Tag Archives | Labor unions

Unsurprisingly, Michigan Republicans aren’t done crushing unions. Next up: eliminating exclusivity.

By on April 5, 2013 in Conservatives, Labor, Michigan Republicans

Somehow after Right to Work, they found yet another way to weaken unions: pitting them against each other

Back in the 1930s, our country was wrestling with the idea of labor unions and what rights they should be given. One way corporations, primarily the large automakers, used to keep unions week was implement “proportional representation”. In other words, workers would vote on which union would represent them and then they would be represented by that specific union. In other words, several unions could be bargaining on behalf of different employees at the same shop.

Through proportional representation, the automobile manufacturers were able to keep union members squabbling amongst themselves and forced the unions to fight for a smaller number of workers rather than cooperating for the good of all workers. It’s easy to see why “collective bargaining pluralism” was so attractive to the car makers. Fortunately, with the passage of the Wagner Act in 1935, it was sent to the rubbish bin in favor of exclusivity.

Until now. Click through for more.


Read full story • Comments { 12 }

Michigan leaders weigh in on what our state should do to attract jobs (hint: it ain’t “lower taxes & bust unions”)

By on January 11, 2013 in Labor, Michigan, Michigan Republicans, Rick Snyder

Wait, I thought Gov. Snyder was a businessman…

A recent study by the Michigan Economic Center asked over 3000 representatives from businesses, nonprofits, and governmental organizations what things Michigan needs to do to attract more business investment in our state. If you listen to Michigan Republicans, including our governor, their answer is “lower taxes and bust unions”.

They might wish to ask the people who actually DO business in this state what they think. “Lower taxes” isn’t even close to the top.

Follow me over the jump for details.


Read full story • Comments { 21 }

How much would you pay someone to take a bullet for your child?

By on December 16, 2012 in Education, Labor

Why would you hire a greedy parasite to watch and teach your children all day?

Teaching is a tough profession. It has always been, but lately it has become so much tougher thanks to the anti-union attacks teachers and other public employees. It’s becoming harder and harder to understand why anyone would want to be a public school teacher these days.

The anti-union attacks on teachers have been around for decades, starting with idea that teachers get paid a full-time salary but really don’t work full-time; that their cushy workdays end at 3:00 and they have summers off. This is a very shortsighted view and, if you know anyone who teaches, you know how hard they work and how much of that work goes well past 3:00 and the month of May. Often the lines between their personal life and professional life are blurred. To most teachers, teaching is really a calling more than a job.

And yet, we treat these treat these everyday heroes as if they are not worthy of our respect.

Much more after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 15 }

Tomorrow’s rally at the Michigan Capitol Building is going to be HUGE. Seriously, check this out. (And other news.)

By on December 10, 2012 in Labor, Michigan, Rick Snyder

Damn, son.

Think tomorrow’s rally at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing is going to be HUGE. Don’t believe me? The Michigan State Police do. Check out this photo posted up at the Maddow Blog:

Much more after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 5 }

Wisconsin anti-union group helping fund Right to Work for Less drive in Michigan

By on December 10, 2012 in Labor

Coming soon to a state near you

Lee Fang over at The Nation has a great piece up titled “Pro–’Right to Work’ Groups In Michigan Outspend Union Counterparts”. In it, he shows how anti-union groups are dramatically outspending pro-union anti-Right to Work for Less groups in Michigan.

Details on this and so much more after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 4 }

Wisconsin iron workers to join Michigan rally against Right to Work on Tuesday

By on December 9, 2012 in Events, Labor

You wouldn’t understand — It’s a solidarity thing.

When opponents of the drive to make Michigan a Right to Work for Less state rally at the State Capitol Building on Tuesday, they will be joined by some of their brothers and sisters from Wisconsin.

Details after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 3 }

Wear Red Monday – Show your solidarity with the workers of Michigan

By on December 9, 2012 in Events, Labor

Solidarity!

From our friends at Working Michigan:

Details and a larger version of the graphic after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 2 }

UPDATED: As more groups sign on to Tuesday’s Lansing rally, conservative groups reserve Capitol steps to thwart them

By on December 8, 2012 in Conservatives, Events, Labor, Michigan Republicans

This should be interesting

Next week, the state legislature reconvenes on Tuesday. When they get to work that morning, they will be greeted by thousands of outraged Michiganders who are there to let these lawmakers know that the Right to Work for Less legislation — or Right to Freeload as some are calling it — it an afront to the citizens of the birthplace of labor unions.

I wrote yesterday about the involvement in the rally as well as that of Planned Parenthood. Now, with other groups signing on, we learn that conservative groups have reserved the Capitol Building grounds in an effort to stop their rally.

Details and more after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 9 }

Major RALLY at Michigan State Capitol Building NEXT TUESDAY + other ACTIONS!

By on December 7, 2012 in Events, Labor, Protest, War on Women

Be there or … hell with that, just BE THERE!

There will be a HUGE rally at the State Capitol Building in Lansing on Tuesday, November 11. Labor groups, progressive allies and Planned Parenthood are teaming up to demonstrate a show of solidarity unlike any we’ve seen yet.

Details and more after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Michigan: When Plutocrats Rule

By on December 7, 2012 in Events, Labor, Michigan, Michigan Republicans

It’s time for ACTION!

I have a piece up today at the AFL-CIO NOW blog that discusses the travesty that happened at the state capitol yesterday. I wanted to expand on a couple of things that I discussed there. Mainly, that the Republicans, including Governor Rick Snyder are complete and utter hypocrites on the topic of unions and union-crushing Right to Work for Less (RTWFL) laws.

Much more including how YOU can get involved after the jump.


Read full story • Comments { 10 }
eXTReMe Tracker