The DOL is indicating that it will represent union workers instead of exclusively backing business interests in the US, and depriving US workers of pay and benefits in the name of increased profits.
Solis:
...better jobs with a decent wage and benefits.
Hilda Solis, the new Labor Secretary, had these words for young workers last week, at a union training facility in Florida, according to AFL-CIO reports.
Obama indicated that organized labor will play a key role in the nation's economic recovery.
labor unions are a big part of the solution.
AFL-CIO report
These jobs are here. They’re available. They’re already being done with partnerships with private industry and the unions. I think it is a very attractive program that certainly could be used as a model that could be replicated in other parts of our country where we’re finding people who have just lost their job. