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.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
June 2
Proposed budgets for DOL and NLRB show cuts on the horizon; Oregon law requiring LPAs in cannabis dispensaries struck down.
June 1
In today’s news and commentary, the Ninth Circuit upholds a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration, a federal judge vacates parts of the EEOC’s pregnancy accommodation rules, and video game workers reach a tentative agreement with Microsoft. In a 2-1 decision issued on Friday, the Ninth Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration […]
May 30
Trump's tariffs temporarily reinstated after brief nationwide injunction; Louisiana Bill targets payroll deduction of union dues; Colorado Supreme Court to consider a self-defense exception to at-will employment
May 29
AFGE argues termination of collective bargaining agreement violates the union’s First Amendment rights; agricultural workers challenge card check laws; and the California Court of Appeal reaffirms San Francisco city workers’ right to strike.
May 28
A proposal to make the NLRB purely adjudicatory; a work stoppage among court-appointed lawyers in Massachusetts; portable benefits laws gain ground
May 27
a judge extends a pause on the Trump Administration’s mass-layoffs, the Fifth Circuit refuses to enforce an NLRB order, and the Texas Supreme court extends workplace discrimination suits to co-workers.