To the Point
Looking for Work on Labor Day
On Labor Day 2010, the union movement is becoming a toothless tiger. As the recession evolves into the New Economy, will organized labor be left in the "dustbin of history?" Also, President Obama goes on the economic offensive, and the political clichés of 2010. (Tonight's 7pm rebroadcast of this program pre-empts Which Way, LA?)
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenOn Labor Day 2010, the union movement is becoming a toothless tiger. As the recession evolves into the New Economy, will organized labor be left in the "dustbin of history?" Also, President Obama launches an economic offensive at a Labor Day rally, and on TV between now and November, it'll be all political attack ads all the time. We hear how both parties are refining this year's clichés. (Tonight's 7pm rebroadcast of this program pre-empts Which Way, LA?)
Banner image: A job seeker carries a dosier of resumes to show potential employers at a career fair in Denver, Colorado. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesObama Launches Economic Offensive at Labor Day Rally
President Obama plans an offensive this week on the economy. One bill he's pushing would eliminate capital gains on some small business investments and accelerate $55 billion in tax cuts for companies that make what he calls "job-creating investments."
Read the story8 minIt's Labor Day, Where's Organized Labor?
The first Labor Day was in 1894, but in 2010, union membership in the private sector is 7.2% and declining. Two years into the Great Recession, 15 million Americans are unemployed. Recovery is underway and companies are making money. But they're not hiring.
Read the story34 minCampaign Ad Preview: Here Come the Midterm Elections
Between Labor Day and November, television advertising will be monopolized by attack ads against Republicans and Democrats. Self-described masochist Walter Shapiro has watched some 75 recent commercials for candidates of both parties. The senior correspondent for PoliticsDaily.com says neither party has come up with a breakthrough.
Read the story9 min
