor unions over the weekend, it still needs to reach an agreement with creditors. Will Italian carmaker Fiat step in to help save the day? Meanwhile, General Motors has announced it will close its classic Pontiac brand, as part of its third attempt at coming up with a restructuring plan that will please the feds. If the carmakers survive, what will a restructured industry look like? What will happen to the unions? How is Detroit's crisis affecting the rest of the state?
Which Way, L.A.?
Will Congress Save Detroit? Today's Los Angeles Times carried a full page ad by the General Motors Acceptance Corporation headlined "The Auto Industry Matters," and warning about the ripple effects if plants close and laid off workers can't feed their families or pay taxes. Ford CEO Alan Mulally and the CEO's of GM and Chrysler testified on Capitol Hill today along with Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger. They want a federal bailout, but there's no consensus on how or whether to save them. Democrats, Republicans and the Bush White House may let Barack Obama pick up the pieces, even though GM may go bankrupt before he takes office.
To the Point
Will Congress Save Detroit? The CEO's of the Big Three are putting the pressure on Democrats and Republicans. GMAC is running full-page newspaper ads headlining "The Auto Industry Matters" and warning about the ripple effects if plants close and laid off workers can't feed their families or pay taxes. Backed by organized labor, they want a federal bailout, but there's no consensus on how or whether to save them. Democrats, Republicans and the Bush White House may let Barack Obama pick up the pieces, even though GM may go bankrupt before he takes office. With CEO's and labor leaders marching on Capitol Hill, we get a progress report. We also learn about Joe Lieberman 's punishment for supporting John McCain .
To the Point
Fixing the American Auto Industry Sales at Ford Motor Company dropped 18% last month, and Toyota outsold Ford by 35,000 vehicles—many of which were Made in America. Meantime, workers at General Motors are voting on a contract some say will save the company—and maybe Ford and Chrysler , as well, although skeptics say the union didn't give up enough. These are bad times for the industry that once dominated the world's strongest economy. Can it become competitive once again? We hear more about that GM contract, mileage standards, global warming—and clean diesel.
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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
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?
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?