Unemployment Rate Hits 9.5 Percent—a 26-Year High
The nation’s unemployment rate hit a 26-year high in June, rising to 9.5 percent. For the 18th month in a row, jobs disappeared—467,000 this time. The number of long-term unemployed rose by 433,000, to 4.4 million people who've been out of work for 27 weeks or more. Plus several other stories.
Labor Secretary Solis – Level Playing Field
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis reaffirmed that the Obama administration wants to see the Employee Free Choice Act passed so workers will have a “level playing field” to form unions and bargain for a better life. Too many workers, she says, have “been intimidated, they’ve been harassed...there have been barriers that have been put up.” Plus several other stories.
Catholic Scholars Support EFCA
A group of leading Catholic scholars says the Employee Free Choice Act is “rooted and supported” by Catholic social teaching. Joining the growing chorus of religious groups backing the bill, Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice says unions “are a positive influence for social order and solidarity, and are therefore an indispensable element of social life.” Plus several other stories.
Union Members Honored At Labor College
Hard work and dedication paid off for 103 union members when they received their college degrees this weekend at graduation ceremonies at the National Labor College. The members of the Labor College’s 11th graduating class represented 23 unions and earned 101 bachelors and two master’s degrees. IBEW member Ken Erdman and OPEIU member Cathy Merkel received special honors for their outstanding work. Plus several other stories.
We Can’t Wait for Health Care Reform
Thousands of union and health care activists spoke with one voice yesterday and sent a loud and clear message to Congress—We need health care reform now! The Capitol Hill rally was followed by nearly a dozen town hall meetings with lawmakers and hundreds of lobby visits demanding legislation that provides affordable, quality health care for all. Plus several other stories.
Health Care Costs Out Of Control
There is no time to waste in fixing the nation’s broken health care system, say 97 percent of the people who took the AFL-CIO 2009 Health Care for America Survey. Soaring costs force many families to go without care and rip apart their financial security. Even having health insurance, say 73 percent of the respondents, is not a shield against unaffordable health care costs and worry. Plus several other stories.
Take Part In The June 25 Health Care Rally
The biggest-ever health care reform rally is set for Thursday, June 25. Be there on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to tell Congress there is no time to waste in passing real health care reform for all. Plus several other stories.
State Legislators Back Public Health Insurance
A group of more than 700 state legislators say a public health insurance plan option must be part of national health care reform. In a letter to the White House and congressional leaders, the group writes, “the private sector alone has proven incapable of creating a high-quality, fair, and accountable health care system that works for all families.” Plus several other stories.
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