Shows
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E139—A Conversation With Nick Kalm On The Country's Crazy Political MonthReturning guest Nick Kalm, CEO of Reputation Partners, rejoins the podcast to discuss the month’s political events and try to figure out which team has the advantage going into November.Prior Labor Relations Radio Episodes with Nick Kalm:* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 9—Reputation Partners' CEO Nick Kalm On Attacks On Company Brands* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 44—Guest Nick Kalm On Why The Mid-Term's 'Red Wave' Was Barely A Ripple* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 45—Guests Nick Kalm and Haley Hartmann on Gen Z in the Workplace* Labor Relations Radio, E80—Repu...2024-07-2549 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E137—Attorney Glenn Taubman of the National Right To Work Legal Defense Foundation On Helping Grad Students Fight Anti-Semitic UnionsSince October 7th, there has been a tremendous and overt rise of anti-semitism on college campuses across the U.S.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Glenn Taubman from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation joins host Peter List to share what the Foundation is doing to assist and protect grad students, as well as others, against the onslaught of antisemitism in their unions.Related: * To contact the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, go here.* U.S. House Committee Spotlights Need for Employee Protections Against Forced...2024-07-1653 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E136—CPC's Will Swaim On Our Next President, Who Will Likely Be From CaliforniaTrigger Warning: This episode discusses political issues currently going on in the U.S. and the State of California If political topics trigger you, please do not listen to this episode.With political issues occupying the national conversation since President Joe Biden’s debate debacle, Will Swaim, president of the California Policy Center and co-host of National Review’s Radio Free California podcast, joins host Peter List to discuss current affairs and the potential replacement of Joe Biden by either current-Vice President Kamala Harris, or California Governor Gavin Newsom, and potential other contenders.Follow Will Swai...2024-07-101h 05
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E135: Attorney Jim Paretti, Jr. On The Reversal Of The Chevron Deference & The Status of Joint EmployerWith last week’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 40-year precedent called the Chevron Doctrine (or Deference).This decision may have significant impact concerning how the National Labor Relations Board (and other federal agencies) conduct themselves moving forward.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, labor attorney Jim Paretti, Jr., a shareholder with the law firm Littler Mendelson, returns to the podcast to discuss what the reversal of the Chevron Doctrine means, as well as provides an update to the “Joint Employer Rule” that the NLRB i...2024-07-0333 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E134—Labor Attorney Megann McManus On Deauthorization Elections & MoreMegann McManus (bio here) is a full-service traditional labor attorney at the law firm Husch Blackwell. Before becoming a lawyer, Megann majored in theatre and then worked for Actors’ Equity Association as a director in the human resources department. There, she gained a unique and valuable perspective as a manager for a labor union, and she quickly realized that the collective bargaining and contract management process happening behind the scenes was even more interesting than the drama on the stage.Now, as an attorney working with employers, Ms. McManus has extensive experience in collective bargaining, gr...2024-07-0154 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E132—Constitutional Attorney Jeffrey Schwab On A New Janus-Related Case With Potentially Sweeping RamificationsConstitutional attorney Jeffrey Schwab from the Liberty Justice Center joins Labor Relations Radio to discuss a newly-filed case that, if successful, may open governments up to being “joint employers” with certain private-sector employers.Schwab, who is not a labor attorney, served as counsel for Mark Janus in Janus v. AFSCME, the landmark case in which the United States Supreme Court found that public employees could not be compelled to pay money to a union without their consent.In this most recent case, Schwab is representing two public defenders who work for the publicly-funded Legal Aid Socie...2024-05-281h 00
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E131—Author and Consultant Irma Parone On Problem Solving In The WorkplaceInternationally recognized leadership consultant and CEO of the Parone Group, Irma Parone, joins the podcast to discuss her problem-solving techniques, as well as her book WINX: The Problem-Solving Model to Win Exponentially with Customers, Employees, & Your Bottom Line and her new book WINX for Employees: The Problem-Solving Model to Unlock Workplace Success.* To read more about Ms. Parone, view her bio here, or follow her on LinkedIn here.* To contact Ms. Parone, visit the Parone Group website here.* You can order her books on Amazon here.For all prior episodes of...2024-05-2457 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E130—Attorney Cary Burke on a Potential Cemex Bargaining Order At Mercedes & 'Spying' on LinkedInOn this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Cary Burke, a labor attorney with Seyfarth Shaw returns to discuss a number of topics, including a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Administrative Law Judge’s recent decision that a manager visiting an employee’s LinkedIn profile was ‘surveillance,’ the potential for the NLRB to issue a Cemex Bargaining Order at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama, as well as a number of other potential NLRB actions we might expect in the months ahead.Follow Cary Burke on LinkedIn here.Related: * UAW Has Path to Reverse Mercedes Loss Under New Labo...2024-05-2242 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E129—LRI's Phil Wilson on an NLRB ALJ's Outrageous Ruling Against Free SpeechRecently, an administrative law judge (ALJ) ruled that Amazon CEO Andy Jassey’s answers to interview questions violated the National Labor Relations Act. Unless the ALJ's decision regarding Jassey's seemingly innocuous statements made during various interviews in 2022 (included in this episode) is overturned, which is unlikely to happen soon, all employers' speech during union-organizing campaigns may be significantly impacted. [See the full ALJ decision here.]In this joint episode of Labor Relations Radio and Labor Relations Institute’s Left of Boom show, LRI’s Phil Wilson and Peter List discuss the ALJ’s decision against Amazon...2024-05-1654 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E128—Dr. Fiona Jamison On The Seismic Shift In Employee ExpectationsWith employee engagement the lowest it’s been in 11 years, Dr. Fiona Jamison, CEO of Spring International, joins Labor Relations Radio host Peter List to discuss the “seismic shift” in employee expectations that has occurred over the past several years and how employers can adapt.Fiona’s company, Spring International, is a women-owned, full-service, custom research and consulting firm located in suburban Philadelphia, PA. Across all research (policy, customer, and employee) programs, Spring has helped large corporations using customized employee engagement surveys, onboarding surveys, diversity assessments, exit interviews, & leadership assessments, as well as conducted research in 88 countries and in 2...2024-05-081h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E127—A Conversation With Patricia Garland About Employee Engagement & MaslowAccording to Gallup, employee engagement is at its lowest point in 11 years. The term ‘Employee Engagement’ has been around since 1990. Since then, corporate America has spent millions (billions?) of dollars investing in the “engagement industry”—polls, seminars, consultants and training.Why, then, is engagement still so low? What Is Employee Engagement? “Employee engagement,” according to one definition, “is a concept in human resources that refers to the degree to which employees are invested in, motivated by and passionate about the work they do and the company for which they work.” In this episode of Lab...2024-05-0637 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E126—CEO Paul Centenari on the Power of Open Book ManagementMore than 20 years ago, Atlas Container was the cover story of an Inc. magazine article entitled, The Power of Listening (registration required).In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, host Peter List is joined by Paul Centenari, CEO of Atlas Container, a corrugated box manufacturer that practices Open Book Management (OBM). In this episode, Paul shares his views on what makes OBM a successful way to manage a business, as well as some of the challenges.Related: The Power of Listening—How does an old-line manufacturer in a stagnant industry manage to grow 25% a...2024-05-0248 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E125—David R. Osborne Discusses His New Podcast, Government Unions & Exclusive RepresentationDavid R. Osborne, Senior Fellow for Labor Policy with the Commonwealth Foundation, returns to Labor Relations Radio to discuss his new podcast, Disunion: The Government Union Report, government unions, as well as how unions are working around the Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus decision.Read more about the Commonwealth Foundation here.Listen to David’s podcast Disunion: Government Union Report: * On Spotify* On YouTubeFor all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is subscriber-supported. To receive new posts and support our...2024-04-1942 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E124—Nicole Solas, A Stay-At-Home Mom Sued By The Teachers' Union For Asking QuestionsWhen Nicole Solas, a stay-at-home mom, was enrolling her child into kindergarten, she asked a few too many questions about what was going to be taught to her child.The lack of answers, ultimately, led to public-records requests, which then turned into a lawsuit by the teachers’ union.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Ms. Solas joins host Peter List to discuss what led to the lawsuit against her, and the three-year saga that she has endured.In addition to being a stay-at-home mon, Ms. Solas is a non-practicing attorney and Senior Fe...2024-04-1742 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E123: Union Activity Is Up—LRI's Mike VanDervort Discusses The TrendsAccording to a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) press release, “during the first six months of Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1–March 31), union election petitions filed at NLRB field offices rose 35% over the same period in Fiscal Year 2023.”In this episode, Labor Relations Institute’s Michael VanDervort joins host Peter List to discuss the union organizing trends, as well as some of the current labor relations topics of the day.Related links:* The LRI Labor Libraries* LRI NewsletterFor all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUni...2024-04-1148 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E121—A Response to Payday Report's Hit Piece and the 2014 Campaign at VWBy Peter List, Editor | April 6, 2024Last week, Mike Elk, a pro-union writer, who owns a website called PayDay Report, did a hit piece on me entitled “Anti-UAW Union Buster Secretly Behind Hit Labor News Site.” Here is my response.* Perhaps, we owe you an explanation...* Union Watchdog: UAW Leaders Bask In Puerto Rico As Members Get Laid Off* Congress Should Investigate UAW's Neutrality Agreement & Works Council Scam At VW* After Volkswagen Loss, UAW Bosses Turn To Bovine Excrement Manufacturing* The UAW At VW: A Desperate Old Dog Trie...2024-04-0620 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E120—CRC's Michael Watson On Unions & Open BordersHave you ever wondered why, on the topic of immigration, unions have gone from protectionism to tacitly supporting so-called “open borders?”In the episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michael Watson, Research Director for the Capital Research Center shares what can be considered an ‘origin story’ on how unions went from favoring tighter restrictions on immigration to almost no restrictions at all today.Check out Michael Watson’s work at the Capitol Research Center:* The Turn at the Millennium: Why Big Labor Switched Sides on Immigration* Big Labor’s Decline and Left Turn: Member...2024-04-0345 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E119—A conversation with Nick Kalm on Chicago Politics, Immigration and the 2024 ElectionReputation Partners’ CEO Nick Kalm returns to Labor Relations Radio to discuss Chicago politics, our nation’s immigration challenges, as well as to share some political observations and prognostications regarding the 2024 national elections.Related: * The Chicago Teachers Union Wants to End Student Homelessness at the Bargaining Table* Labor Relations Radio, E99—Do unions have an Anti-Israel problem? A conversation with Nick Kalm* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 45—Guests Nick Kalm and Haley Hartmann on Gen Z in the Workplace* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 9—Reputation Partners' CEO Nick Kalm On Attacks On Company...2024-03-2754 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E118: Michael Lotito Explains How A Supreme Court Case May Have A Huge Impact On Government AgenciesThought leader and renowned labor attorney Michael Lotito, with Littler Mendelson’s Workplace Policy Institute, returns to Labor Relations Radio to break down the U.S. Supreme Court case involving the “Chevron Doctrine,” and how it may impact government agencies, as it pertains to labor and employee relations.In particular, Mr. Lotito discusses the Supreme Court’s case as it may relate to the current independent contractor issue, as well as the NLRB’s joint-employer rule.Related:* On 'Chevron' Deference and a Path Forward* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 37—Thought Leader Michael Lotito on th...2024-03-1459 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E117: Michele Vincent on our Aging WorkforceNearly one-third of the manufacturing workforce is over 55. — Michele VincentIn this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michele Vincent, the host of The U.S. Manufacturing Workforce Podcast shares some of the alarming research she has gathered on the changing demographics of our workforce. * Listen to Michele’s episode “What’s to come, 2024 Predictions” on Apple* Listen to Michele’s episode “What’s to come, 2024 Predictions” on SpotifyTo obtain the information Michelle shared, go here.* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 59—MADI Corp's Michele Vincent on Preparing for StrikesFor al...2024-03-0639 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E116—Labor Attorney Marc Furman and Dealing With Union SaltsNote: Nothing in this episode of Labor Relations Radio should be construed as legal advice. If you are experiencing union activity, union salting, or other labor issues with potential legal risk, you should contact your labor attorney. Labor Attorney Marc Furman, a Partner with the law firm Cohen Seglias has a unique way of advising his clients on how to deal with union “salts.”While Marc’s clients span a broad range of industries throughout the United States, including manufacturing, hotel and hospitality, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare, food processing and distribution, and financial services, Marc particularly focuse...2024-02-2152 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E115—The Association of American Educators, the nation's largest association for teachers that is NOT a unionOften, despite disagreeing with the political positions and spending, and without knowing there are alternatives, educators join traditional teachers union like the AFT and NEA due to insurance benefits. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, host Peter List is joined by Noelani Kahapea, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Association of American Educators (AAE).The AAE, according to its website, is the “largest national, non-union, professional educators' organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy, as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a pa...2024-02-1638 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E114—Frank Ricci on How Unions are Quietly Embedding Costly Social-Justice Programs Into ContractsFrank Ricci, a Labor Fellow at Yankee Institute, Retired Union President for New Haven (CT) Fire Fighters, and Battalion Chief, returns to Labor Relations Radio to discuss how teachers’ unions and their progressive counterparts are using the collective bargaining process to put costly social-justice programs into contracts under the nose of taxpayers.In Boston, Ricci wrote recently, teachers’ union president Jessica Tang announced they secured “an unprecedented $50 million to commence bolstering the affordable housing that Boston students and families require.”The Boston contract is being utilized as a template by the AFL-CIO to advance housing and ‘environ...2024-02-0634 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E113—How Your Merit Pay Plan May Cause Union Problems, with Guest Patricia GarlandThis episode of Labor Relations Radio is intended for HR practitioners and business owners responsible for administering pay plans for employees.Do you have a merit pay or pay-for-performance plan? Are you administering it properly? What about your managers?In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, returning guest Patricia Garland, author of 33 Ways Not to Screw Up HR, joins host Peter List to discuss “Barbara”—a highly-rated employee who went from elation to anger when her employer gave her a merit increase as part of a poorly-managed merit pay plan.Ms. Garland shares her vi...2024-02-0235 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E112—The War on Independent Contractors, Part IV: A Panel Discussion With Freelancers Against AB5In this fourth episode in our four-part series on the War on Independent Contractors, Karen Anderson, founder of Freelancers Against AB5—a Facebook group of more than 18,000 Californians impacted by the state’s imposition of AB5 which contains the three-pronged ‘ABC Test’— returns to Labor Relations Radio, along with a panel of independent contractors who have been harmed by the law.As proverbial ‘canaries in the coal mine,’ as the U.S. Department of Labor rolls out its 339-page final rule—which contains a vague six-factor test—on independent contractors, the panel consists of of freelance writers, musicians (includi...2024-02-011h 47
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E111—The War on Independent Contractors, Part III: Economist Liya Palagashvili on the impact of California's AB5In this episode, Liya Palagashvili, an economist and Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, returns to Labor Relations Radio to discuss the Mercatus Center’s new study on California’s War on Independent Contractors through AB5 and its ABC Test, and how the U.S. Department of Labor’s six-factor final rule may impact America’s workforce.Be sure to subscribe to Liya Palagashvili’s Substack Labor Market Matters.Related:* Labor Market Matters: New Study on California AB5 and Implications for the Department of Labor’s Independent Contractor Rule...2024-01-2642 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E110—The War on Independent Contractors, Part II: Freelancer Kim Kavin & Attorney Wilson FreemanFollowing the U.S. Department of Labor’s releasing its final rule to limit the freedom of individuals to earn a living though independent contracting, the founders of Fight For Freelancers, a coalition of more than 2,500 freelancers in professions ranging from writing to truck driving, filed a lawsuit through the Pacific Legal Foundation.In this second episode in our multi-part series on the War on Independent Contractors, Kim Kavin, one of the founders of Fight for Freelancers USA, returns to Labor Relations Radio, along with her attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation’s Wilson Freeman to discuss the lawsuit, as w...2024-01-2454 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E108—CRC's Michael Watson on the mainstreaming of Marxism in unions“Socialism has no place in the hearts of those who would secure the fight for freedom and preserve democracy.” — Samuel Gompers, 1918For decades, Marxism within the union movement stayed somewhat underground. However, since the end of the pandemic, Marxism in unions has become more mainstream with organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America and the Communist Party USA helping unions like the Amazon Labor Union, Starbucks Workers United, and even the United Auto Workers.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michael Watson, Research Director for the Capital Research Center and Managing Editor of Inf...2024-01-1036 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E107—New Jobs America's Mike Hruby on the War on Independent ContractorsThe War on Independent Contractors is alive and well. Mike Hruby, President of New Jobs America joins Labor Relations Radio host Peter List to discuss the background of the War on Independent Contractors, as well as how the battlefront has moved into the states.New Jobs America advocates for freedom for individuals to choose to be their own boss, in federal and state law. New Jobs writes and promotes federal legislation allowing individuals to classify themselves as self-employed. As a non-profit, New Jobs researches and publishes original analyses measuring important factors that stimulate r...2023-12-261h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E106—ABC's Ben Brubeck on Biden's PLA Mandate, Joint Employer and Apprenticeship Rules“Get into politics or get out of business.” — ABC’s Ben BrubeckBen Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors, returns to Labor Relations Radio to share the latest information on President Biden’s rule to mandate Project Labor Agreements on federal projects, the new proposed rules on Davis Bacon as well as apprenticeship programs.Related:* ABC: President Biden’s Final Rule Forcing Corrupt Project Labor Agreements Will Face Legal Challenges* WSJ: Biden to Apprentices: You’re Fired* To learn m...2023-12-2239 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E105—Fisher Phillips' Mike Carrouth on the 'Union of Southern Service Workers,' Micro-Units, Cemex, 2024 & MoreAs 2023 comes to a close, Fisher Phillips’ Mike Carrouth joins host Peter List to discuss the Union of Southern Service Workers, some of the major events of 2023 and potential issues facing employers in 2024.Mr. Carrouth is a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Columbia, South Carolina office and has a nationwide practice representing employers on labor relations matters in more than 30 states.This work includes successfully defending against multi-site and multi-state national organizing blitzes and card-check/neutrality campaigns. Mike also has represented clients in numerous litigation matters, including jury trials, involving Family and Medical Leave Act...2023-12-1342 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E104—Your Taxes Are Being Used To Fund Union Business: The Freedom Foundation's Maxford Nelsen explainsThe Freedom Foundation’s Director of Research and Government Affairs, Maxford Nelsen, returns to Labor Relations Radio to explain how, through an innocuous term called “official time,” taxpayers are paying government union officials to conduct union business while receiving their government salaries and benefits.Related: * Biden Administration Covering Up Taxpayer-Funded Union Activities In The Federal Workforce* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 25—Guest: Max Nelsen, The Freedom Foundation's Director of Labor Policy* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 41—Did a Federal Court Just Legitimize Union Forgery? It Sure Seems Like It.* Go here for all pr...2023-12-1149 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E103—Beck Rights and How a Public Defender Fought the UAW and WonThirty-five years after the United States Supreme Court ruled in CWA v. Beck, some unions are still violating individuals’ rights under the Beck decision.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Public Defender Brunilda Vargas joins host Peter List to discuss Beck Rights, as well as how, after her office was unionized, she and her colleagues were threatened for refusing to become full dues-paying members of the United Auto Workers.With help from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, Ms. Vargas and some of her colleagues are now so-called “Beck Objectors.”Relate...2023-12-0735 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E102—Unionized Trader Joe's Employees Explain the Efforts to Decertify Trader Joe's UnitedSince becoming unionized more than 16 months ago, employees of a Trader Joe’s store in Hadley, Massachusetts have not seen any benefits to unionization.Now, they want to decertify Trader Joe’s United.“Crew members at the grocery store are accusing the union of spreading misinformation and trying to drive a wedge between workers and management,” the Amherst Bulletin reported on Wednesday.“The constant defamation against our captain, our mates and our employer has become tiresome and unjust,” the group stated in a release Friday announcing the push for decertification.“It’s just getting p...2023-11-3036 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E101—Deconstructing the 'inevitable' UAW strike with Economist and Game Theory Analyst Marc S. RobinsonMarc S. Robinson, PhD., is an economist, consultant and co-writer of the C-Suite Newsletter on Substack.Having taught at UCLA and Stanford, as well as spent over three decades with General Motors, in his consulting practice, Marc deploys game theory to predict likely outcomes and to develop strategy for his clients.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Marc explains how game theory (or ‘war gaming’) explains how the 2023 United Auto Workers’ (UAW) strike against the Detroit Three automakers—Ford, General Motors and Stellantis—was a ‘highly predictable’ outcome based on the variables from the last decade.2023-11-291h 10
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E100—Attorney Joel Aziere on Concerted Activity, Tesla & the NLRBUnder the National Labor Relations Act, the concept of ‘Protected Concerted Activity’ has been relatively stable for decades. In this, the 100th episode of Labor Relations Radio, Labor Attorney Joel Aziere with the firm Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet joins host Peter List and shares how the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), under General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo has pushed the concept of protected concerted activity far beyond what most employers would have recognized in prior decades.In addition to sharing information about current protected concerted activity cases, Mr. Aziere also discusses solicitation issues before the Boar...2023-11-211h 00
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E99—Do unions have an Anti-Israel problem? A conversation with Nick KalmIn this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Reputation Partners’ Nick Kalm returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the ramifications of the pro-Palestinian protests within union ranks.Since October 7th—following the brutal Hamas attack on Israel—pro-Palestinian rallies have taken place throughout the United States (and the world). Despite the pro-Israel declarations of most top union officials, in many cases, the pro-Palestinian protestors have included Marxist groups and individiuals affiliated with a variety of unions—from the Amazon Labor Union’s president Chris Smalls, the SEIU’s Starbucks Workers United, as well as the Unite...2023-11-0736 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E98 — Special Guest: Rep. Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce“She’s just a bull, and she just charges in every day, nonstop, from sun up until way after the sun goes down.” — former House Speaker John BoehnerEpisode Summary: On this episode of the Labor Relations Radio, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce joins host Peter List to discuss Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, the War on Independent Contractors, the PRO Act, Union Salting, as well as misconduct at the National Labor Relations Board.Related: * Rep. Virginia Foxx’s full bio h...2023-10-1134 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E97—LRI's Phil Wilson & Michael VanDervort on the new Left of Boom podcastEpisode Summary: The Labor Relations Institute is launching a new podcast called Left of Boom. In this episode, LRI’s Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort—both prior guests on Labor Relations Radio—invited host Peter List onto the Left of Boom podcast to talk about the ingoing UAW strike.* To visit Labor Relations Institute’s website, go here.* Go here to order Phil Wilson’s book Left of Boom.For all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest and Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publicatio...2023-10-0743 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio E96—How Should Workers Prepare For A Strike?With over 1.6 million workers’ contracts expiring in 2023, this year was likely to be considered ‘The Year of the Strike.’ However, as the UAW strike stretches into the second month, and with more strikes likely around the U.S., it is helpful for workers to know how to weather the economic storm that can batter their finances.Using decades-old helpful tips, this short episode of Labor Relations Radio heklps answers a basic question: How should workers prepare themselves economically before they strike?Related: * How to Keep the Wolf From the Door While Walkin...2023-10-0615 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E95—Seyfarth Shaw's Cary Burke on the 'retroactivity' of Cemex Bargaining Orders and moreEpisode Summary: Cary Burke, a Partner with the law firm Seyfarth Shaw, joins host Peter List to discuss the ramifications of the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) recent Cemex decision—including the potential retroactivity of so-called Cemex bargaining orders. In addition to Cemex, Burke and List discuss a host of current and possible future labor relations issues.* To reach Cary Burke, go here.* Visit Seyfarth Shaw’s website here.For all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest and Labor Relations Radio is a subscr...2023-09-2240 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E94—CPC's Will Swaim on California's Fast Food Council, Gov. Newsom's Presidential ambitions and much moreEpisode Summary: California Policy Center President Will Swaim joins host Peter List to provide an update on California’s AB5 (the law to destroy independent contractors and the gig ecoomy), AB257 (the bill to establish a state bureaucracy to dictate wages and working conditions on the fast-food industry), Gov. Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions, and much more.* Will Swaim’s bio* Visit California Policy Center’s website* Follow Will Swaim on Twitter @WillSwaim.For all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest and Labor Rel...2023-09-201h 14
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E93—Demographer Bradley Schurman shares why employers can't seem to find employeesThree-quarters of the counties and about half the states now have deaths outpacing births. — Bradley SchurmanEpisode Summary: Even before the pandemic, employers were grappling with a tight labor market. Since then, however, finding employees in an even tighter labor market has been a struggle for many employers across the country.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Bradley Schurman, a renowned demographer, management consultant, CEO of The Super Age and author of The Super Age: Decoding our Demographic Destiny, joins host Peter List to discuss how the changing demographics are ch...2023-09-151h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E92—Former Teamster leader-turned-consultant Joe Brock on today's workplace issuesEpisode Summary: Philadelphia native Joe Brock, a former Teamster official and CEO of Reliant Labor Consultants, joins host Peter List to discuss a wide array of topics, including underfunded union pensions, the psychology of union authorization cards following the NLRB’s Cemex decision, as well as the NLRB General Counsel’s desire to ban so-called “captive audience meetings.”For all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest and Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, become a subscriber. This...2023-09-081h 14
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E91—A rank and file Teamster explains what the media is not covering about the new UPS contractEpisode Summary: While the nation was relieved that the Teamsters and United Parcel Service (UPS) reached a contract without a debilitating strike, a group of rank and file Teamsters had been vocally opposed to the “sell out” deal.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, host Peter List is joined by ‘Jay,’ a rank and file Teamster employed by UPS, to discuss how, from many UPS workers’ point of view, the new contract is not nearly as good as the media is portraying.Related:* Anatomy of a sellout: UPS tentative agreement includes two-tier wages for...2023-09-041h 40
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E90—Ambush Elections & Cemex. The NLRB’s double whammy could’ve been worse…Episode Summary: Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced a return to so-called ‘ambush’ or ‘quickie’ elections on Thursday. Then, on Friday, the NLRB released its long-awaited Cemex decision—a 121-page decision (in PDF) that changes the labor relations landscape. In this episode, host Peter List explains how, while both of these constitute a seismic shift in labor relations, it could have been worse. Related: * NLRB General Counsel Files Brief To Ban "Captive Audience" Meetings, Install Back-Door Card Check* BREAKING: NLRB Issues Cemex Decision Establishing De-Facto Card Check2023-08-2818 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E89: With AI, 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst'—A conversation with economist Jon MorrowEpisode Summary: With the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicting that 23% of today’s jobs will be replaced or become obsolete over the next five years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming faster than most people realize. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jon Morrow—a free-market economist who has consulted with a variety of organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the Economic Innovation Group and others—joins host Peter List to discuss how fast AI is going to disrupt our world, as well as some possible solutions.Related:* La...2023-08-171h 15
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E87—Guests Frank Ricci & Keith Williams on Marxist Union SaltsEpisode Summary: Frank Ricci, a Fellow for Labor Policy and Special Initiatives at the Yankee Institute, and Keith Williams, Vice President at the Center for Independent Employees join host Peter List to discuss the Democratic Socialists of America’s involvement in union salting and their recent article ‘Big Labor Is Getting an Assist From Far-Left Activists.’Related:* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 66—The Center for Independent Employees' Keith Williams* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 20—A Primer On How Union Salts and “Moles” Undermine Companies Like Amazon and Others* Labor Relations Radio, Ep 53—Freedom...2023-08-041h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E85—Parents Beware: Are private schools as bad as 'woke' public schools? A conversation with Terra Firma's Paul Rossi‘We need a revolution in education.’Episode Summary: On the heels of National Education Association’s president Becky Pringle’s “Hitlerian performance” at NEA’s Orlando conference, Terra Firma’s Paul Rossi discusses some of the issues in today’s education system—both in public schools and private schools.‘…Not a lot of parents care about the quality of the education that their children are getting…it’s an ugly truth.’—Paul RossiPaul Rossi’s Bio: Paul is a veteran mathematics and philosophy teacher who blew the whistle on woke indoctrination at Grace Church Sch...2023-07-211h 16
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E84—All About Labor Disputes With Labor Attorney Mark KeenanEpisode Summary: With the “Summer of Strikes” now upon us, Mark Keenan (bio here), a partner with the law firm Barnes & Thornburg joins host Peter List to have a broad conversation about the different types of labor disputes (e.g., strikes and lockouts), as well as contingency planning.“A union’s bargaining power depends on three main elements: the right to strike, the ability to strike effectively, and the Company’s ability to withstand a strike.” — Source: Page 1, Teamsters Strike ManualFor all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio, go here.2023-07-181h 06
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E83—Trader Joe’s Employees Speak Out About UnionizationShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: Nearly a year after the first Trader Joe’s store in the nation became unionized in Hadley, Massachusetts, two Trader Joe’s employees, Michael Alcorn and Les Stratford, share the details of the union’s deceptive tactics before the NLRB election, as well as what’s happened since, and the ongoing lack of union transparency.Related: * Trader Joe's union is not what we bargained for* Bloomberg Law: Time It Takes To Negotiate First Contracts Has Gone Fro...2023-06-291h 27
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E82—Illinois Policy Institute's Mailee Smith on Illinois' ChallengesShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: The Illinois Policy Institute’s Senior Director of Labor Policy & Staff Attorney, Mailee Smith, joins host Peter List to discuss several of the challenges facing Illinois—from Chicago’s newly-elected mayor, to businesses leaving Chicago, to the heavy control Chicago’s Teachers Union (CTU) has on the city and, consequently, the state.Related: * Chicago Cops Demand Parental Leave After Mayor Gives It To Teachers* Illinois Unemployment 4th Worst In U.S., Job Growth Slows In May2023-06-2652 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E81—Sarah, a Public School Teacher, Talks About Being on the Front Lines in Today's ClassroomsShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: What is really happening inside America’s classrooms? Sarah, a public-school teacher from California who now teaches in the Southeast, shares her perspective on a variety of issues impacting today’s students in the post-pandemic classroom, from the impact of social media to the lack of parental involvement.If you are a public-school teacher and want to share what you are experiencing in today’s classroom, email us at laborunionnews@protonmail.com.For all prior episodes of Labor...2023-06-2243 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E80—Reputation Partners' Nick Kalm on Companies Destroying Their Brands: 'Stay In Your Lane.'Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues..Episode Summary: While not entirely new, and whether it’s boycotts and negative publicity from the Right or the Left, the companies weighing into social issues are paying a heavier price than in years past. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Reputation Partners’ Founder and CEO Nick Kalm returns to discuss what happens when companies intentionally or unintentionally drive over the negative-publicity cliff when it comes to their brands and what they can do about it once they do.Re...2023-06-2150 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E79—Labor Attorney Jim Paretti discusses the NLRB's Atlanta Opera decision & its impact on Independent ContractorsShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: Earlier this week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued its long-awaited Atlanta Opera decision, which impacts independent contractors and the employers that utilize them. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jim Paretti, a labor attorney with the law firm Littler Mendelson joins host Peter List to discuss the decision’s background and what it means for employers as well as independent contractors.Related:* NLRB: Board Modifies Independent Contractor Standard under National Labor Relations Ac...2023-06-1534 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E77—Labor Attorney David Pryzbylski on SCOTUS' Glacier Northwest decision & the NLRB GC's ban on noncompetesShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: For labor relations, employee relations and HR practitioners, as well as union agents, David Pryzbylski, a partner with the law firm Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, is one of the best writers on labor law developments. As a regular contributor to Barnes & Thornburg’s labor law blog, David has built his practice helping companies secure favorable outcomes with labor issues around the country. He has extensive experience with numerous labor unions, including the Steelworkers, Teamsters, Sheet Metal Workers, Longshoremen, Boi...2023-06-0855 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E76—Chicken Little or the Canary in the Coal Mine: How should we be looking at Artificial Intelligence?Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: With approximately 11,000 Hollywood writers entering their second month on strike (and actors, perhaps, soon to follow) over the key issue of artificial intelligence (AI), AI’s influence is likely to become a labor market disruptor as it continues to grow.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Suzanne Lucas (aka ‘Evil HR Lady’) and Michael VanDerVort of the Labor Relations Institute join host Peter List to discuss what AI is, how it may impact the future workforce, and whether it sho...2023-06-081h 13
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E75: "As goes California, so goes the nation."—A conversation with CPC's Lance ChristensenShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode Summary: California Policy Center’s Lance Christensen returns to Labor Relations Radio to discuss the current state of the once-Golden State of California. During this wide-ranging episode, Lance shares with host Peter List facts and views about California’s legislature and its politics, the state’s economic malaise, the fleeing population, as well as how Artificial Intelligence (AI) may impact the state.About the California Policy CenterPrior episodes with Lance Christensen:* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 34—CPC's Lance Christen...2023-05-311h 16
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relation Radio, E74—Economist Jon Morrow on Declining Birth Rates, the Advent of AI, the State of the Economy and CultureShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Episode summary: In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jon Morrow, a free-market economist who has consulted with a variety of organizations—including the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the Economic Innovation Group and others—discusses a wide variety of economic topics such as the falling birthrates, AI, the debt-financed economy, fiat currencies, as well as cultural and political obstacles to lower energy costs and general prosperity.Background: For decades, a shift in demographics has been occurring across much of the West...2023-05-152h 00
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E72—From American Warriors to Cowboys: An interview with Bear Hug Cattle Company's Ben MindenShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.When our nation’s military veterans are leaving military life, some find post-military life in a cubicle or on a factory or warehouse floor lacking the mission-driven, team-oriented life they were accustomed to.With a shortage of Americans entering the ranching industry, Bear Hug Cattle Company (BHCC) is a 501(c)(3) that provides vocational training to veterans pursuing a career in the industry.[Continued below.]BHCC’s 10-week training program involves working on several ranches in Colorado Montana, and Wyoming. Part...2023-05-011h 01
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, E71—Economist Dr. Liya Palagashvili on AB5, the PRO Act and the DOL's Rule on Independent ContractorsShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Economist Liya Palagashvili, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University whose primary research interests include entrepreneurship, regulation, and the gig economy.For freelancers, flexibility is a right. For employees, flexibility is a privilege. — Liya Palagashvili, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus CenterDr. Palagashvili has published academic articles, book chapters, policy papers, and articles in media outlets such as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. In 2016, she wa...2023-04-261h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Labor Relations, Ep. 69—Karen Anderson on AB5, the havoc wreaked on California's gig economy & AB5's scandal-plagued union authorShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.As a returning guest to Labor Relations Radio, Karen Anderson is a California-based freelance writers and founder of Freelancers Against AB5, a facebook group with more than 18,000 freelancers.As a leader in the fight against AB5 and its ‘ABC Test,’ Ms. Anderson has catalogued the devastation California’s law has had on hundreds of professions harmed by AB5.Recently, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ‘scathing rebuke’ of AB5’s author, Lorena Gonzales who is now a powerful union leader in Ca...2023-04-171h 19
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 68—AAF's Isabella Hindley on the PRO Act's Economic CostsShare this episode of LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) is a massive rewrite of American labor law that, if signed into law, would fundamentally transform and potentially derail the overall American economy and effectively destroy the franchise model, as well as gig economy.In light of this—or, perhaps, because of this—its proponents have not (or will not or cannot) put a cost to its impact. In fact, according to a 2019 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis, the CBO coul...2023-04-0450 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 67—National Right To Work Foundation's Glenn Taubman On Employee Rights and OptionsShare this episode of LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Last week, the governor of Michigan officially signed a repeal of the state’s 10-year old Right-to-Work law.“With the stroke of her pen, Whitmer made Michigan the first state in nearly 60 years to abandon the policy opposed by labor advocates,” reported the Detroit Free Press.Despite a majority of Michiganders supporting Right-to-Work, with its repeal, unionized workers in Michigan will, once again, be required to financially support unions or lose their jobs. On this episode of Labor...2023-03-301h 05
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 66—The Center for Independent Employees' Keith WilliamsSince 2001, the Center for Independent Employees (CEI) has been “protecting employee freedom from union interference in the workplace.”As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, CEI’s clients are employees—not employers—who are either unionized or not. Specifically, according to its website, “CIE provides legal guidance and support to employees who wish to eliminate unions from their workplace, eradicate “must pay dues” clauses from union contracts, oppose initial union certification efforts, counteract workplace organizing, and remove Big Labor from our educational institutions.”We work for the people – loyal, hardworking people who are disenfranchised by coercive union power and unio...2023-03-281h 06
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 65—An interview with Buck Dougherty, one of the attorneys suing NLRB General Counsel Jennifer AbruzzoShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Last week, on March 16th, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan against the National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo (aka ‘The Memo Writer’).At issue, according to a report by The Center Square, was a public memorandum announcing that she would “urge the Board to correct its longstanding precedent that allowed business owners to speak to their employees about unionization” and the ‘chilling effect’ her memo has had on employers’ First Amendment...2023-03-211h 01
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio's, Ep. 62 'Between The Lines'—This week's top labor union news storiesShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.In this second episode of Labor Relations Radio’s ‘Between the Lines,’ the following top stories are discussed:* The UAW has a tentative agreement with Caterpillar—but, there’s more to the story* At the Supreme Court, AFT’s Randy Weingarten invokes faulty reasoning to claim student debt is ‘unfair’* After Labor Secretary Marty Walsh joins the ‘one percent,’ President Biden nominates Julie Su—but she is not without controvery.* The poisonous PRO Act is reintroduced (for the third time) and Be...2023-03-0232 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 61—'33 Ways Not To Screw Up HR' Author Patricia GarlandShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Patricia Garland’s ‘33 Ways Not To Screw Up HR’ is one of the best books available for human resources professionals at every level."HR seems to be devolving into specialties where very few people have the big picture anymore.” — Patricia GarlandIn this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Patricia Garland—a seasoned human resources executive—shares her wisdom on a wide variety of topics, ranging the role of HR, employee advocacy, compensation structures, benefits, employee coaching, and communications.No matter wh...2023-02-281h 04
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 59—MADI Corp's Michele Vincent on Preparing for StrikesShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleaguesWith more than 150 large labor contracts set to expire this year—affecting more than 1.6 million workers—along with hundreds of newly-unionized employers heading to the bargaining table amidst a labor shortage—it is likely that the nation will see more strikes in 2023 than it has in years.“A union’s bargaining power depends upon three main elements: the right to strike, the ability to strike effectively, and the company’s ability to withstand a strike. A strike should not be under-taken lightly, for the stri...2023-02-1446 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 58: Auto Worker & Worker-Freedom Advocate Terry BowmanShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.“One fact stands out in bold relief in the history of man's attempts for betterment. That is that when compulsion is used, only resentment is aroused, and the end is not gained. Only through moral suasion and appeal to man's reason can a movement succeed.” — Samuel Gompers, American Federation of LaborTerry Bowman is a full-time auto worker and worker-freedom advocate, as well as a leading voice for Right-to-Work laws.As a vocal supporter for Right-to-Work laws, Terry has testif...2023-02-1048 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 55—An interview with HR Guru turned 'HR Contrarian' Stephen EnrightShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleaguesStephen Enright (bio here) is a successful human resources consultant, executive, and HR leader, with a solid record of leading HR in healthcare, transportation, and high tech industries.He has managed the Human Resources function in both union and non-unionized environments, from the manager, director, as well as CHRO levels, and has watched the HR function evolve over the years.Stephen believes in the ‘old school’ approach that the three roles of HR are;* Advisor to management* Advo...2023-02-021h 20
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 54: 'Between the Lines'—Important Labor Union News Stories Worth NotingIn this first episode of ‘Between the Lines,’ Labor Relations Radio host Peter List covers some of the important labor union news stories of the week and provides perspective.Articles covered in this episode: * 1.6 million workers will see their contracts expire this year. Will 2023 be the 'Year of the Strike?'* UAW Strikers Told They Could Be Permanently Replaced If Latest CNH Deal Was Rejected* On The Eve Of UAW Strike Vote, Caterpillar Reminds Workers What A Strike May Cost Them* UC Intends To Dock Pay Of Workers Who Went...2023-02-0127 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 52: The U.S. healthcare system is FUBAR. A front-line nurse explains why.Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Last week’s strike in New York City, where 7,000 nurses walked off their job over staffing and pay, was symbolic of a much larger issue facing the U.S. healthcare system and even other countries like England.Though it remains to be seen—and even doubted by some—whether the strike will significantly address the nurses’ concerns, the publicity around the strike raised awareness of the problems that healthcare professionals have been facing for years—but even moreso since the pandemic. In this ep...2023-01-191h 29
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 51—Dr. Keith Courville of the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) on Benefiting TeachersShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio.Dr. Keith Courville, Ed.S., Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL). In existence since the mid-1980s, A+PEL is not a teachers’ union. Rather, it is a non-partisan, non-profit member organization that serves educators in the State of Louisiana. A+PEL is, according to its website, “committed to supporting, empowering, and encouraging Louisiana educators throughout their entire careers by providing comprehensive legal coverage, professional development, financial resources, and opportunities to amplify their voices.”In a...2023-01-121h 13
