Labor Union Blog

When big corporations like Wal-Mart come into a town, they often do so fueled by big tax subsidies. In return, they often promise to create hundreds or thousands of good, new jobs—and then renege on that pledge. Good Jobs First, which has a long record of providing tools for community activists to challenge corporate giveaways, this week launched a new blog to bolster its efforts.

Clawback takes its name from the steps governments take to recoup subsidies from companies that don’t deliver on job promises. But even more, the staff of Good Jobs First says in a press release:

We also like to think of ourselves as part of a movement that is “clawing back” in a broader sense—making economic development once again serve the common good rather than narrow private interests.

WIN Week In Review March 14-16, 2008

By Doug Cunningham

At least 29 GM plants have been shut down by the continuing UAW strike at American Axle. Workers are resisting demands that their wages be cut in half and that future retiree pensions and health care be wiped out. American Axle is profitable but is attacking wages and benefits anyway. Meanwhile, the UAW reached a tentative agreement this week ending its strike at Volvo Trucks North America.

—

Amtrak workers averted a possible strike this week, approving a new contract after eight years without one. A presidential board had recommended giving the Amtrak unions essentially what they had been asking for.