Amy Traub
Want Growth? Enforce Labor Laws
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis is reportedly cracking down on businesses that cut corners on workplace safety or cheat employees out of their pay. Alarmed by the prospect that employees' legal right to organize a union will also be enforced more effectively, some of the nation's largest retailers are now stepping up their anti-union indoctrination efforts. Advocates of workers' rights should be cheered by their alarm. As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce frets, "even if we defeat the card-check bill, it's entirely possible that other changes to the National Labor Relations Act will come up, and some of those will likely make it easier to organize the workplace."
In this New Year, renewed enforcement and the prospect of improved labor laws are positive signs that we're moving closer to a world where Americans can actually exercise the workplace rights we already have on paper. If wage enforcement and new organizing resulted in higher take-home pay for enough people, it would fuel the increase in consumer spending we need to get the economy moving again.
But immigration reform remains the critical item on the labor enforcement wish list.
Consider the newest installment of the "Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers" report which highlights the way that the routine violation of labor laws has become a standard "business strategy" in certain sectors of the Los Angeles economy. The situation in Los Angeles is even worse than in New York or Chicago, the authors note, both because of L.A.'s lack of union density and the high number of undocumented immigrant workers, who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation on the job. Enabling these participants in our economy to earn legal status would immediately remove a major barrier to the enforcement of workplace protections - and raise the floor of the labor market for all of us.
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Posted at 8:18 AM, Jan 07, 2010 in Immigration | Labor
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Comments
More, and stronger, unions would make a very strong contribution to making America better for 75% of it's population... but, given that the right wing message 'unions are evil' seems to be hardwired into many Americans, sadly, I can't quite see it happening.
We all know that bottom up growth is better than top down but Wall St, and therefore the politicians, will never allow it... but I hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: uk visa serf | January 7, 2010 11:33 AM
how does this change the situation for professional-types who routinely temp or intern for little pay (even when their billable hours, for instance, are charged to clients at a rate of 5 to 1 what they actually receive), no health insurance, and easy replacement? these are the types of jobs that have replaced middle-class type full time employment in the last year or so...
Posted by: justin | January 7, 2010 12:17 PM
As uk visa serf just said, let's hope for some bottom-up change which will improve every American worker's quality of life!
Posted by: serfergirl | January 7, 2010 03:57 PM
KForce Tampa, a temp agency is breaking labor laws like the cracking of walnuts of Christmas Day. The Feds are already investigating them & have closed down one of their sights. Kforce Tampa is a like a Gustapo retreat for employers on crack. Watch out for them & spread the word. Check out a blog started by disgruntled employees. It's really sad what KForce is doing in the State of Florida!
Posted by: Susan Massaconi | January 19, 2010 01:44 AM
I worked shortly for KForce Tampa, a temp agency. They treated me like they were my pimp & I was their slave. I wished I had researched them before taking an assignment. They threaten to turn you in to unemployment if you waiver in taking an assignment & berate you daily. I am a hard working American but suffered under their daily bullying. I heard that the Federal Government is investigating them. All of their sights need to be closed down. You just can't believe the commy pincko tactics that KForce Tampa uses to break you down & cowtow to their needs. Their commission is far more important than happy employees. Paul
Posted by: Paul Delmolino | January 19, 2010 01:52 AM
Labor law is the right for employers and employees. More, and stronger, unions would make a very strong contribution.
Posted by: labor law poster | February 11, 2010 03:41 AM