For A Living

Episode 10: Ten Ways Unions Benefit the Economy In a solo podcast, Frank discusses the following 10 examples of how unions can-- and do-- improve the economy: 1. Union workers earn higher wages; 2. Unions reduce income inequality; 3. Union workers receive less government assistance; 4. Union workers contribute more in taxes; 5. Unions increase productivity in some sectors; 6. Unions reduce turnover rates; 7. Unions fight against child labor; 8. Unions fight against discrimination; 9. Unions bargain for efficient contracts; and 10. Unions fight against the power of owners, especially in sports. For more, please see a 2015 report: http://illinoisepi.org/countrysidenonprofit/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ILEPI-Economic-Commentary-Unions-Increasing-Efficiency-Ten-Examples.pdf

Episode 9: All Policy Is Local Bob, Emily, and Frank discuss state and local initiatives to support workers. Topics include the minimum wage, paid sick time, paid safe time, fair scheduling laws, prevailing wage laws, responsible bidder ordinances, local hire ordinances, and other policies. Please check www.illinoisupdate.com for additional information and links to relevant reports.

Episode 8: Reducing African-American Unemployment What are the causes of high African-American unemployment, particularly in Illinois? What policies and economic phenomena make a statistical impact on reducing unemployment among African Americans? Bob, Emily, and Frank discuss these questions and offer solutions to address African-American joblessness. “Policies to Reduce African-American Unemployment: Investments in Education, Infrastructure, Public Employment, and Housing” by Bruno, Manzo, and Manzo can be found here: https://illinoisupdate.com/2017/02/06/7-ways-to-reduce-african-american-unemployment-in-illinois/