States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor leaders acknowledge the slow growth of membership, prompting questions about the movement s future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says nationwide, the number of union jobs last year increased by nearly 2%, but the actual membership rate declined to 10.1%. .
Pennsylvania needs more economic opportunities and a new report from the Keystone Research Center showed federal investments in climate and infrastructure projects would help grow a skilled construction workforce. Diana Polson, senior policy analyst at the center, said the report revealed federal money would create thousands of trade jobs through expanding union construction apprenticeships leading to quality careers, as electricians, operating engineers, carpenters, and laborers. "In Pennsylvania, for example, these apprenticeships train workers for jobs that pay more than most college-educated workers earn, and 61% more than the average worker in Pennsylvania," Polson pointed out. " .
City employees in Richmond are frustrated by the city s unwillingness to negotiate a union contract. Earlier this year, the workers voted to unionize, seeking a fair wage, affordable health care and paid leave benefits. Workers feel the city is not taking their effort seriously, and they are on a deadline. .
Michigan groups advocating for a minimum wage hike and paid leave say they ll finally see their day in court next month. Petitioners are expected in State Supreme court following the Michigan Legislature s 2018 adoption of a citizen-initiated petition mandating paid sick time. An "adopt and amend" approach taken by the Legislature altered provisions in the original law. .
Finding a job after prison can be tough, but a program in Mississippi is helping formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet. The Governor s Job Fair Network holds community-based hiring events throughout the state, connecting job seekers with potential employers. Adam Todd with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is the director of the network - and said they work with the Department of Corrections to put on three job fairs a year specifically for people who are re-entering the workforce. .