New numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that union membership in the U.S. held steady last year at 11.3% of the workforce, reports the L.A. Times. The statistics varied widely from state to state, with nearly one-quarter of workers in New York State reporting belonging to a union, but only 3% of workers in North Carolina.
Business leaders quoted in the New York Times argue that a resurgence of apprenticeships may be one way to tackle the crisis of youth unemployment. Apprenticeships, internships, and technical training programs are needed to replace an aging generation of skilled workers, according to the CEOs quoted in the article.
The L.A. Times reports that Wal-Mart has created a $10 million fund to support innovation and grow new U.S. manufacturing jobs. Details of the program will be announced in March, but it will take the form of grants to universities and think tanks. The grants will support efforts to break down the obstacles to a resurgence in manufacturing.
Columnist Paul Krugman in the New York Times argues that our economic policy needs to address the connection between jobs and inequality, while the Times‘ Floyd Norris looks at the link between unemployment rates and federal reserve policy.
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July 31
EEOC sued over trans rights enforcement; railroad union opposes railroad merger; suits against NLRB slow down.
July 30
In today’s news and commentary, the First Circuit will hear oral arguments on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of parole grants for thousands of migrants; United Airlines’ flight attendants vote against a new labor contract; and the AFL-CIO files a complaint against a Trump Administrative Executive Order that strips the collective bargaining rights of the vast majority of federal workers.
July 29
The Trump administration released new guidelines for federal employers regarding religious expression in the workplace; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is suing former union president for repayment of mismanagement of union funds; Uber has criticized a new proposal requiring delivery workers to carry company-issued identification numbers.
July 28
Lower courts work out meaning of Muldrow; NLRB releases memos on recording and union salts.
July 27
In today’s news and commentary, Trump issues an EO on college sports, a second district court judge blocks the Department of Labor from winding down Job Corps, and Safeway workers in California reach a tentative agreement. On Thursday, President Trump announced an executive order titled “Saving College Sports,” which declared it common sense that “college […]
July 25
Philadelphia municipal workers ratify new contract; Chocolate companies escape liability in trafficking suit; Missouri Republicans kill paid sick leave