Tagged: Unions

For drug users who always dreamed of organizing for better representation in politics and policy - simply head out west and join the San Francisco Drug Users’ Union. Question is: can there ever be such a thing as 'safe' drug use?

When the New York Hotel Trades Council ratified a new contract for hotel workers last month, much of the media coverage focused on "panic buttons." Coming after the sexual assault allegations against former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the idea of housekeepers wearing a badge that could call for help was all over the news.

But the real labor story is the long-term contract the hotel workers union and the industry negotiated. The agreement is unusual at a time when many unions nationwide are fighting for survival.

Generous Terms

We look at the latest debates over the so called "right to work" legislation in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire House has passed a bill giving lawmakers final say on collective bargaining agreements with the State. The legislation is just the latest effort by Republicans in Concord to rein in the costs of public employee contracts.

"This gives the legislature the ability to look at an entire contract and say whether it is fair, and whether we should fund it," says Republican Neil Kurk of Weare.

Collective bargaining contracts with the State have historically been the responsibility of the Executive Branch.  Opponents of the measure say putting the legislature in the middle of the eight different contracts that the State negotiates with employees will muddy the process.