Topic: Labor Policy

Battle for women's votes: 6 flash points

The uproar over the Obama campaign’s 'Life of Julia' Web infographic – which made #Julia big on Twitter – highlights just how fiercely both parties are fighting for the women’s vote. The economy is by far the most important issue in November for both sexes. But there are other areas with special significance to women. Here are the main flash points.

Drug policy and Cuba headline Summit of the Americas (+video)

The Sixth Summit of the Americas saw what Mexico's Calderón called a 'radical' change: candid conversation about differences over drug policy and Cuba.

How Apple, Foxconn, and others can address labor abuses in overseas factories

Why do we keep hearing about labor abuses in overseas factories like those of Apple-supplier Foxconn? Auditing and inspections are inadequate to solve the problem. Requiring companies to examine and publicly report on risks along their supply chains can help eliminate violations.

Mitt Romney aims to pull off an 'Iowa' in South Carolina

Mitt Romney isn't a natural fit for South Carolina Republicans, who, as in Iowa, skew more conservative and more evangelical than Republicans as a whole. But he may yet perform well there. Here's why.

Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on the economy

With more than 13 million Americans out of work and wage increases so modest they’re failing to keep up with inflation, voters have put the economy and jobs at the top of their checklist of presidential issues.

Boeing 737 MAX to be built in Renton, Wash.

Machinist Union officials told a news conference Wednesday in Seattle the Boeing 737 deal includes a four-year contract extension.

5 best books by 2012 presidential hopefuls

Here are the 5 books by 2012 presidential hopefuls that we like the best – and why.

'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.

A recipe for increasing domestic manufacturing jobs

Low electricity prices, lighter labor regulations, and strict enforcement of the Clean Air Act are key to strengthening U.S. industrial policy

Alabama immigration law faces legal challenge: Can it survive?

Federal lawsuits have been filed against five states that have passed tough anti-illegal-immigration bills. Here is the legal state of play for all five state laws:

Rand Paul battles Jack Conway over union balloting in Kentucky Senate debate

Rand Paul, the GOP candidate with Tea Party backing, debated Democratic hopeful Jack Conway in western Kentucky on Thursday. One of the main topics was the proposed Employee Free Choice Act.

When minimum wage hurts the poor: a case study from South Africa

South Africa's unemployment crisis is worsened when companies can't afford to pay the artificially high minimum wage.

Why Indian IT companies are outsourcing – to US

Two decades after they began running US operations from Bangalore and other cities, Indian IT companies are hiring Americans to do work that was once outsourced. What gives?

Labor reforms? Japan limits on part-timers please no one.

In Japan, labor reforms approved last Friday to protect temporary workers – now about one-third of the workforce – were met with criticism on both sides. Firms say they need a flexible workforce, while laborers say too many loopholes remain.

Commentary: Workers' share of America's pie is shrinking

For every dollar of goods and services produced in the US in 2009, American workers saw only about 55 cents. Globalization and a lack of support for unions in Washington are contributing factors.

In observance of Labor Day: a progress report on jobs

The picture is slowly improving. But how well you're doing depends on your profession, where you live, and how old you are.

Labor chief: Public option 'essential' for healthcare reform

What next for Boston Globe: wage cuts or renewed bargaining?

Largest union rejects $10 million in pay and benefit concessions, maneuvers to resume talks. The paper's owner moves to unilaterally slash wages.

Controversial 'card check' bill back for fourth time

The business community says the bill, which makes it easier for workers to unionize, would be a job killer.

Biden's speech to AFL-CIO – who banned the cameras anyway?

Filipina activist boosts overseas workers

Connie Regalado prods officials to do more for workers hit hard by the global financial crisis.

Spain will pay unemployed migrant workers to leave

The incentive program marks a shift in Spain's lenient immigration policies.

Arizona considers a guest worker program of its own

It is fast tracking bills that would allow the state to admit temporary workers from Mexico.