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 50—Guest Kim Kavin on the latest in the Fight to Save Freelancers and Gig WorkersShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your friends and colleaguesWith the U.S. Department of Labor’s public comment period on the DOL’s proposed rule on independent contractors now closed, Kim Kavin, a returning guest, freelance writer and co-founder of Fight for Freelancers USA , provides an update on the union-backed governments’ efforts to kill the gig economy. Related:* Public Comment to the DOL from Fight For Freelancers USA* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 39—Guest Kim Kavin on the US DOL's Proposed Anti-Independent Contractor Rules* The Surp...2022-12-2158 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 49—AFFT's Elisabeth Messenger on Union Pension Bailouts, Public Sector Unions and MoreShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your friends and colleagues.The Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT) is a national nonprofit organization that offers educational materials and a free membership program to current and former public-sector employees.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, AFFT’s CEO, Elisabeth Messenger, joins host Peter List to discuss union pension bailouts, public sector unionism and the U.S. Post Office’s privacy policy that may be letting unions’ obtain USPS customers’ private information when ordering COVID-19 test kits and even stamps.LaborUnionNews.com's La...2022-12-1656 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 46—Teachers Unions, Furries and the Future WorkforceShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your friends and colleagues.There is a debate about today’s educational system and the role teachers’ unions play in either preparing students to become productive citizens, or whether they are merely “indoctrinating” students.Last week, for example, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated in an interview that he believed that Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, is the world’s “most dangerous person.”“f you ask, ‘Who’s the most likely to take this republic down?’ It would be the teacher’s...2022-11-2833 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 44—Guest Nick Kalm On Why The Mid-Term's 'Red Wave' Was Barely A RippleWith several election outcomes and the balance of power in Washington still to be decided—with the exception of Florida—the Republicans’ expected “red wave” in Tuesday’s mid-term elections failed to materialize. Why?In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Nick Kalm, the CEO of Reputation Partners—a previous guest on the podcast—joins host Peter List to discuss the elections and what caused the GOP to perform so poorly.Related:* AFL-CIO’s Shuler: Labor’s historic political effort paid off, will continueLaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio and its News Digest are...2022-11-1051 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 38—Full-Time Freelancer Gabriella Hoffman On the Fight to Save Independent ContractingGabriella Hoffman is media strategist, consultant, and award-winning outdoor writer based in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area.Ms. Hoffman specializes in social media management, strategic communications, branding, public relations, marketing, digital strategies, speaking/trainings, basic photography and videography services. As a full-time freelancer or “gig worker,” Gabriella Hoffman is an independent contractor who has also written and commented extensively on how unions—through their allies in the Democratic Party at the state and federal level—are trying to destroy the ability of freelancers to earn a living.In this episode of Labor Relations...2022-10-1755 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 36: Guest Jon Hyman on Weingarten Rights, What They Are And How They're Likely Coming Back To Non-Union WorkplacesShare this podcast with your colleagues.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jon Hyman—one of the most well-known and prolific employee and labor law writers on the internet, as well as shareholder and director at Wickens Herzer Panza, in Avon, Ohio—joins host Peter List to discuss Weingarten Rights.Weingarten Rights are a little known or understood concept that currently only apply to unionized workplaces. However, Weingarten Rights are very likely to be returning to the non-union workplaces soon.Related Links:* The NLRB is inching towards Weingarten Righ...2022-09-2043 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 34—CPC's Lance Christensen on California's FAST Act and other Golden State developmentsShare this episode of LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.In this Labor Day Weekend episode of Labor Relations Radio, Lance Christensen Vice President, Education Policy & Government Affairs of the California Policy Center rejoins host Peter List to discuss the FAST Act (AB257)—a bill that will fundamentally transform the fast-food industry in California (and perhaps elsewhere)—the California legislature’s hypocritical failure to allow its staffers to unionize, as well as other legislative issues in Gavin Newsom’s “pay-to-play” California.Related Links:* The California Book of Exoduses* Californ...2022-09-021h 02
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 33—ABC's Ben Brubeck on the PRO Act Senate Vote and MoreShare this episode of LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (aka the PRO Act) is the most significant rewrite of American labor law in 75 years. It has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives (twice) and, now, unions are pushing for the U.S. Senate to vote on the bill.On this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Ben Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors shares the latest updates on the PRO Act, as well...2022-08-2245 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 32—Attorney Wally Zimolong on the Constitution, Common Sense and the NLRBShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Attorney Wally Zimolong has been described by the American Federation of Teachers as “a destructive force” due to his pro bono assistance to a group of graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania who opposed unionization of graduate students.LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.As a traditional labor and employment attorney, has been on the front lines of assisting clients in numerous issues before federal and stat...2022-08-031h 07
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 30—Guest: The National Retail Federation's Ed Egee on Underground Efforts To Install Electronic Voting and Card CheckShare LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Despite an average win rate of more than two-thirds of all NLRB-conducted secret-ballot elections since the mid-2000s, unions and their allies continue try to effectively eliminate workers’ right to vote in secret-ballot elections, as well as tilt the playing field to unions.Despite their repeated efforts over the last 15 years to legislatively institute the flawed process of unionization called “card check,” unions have, thus far, failed.However, now, unions are using the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), as well as alternative bills...2022-07-251h 07
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 29—Mercatus Center's Michael Farren On Unions, & Free Market Labor PolicyMichael D. Farren, PhD., is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.HIs article A Pro-Union Vision for the 21st Century and Beyond raises interesting possibilities for unions in the 21st Century.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Dr. Farren discussed a “blue sky” vision of how unions could prosper by getting rid of “Unions’ Original Sin: Exclusive Representation” and competing in a free market workplace, as well as independent contractors and the problems with the PRO Act.Other, related articles by Dr. Farren:* Don't Destroy Un...2022-07-111h 59
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 28—Guest Mark Mix of the National Right to Work Foundation“One fact stands out in bold relief in the history of man's attempts for betterment. That is that when compulsion is used, only resentment is aroused, and the end is not gained. Only through moral suasion and appeal to man's reason can a movement succeed.”—Samuel Gompers, Founder of the American Federation of LaborMark Mix is our guest on this episode of Labor Relations Radio. Mr. Mix is the President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation. He also serves as President of the National Right to Work Committee, a 2.8 millio...2022-07-051h 08
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 27—Guest: Suzanne Lucas aka "Evil HR Lady" on Human ResourcesIf you’re in human resources, you probably know the name Suzanne Lucas (aka “Evil HR Lady”).Suzanne is one of the most well-known writers on HR topics and writes about many current events affecting the HR community.In this episode Labor Relations Radio, Suzanne shares the history of her “Evil HR Lady” moniker, as well as her thoughts on a wide array human resources topics.Although she writes for a number of publications, you can read all of “Evil HR Lady” here.If you’re a human resources professional and on Facebook, you...2022-07-051h 08
