Topic: U.S. National Labor Relations Board

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Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:

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Senate averts 'nuclear option,' but leaves deeper questions unanswered

After a rare, closed meeting senators agreed to confirm several controversial Obama nominees. The deal avoided a 'nuclear option' that would have changed Senate rules on filibusters.
Filibuster fight: Senators still wrestling over nominees (+video)

A series of roll call votes are planned for Tuesday morning to confirm seven presidential appointees whom Republicans have so far blocked from receiving yes-or-no votes.
Were Obama recess appointments constitutional? Supreme Court takes case

The Supreme Court will weigh in on a major flash point between President Obama and Senate Republicans, who challenge his use of recess appointments while their chamber is holding 'pro forma' sessions.
Employers can't be forced to display pro-union posters, court rules

The Obama administration had mandated that businesses put up posters informing workers of their rights to organize in unions. A federal appeals court struck down the rule Tuesday.
Immigration reform bill may hang on economic effect of legalizing millions

Friday's testimony at first Senate hearing on the bipartisan immigration reform bill presented economic pros and cons of legalizing some 11 million people. A chief concern is wage suppression for low-skill Americans.
Judges slap down Obama 'recess appointments.' Case headed to Supreme Court?

President Obama's appointments to the labor-relations board were unconstitutional because they bypassed the Senate, a court ruled Friday. Recess appointments have been a tactic of both parties.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
The Daily Reckoning Welfare. Old elephants. And the entitlement cliff.

Welfare states depend on growth to fuel their spending. But when growth slows to a crawl....
Black Friday: Walmart protests liken back to days before unions (+video)

Walmart protests on Black Friday by some employees are an attempt to shame the company into public action – even though the workers are not organized into a labor union. Extent of Walmart protests still unclear.
Black Friday walkout: why Wal-Mart is focus of labor's struggle

Wal-Mart's low-cost recipe for success is under attack from the threatened Black Friday walkout as workers protest low wages and benefit cuts. The retailer is fighting back, accusing organized labor of making trouble.
Wal-Mart Black Friday walkout: How bad will it be? (+video)

Several groups of disgruntled Wal-Mart employees are planning a walkout on Black Friday. They've tried such tactics before with limited effect, but they promise a huge effort Friday.
Wal-Mart fights back as Black Friday strike nears

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is taking legal measures to sop months of protests at stores nationwide, filing charges against the union it says is behind such actions. The move comes as a group of Wal-Mart workers prepare to strike on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.
Briefing Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 ways they differ on jobs

Whether Mitt Romney or Barack Obama occupies the White House in January, one of them will have to deal with more than 12 million jobless Americans, or a little over 8 percent of the total workforce. Where do the candidates stand on issues relating to jobs?
Could ‘liking’ something on Facebook get you fired?

That’s what six sheriff’s deputies say happened to them after they ‘liked’ the political opponent of their boss. A district judge ruled that Facebook likes aren't protected speech, but the case is being appealed.
Focus Is Congress to blame for a downshifting US economy?

Evidence is mounting that the economy is taking a hit because Congress can't – or won't – deal with the 'fiscal cliff' looming at year's end. The fight on Capitol Hill last summer over the national debt limit also took an economic toll.
Robert Reich Manufacturing is back, but it's not the problem

The real issue isn’t whether and how we get manufacturing back. It’s how we get good jobs and good wages back. And they aren’t at all the same thing.
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.
Justice Dept says recent recess appointments legal

The department released a 23-page legal opinion Thursday summarizing the advice it gave the White House before the Jan. 4 appointments. GOP leaders have argued the Senate was not technically in recess when Obama acted so the regular Senate confirmation process should have been followed.
As Obama tweaks policy on illegal immigrants, will Latino voters swoon?

Obama moves to make it easier for some illegal immigrants to obtain legal status, dismantling hurdles set by congressional Republicans. The step is likely to shore up his support among Latino voters, but it could also polarize the country.
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.
Romney, Santorum bash Obama recess appointment. Why that could backfire.

The Obama administration argues that the recess appointment is necessary so the CFPB can perform its duties despite Republican obstructionism. Republicans may challenge the president in court.
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. The Republican candidates all share the same broad approach: Spur private-sector confidence and job creation through permanent tax cuts, reduced federal deficits, and lighter regulatory burdens on businesses. In the same vein, they generally call for efforts to boost trade, encourage domestic oil and gas production, and limit the power of organized labor. But who has the best economic plan?
12/27/2011 03:17 pm
Senate wraps up year's work – finally

The US Senate – battered by fiscal crisis and gridlock – voted Saturday to fund the government through FY 2012 and extend a payroll tax cut, set to expire on Dec. 31. The House is expected to vote next week.
12/17/2011 04:30 pm
Chris Paul trade rejected: Was it really to save NBA parity?

The NBA rejected a trade to send superstar Chris Paul from small-market New Orleans to the Los Angeles Lakers. In doing so, the league apparently made some small-market owners happy.
12/09/2011 06:59 pm
US labor board under fire in latest union-Republican clash

Amid unrest over perceived economic injustices, some Republicans vow to abolish the National Labor Relations Board. The labor board, they say, is impeding economic recovery. Can they succeed?
12/01/2011 12:56 pm