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A new dawn for Labor Day

Annette Bernhardt, Director, Technology and Work Program, UC Berkeley Labor Center | August 30, 2013

If you happened to be in Oakland yesterday, chances are that you passed a fast food chain with striking workers picketing outside.  They were part of a national day of action in more than 50 cities across the country, targeting chains like McDonald’s and Burger King and culminating a year of unprecedented labor actions that … Continue reading »

Here is a tip–tips aren’t always tips

Sylvia Allegretto, Economist, Co-Chair of the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics | August 13, 2013

Workers from Wal-Mart to Macy’s to McDonald’s have taken to the streets across the country to demand better wages and working conditions. The actions have brought to light the plight of low-wage workers and how difficult it is to makes ends meet on such low pay. Importantly, their ranks are on the rise given that … Continue reading »

This labor day … waiting for change

Sylvia Allegretto, Economist, Co-Chair of the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics | August 31, 2012

Did you know that the federal sub-minimum wage received by tipped workers has been $2.13 per hour for the past 22 years? No joke, it has been and it is way past due for a change. The figure shows the inflation adjusted value of the regular federal minimum wage along with the sub-minimum wage received … Continue reading »

How to create more jobs by lowering wages: Texas and America

Robert Reich, professor of public policy | September 14, 2011

Perry and Romney can duke it out over who created the most jobs, but governors have as much influence over job growth in their states as roosters do over sunrises. States don’t have their own monetary policies so they can’t lower interest rates to spur job growth. They can’t spur demand through fiscal policies because … Continue reading »