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 22: Shedding the Light on 'Excessive CEO Pay'—How the media distorts the topicFor years, the AFL-CIO has published its ‘Executive Paywatch,’ which (despite using a tiny fraction of the top-earning CEOs across America) has a clear purpose of painting nearly all CEOs with the same broad brush of “corporate greed.”While it’s generally understood that the purpose of the AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch is to create a media buzz about executive compensation that can be used by the media to foster an “us vs. them” environment in the public mind, when the Wall Street Journal publishes an article entitled Pay Packages for CEOs Rise to Record Level, using a similar approa...2022-05-1814 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 20—A Primer On How Union Salts and “Moles” Undermine Companies Like Amazon and OthersUnion “salts” or “moles” have been around for a long time.While they are commonly known in the construction industry, with the uptick in union organizing activity across the country, union “salting”—or the planting of union “moles”—is becoming more commonplace in companies outside the construction industry—like Amazon’s warehouse in Staten Island.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, we cover the basics of union “salting” and how union “moles” undermine and unionize companies.Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Related links:* “Salting” the wounds of l...2022-04-2830 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 19: Guest—The Fairness Center's Nathan McGrath On Janus, the Allentown Symphony & MoreShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio.Background: On June 27, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that affects the rights of public-sector employees across the country. The decision, Janus v. AFSCME, Council 31, involved a public employee, Mark Janus, who declined to join a union but was nevertheless required under a union contract to pay union fees, sometimes referred to as “agency fees” or “fair share fees.” For years, these compulsory union fees were considered legal.The Supreme Court’s decision in Janus was clear; compulsory union fees are now unconstitutional.The Fairnes...2022-04-2555 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 18: Guest—The 'Master of Workplace Schadenfreude,' Attorney Jon Hyman on why 'anti-union doesn't mean anti-worker'Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio.Attorney Jon Hyman is one of the most well-known and prolific employee and labor law writers on the internet. As a shareholder and director at Wickens Herzer Panza, in Avon, Ohio, Jon is the Practice Group Leader of the firm's Employment & Labor Practice Group, and a member of the Firm's Litigation Department.However, on the internet, and with a following of nearly 16,000 followers on LinkedIn, Jon’s posts reach thousands of human resources professionals throughout the nation as he often shares entertaining and thoughtful in...2022-04-151h 03
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 17—Three takeaways from the NLRB GC's 93-page brief make it easier to unionize workersSubscribers to LaborUnionNews.com’s Substack received the email covering the NLRB General Counsel’s Brief To Ban "Captive Audience" Meetings, Install Back-Door Card Check.In this short episode of Labor Relations Radio, for subscribers who did not read the entire post, we cover the three main takeaways of the GC’s 93-page brief in Cemex Construction Materials Pacific.* De-facto card check is likely coming* Mandatory employer meetings will likely be outlawed* The NLRB wants it to be illegal to tell workers that, if unionized, their direct relationship with the employer will c...2022-04-1419 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 14—There is more than meets the media's eye on the Amazon and Starbucks campaign victoriesWith last week’s union victories at Amazon’s warehouse in Staten Island, as well as union victories at Starbucks, there is a media narrative that is not telling the whole story.In both campaigns, the Democratic Socialists of America, as well as Communist Party USA have had a rather large role to play in helping to unionize the workers at Amazon and, as well, Starbucks. However, despite it being publicly available for anyone to search out, it is not being talked in the media—even though it could be a more interesting story.* NY...2022-04-0537 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep 13—Guest: Michael Layman of the International Franchise AssociationThe franchise business model has become a key way for many Americans and immigrants to achieve the “American Dream.” However, it is under attack on multiple fronts.Just as tens of thousands of franchisors and franchisees and their millions of employees are beginning to recover from the pandemic, politicians, government bureaucrats and judicial activists are wittingly (or unwittingly) trying to destroy the very business model that has delivered the American Dream to so many.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michael Layman, Senior Vice President Government Relations & Public Affairs of the International Fran...2022-03-311h 11
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 12—Guest: Michael J. Lotito, Labor Attorney and Nationally-Recognized Thought Leader on Workplace PolicyWhen it comes to America’s workplace policy, there are very few who meet Michael J. Lotito’s knowledge, stature and influence.A nationally-known labor attorney for the firm Littler Mendelson, Mr. Lotito is co-chair of the firm’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI).Mr. Lotito has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as well as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).In his WPI role, he advocates on behalf of the employer community on a variety of issues, regularly files...2022-03-2456 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 10—Guest: Attorney Bob Nagle Explains NLRB GC's 'Extreme Agenda'Share this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.For employers under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Act, the legal landscape is changing quickly.At the American Bar Association’s mid-winter meeting, the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) General Counsel’s ‘extreme agenda’ was on full display.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Bob Nagle, an employer-side labor and employment attorney with the law firm Fox Rothschild discusses issues that the NLRB’s General Counsel and her staff discussed at the ABA’s meeting—from the expansion of pro...2022-03-171h 15
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 8—Guest: David Osborne, CEO of Americans for Fair TreatmentShare this episode of Labor Relations Radio with your colleagues.Among the hundreds of resources found on LaborUnionNews.com’s resources page is the Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT).The Americans for Fair Treatment is a non-profit that helps public-sector employees (e.g., fire fighters, police officers, teachers, as well as other public-sector employees) exercise their First Amendment rights.“Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT) believes all public sector employees should have the freedom to choose to join a union or to abstain from joining a government union, an employee association, or othe...2022-03-1051 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 6—What's Up in Labor Relations on DriveThruHRThis episode of Labor Relations Radio is actually from the DriveThruHR podcast, the second leading HR Podcast You Need To Follow In 2022.On Thursday, DriveThruHR host Michael VanDervort and Labor Relations Radio host Peter List discussed “the current leadership and direction of the NLRB, the potentially game-changing agenda of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, and the union organizing campaigns at Amazon and Starbucks, among other topics.”Over the years, Michael and his cohosts have recorded nearly 1,600 episodes of DriveThruHR, which can be listened to here.Thank you for LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radi...2022-03-0451 min
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 4--NFIB's Jeff Brabant Discusses Issues Affecting Small BusinessesSmall businesses fuel America’s economy and are under assault.In 2020, before pandemic lockdowns, there were 31.7 million small businesses across the United States—from the single, self-employed entrepreneur to small businesses with less than 100 employees, according to the Small Business Administration.* Combined, they have 60.6 million employees—or 47% of the private-sector workforce.* 5.2 million of those small businesses are either minority owned, or self-employed minorities.* A lot of the major companies we see today started out as small business—from Amazon to Apple to Nike, Walmart and WholeFood.The National Federation of Indep...2022-02-231h 02
LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations RadioLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 2—Guest: F. Vincent Vernuccio of the Institute for American WorkersWith so much coming out of Washington these days—from the stalled PRO Act to President Biden’s Executive Order on Project Labor Agreements and the America COMPETES Act (which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives), it is difficult to keep up with it all.On this episode of Labor Relations Radio, F. Vincent Vernuccio of the Institute for American Workers joins Labor Relations Radio host and LaborUnionNews.com editor Peter List for a wide-ranging discussion on union related issues from a pro-free market perspective.After listening to this episode of Labo...2022-02-101h 09