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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August 29
Trump fires regulator in charge of reviewing railroad mergers; fired Fed Governor sues Trump asserting unlawful termination; and Trump attacks more federal sector unions.
August 28
contested election for UAW at Kentucky battery plant; NLRB down to one member; public approval of unions remains high.
August 27
The U.S. Department of Justice welcomes new hires and forces reassignments in the Civil Rights Division; the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments in Brown v. Alaska Airlines Inc.; and Amazon violates federal labor law at its air cargo facility in Kentucky.
August 26
Park employees at Yosemite vote to unionize; Philadelphia teachers reach tentative three-year agreement; a new report finds California’s union coverage remains steady even as national union density declines.
August 25
Consequences of SpaceX decision, AI may undermine white-collar overtime exemptions, Sixth Circuit heightens standard for client harassment.
August 24
HHS cancels union contracts, the California Supreme Court rules on minimum wage violations, and jobless claims rise