Category Archives: Labor

Sick Leave and Retirement Are Not “Social Issues”

Jonathan Shurberg   January 13, 2016   No Comments on Sick Leave and Retirement Are Not “Social Issues”

The Post has another Annapolis preview this morning, this time following the “x things to watch for” rubric. In this case, the lucky number is 7. Pretty much what you’d expect, with Hogan/Busch relationship, Baltimore, and the eight senators and delegates running for other offices in the April primary (not sure why “more than half a dozen” is the reference, you’d… Read more »

As I Was Saying Just Last Night . . . 

Jonathan Shurberg   January 12, 2016   No Comments on As I Was Saying Just Last Night . . . 

Never let it be said that I don’t give credit where credit is due. That Dana Milbank, he’s pretty damn smart. And he nailed the Supreme Court’s blatant hypocrisy on public sector unions, seeing a political power grab for what it is. Go read the whole thing, I agree with every word, but here’s the gist. Citizens United and other recent… Read more »

In Other News Today, The Supreme Court Is Likely To Destroy Public Employee Unions

Jonathan Shurberg   January 11, 2016   No Comments on In Other News Today, The Supreme Court Is Likely To Destroy Public Employee Unions

Not to be missed in all of today’s news and general Snarkstericity here at the nerve center of an imaginary organization, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case in which the plaintiffs don’t want to have to pay public employee unions for the benefits they get from collective bargaining (because, y’know, free speech and all that shit) but… Read more »

2016 Priority: Paid Sick Leave

Jonathan Shurberg   January 3, 2016   No Comments on 2016 Priority: Paid Sick Leave

For several years, the Maryland General Assembly has been unsuccessful in passing a paid sick leave bill. It’s a national priority for President Obama, Montgomery County did it, and the District of Columbia did it - although Prince George’s County saw its 2015 bill squelched by Council President Mel Franklin. With the start of the legislative session only ten days… Read more »

Fred Hiatt Strikes Again

Jonathan Shurberg   December 31, 2015   No Comments on Fred Hiatt Strikes Again

The next person who calls it the “liberal Washington Post” really needs to have his or her head examined. Fred Hiatt, the Washington Post’s editorial page editor, has fired columnist Harold Meyerson, one of the nation’s finest journalists and perhaps the only self-proclaimed socialist to write a weekly column for a major American newspaper during the past decade or two…. Read more »

SEIU Endorses Clinton

Jonathan Shurberg   November 17, 2015   No Comments on SEIU Endorses Clinton

From Politico: The powerful union behind the fast food workers’ wage movement endorsed Hillary Clinton for president Tuesday. The 2-million-member Service Employees International Union approved the endorsement through a vote by its executive board. “Hillary Clinton has proven she will fight, deliver and win for working families,” said SEIU President Mary Kay Henry in a statement. “SEIU members and working families… Read more »

MCGEO vs. MCEA In 2014

Jonathan Shurberg   November 8, 2015   No Comments on MCGEO vs. MCEA In 2014

In the ongoing discussion over alcohol reform, one continuing refrain is that MCGEO (the union that represents Department of Liquor Control employees within the county government) had a terrible year in 2014 in terms of endorsements, especially when compared to the teachers union (MCEA). While I’m not sure what such a comparison has to do with the alcohol question, I… Read more »

AFL-CIO To Sit Out MD Senate Race

Jonathan Shurberg   October 27, 2015   No Comments on AFL-CIO To Sit Out MD Senate Race

Just in from the Post: One of the country’s most powerful union organizations is staying out of Maryland’s competitive Democratic Senate primary. The Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO has decided not to endorse a candidate to replace Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D), President Fred Douglas Mason Jr. confirmed Tuesday. Mason said a committee of several dozen executive board members… Read more »

CWA Rally (With Bonus Track)

Jonathan Shurberg   August 13, 2015   No Comments on CWA Rally (With Bonus Track)

The Communications Workers Of America (CWA) is embroiled in a contract dispute with Verizon, primarily regarding benefits and job security. Today, they held a rally at Verizon’s Silver Spring facility off Route 29. Always willing to give voice to labor concerns, I packed up my trusty iPhone and headed over to see what was up and to lend a hand…. Read more »