Topic: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

Jamie Dimon scores big win in bank shareholder vote

Jamie Dimon's chairmanship of JPMorgan Chase easily survived a vote from the bank's shareholders Tuesday. The vote was a major victory for Dimon, but shareholders sent a message that the bank needs better oversight by giving only narrow approval to three of the bank's board members.

Detroit mayor announces furloughs to avoid bankruptcy

Detroit City Council is balking at next step in a state plan to restore financial stability to the embattled city, delaying a $30 million infusion of state funds.

Court decision produces twist in Wisconsin union fight

After a ruling that struck down parts of Wisconsin's collective-bargaining law, unions are calling to renegotiate contracts. Separately, an appeals court took up the constitutionality of the law Monday.

Focus In Midwest, fight over labor unions to be at heart of 2012 election

Although labor unions have had some reservations about President Obama, they're still looking to him as their best ally in the 2012 election. Meanwhile, Republicans who are hoping to further curb unions are putting stock in Mitt Romney.

Focus It's all about Ohio: Could Rob Portman boost Romney's chances? (+video)

Sen. Rob Portman, a reported Romney short-lister for veep, is worth three to five points in battleground Ohio, says the state's Republican chairman. No Republican has ever won the presidency without winning the Buckeye State.

Cities going broke: Can Scranton's minimum wage plan work? (+video)

A judge told Scranton's mayor he couldn't break the contracts. Pennsylvania told him he couldn't declare bankruptcy. But he didn't have the money to pay more than minimum wage. Unions sued.

Public-employee pensions face a rollback in Calif.

The pensions of public employees have long been considered untouchable. Some politicians are saying those obligations are trumped by the need to provide for the public's health and safety.

Why recall target Gov. Scott Walker is taking his message to Illinois

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is facing a recall, but he still found time to visit Springfield, Ill., Tuesday to take on one of his favorite targets: Illinois' $8 billion budget deficit.  

Mitt Romney super PAC outspending rivals 20-to-1 in Florida

Restore Our Future, a super PAC backing Mitt Romney, has already spent $5 million on ads in Florida. Can Newt Gingrich raise enough money to compete with Romney in Florida?

The hidden issue in South Carolina primary: labor union clout

Mitt Romney in particular has used the South Carolina primary to test anti-labor union policies as a campaign issue. His pitch to expand right-to-work laws could lead to Wisconsin redux. 

Rahm Emanuel and public sector union play hardball over Chicago library hours

Across the US, financially strapped local governments are cutting back on library hours. In Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has reduced the libraries' week to five days amid a stand-off with a public union.

Retooling the Motor City: Can Detroit save itself?

A retooling plan for Detroit – involving controversial razing, shrinking, and repurposing – is under way as the Motor City tries to save itself.
07/23/2011 02:31 pm

How Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel reached the end of the honeymoon

Just two months into office, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces criticism from labor and teacher unions, the city’s inspector general, and the local media. Why was the honeymoon so short?
07/23/2011 11:13 am

Next up for Wisconsin: the mother of all recall drives

After Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill to limit collective bargaining for many public unions, efforts are afoot to recall 16 state senators – eight from each party – by the summer.
03/14/2011 09:26 pm

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Opinion Madison protest: Unions are angry – but Wisconsin should go even further

Union protests in Wisconsin have intensified pressure on Governor Scott Walker's bold plan to curtail public-sector union power. For the sake of fiscal health, Wisconsin should go even further by prohibiting all collective bargaining in the public sector.
02/18/2011 10:13 am

Union battle echoes beyond Wisconsin: 'We’re fighting for our very existence'

Other states are watching Wisconsin's bid to virtually break labor unions as a means of cutting huge deficits. Unions in Wisconsin and beyond see this as a Waterloo moment.
02/17/2011 08:00 pm

The Monitor's View The 2010 election was a call to cut public pensions

Voter anger at generous (and unfunded) retirement benefits for government workers resulted in successful ballot initiatives and the election of governors promising change.
11/08/2010 09:40 pm

The Vote Nevada Senate race: Harry Reid wins in election night's biggest Houdini act

The Nevada Senate race was tight and angry up to Election Day, with some polls showing tea party favorite Sharron Angle ahead. But Senate majority leader Harry Reid held on.
11/03/2010 04:05 am

Outside groups dominate 2010 campaign spending

Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District – a bellwether district in a swing state – leads the nation in spending on political ads by outside groups not required to disclose their donors.
10/31/2010 04:01 pm

ThinkMarkets A new look at political contributions

Big business and big unions pour record-breaking amounts of money into the political process. Both parties benefit – but the country doesn't.
10/25/2010 12:15 pm

Monitor Breakfast Democrats' Election 2010 lament: we are being outspent 5 to 1

A disproportionate amount of the 'secret money' being contributed to political campaigns in Election 2010 is going to Republicans, says Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen.
10/21/2010 04:34 pm

Tough times lead to more worker furloughs – just ask Chicago

Tightening belts this way costs businesses and government less than layoffs. But it’s tough on families.
08/17/2009 01:00 am

House votes to rein in 'excessive pay' for company execs

Democrats say such a measure could have helped avert the financial crisis. Republicans and big business call it a bureaucratic power grab.
07/31/2009 01:00 am

With Goldman Sachs bonuses, new push for 'say on pay' bill

Congress takes up legislation next week to give shareholders of public companies more say on executive compensation.
07/17/2009 01:00 am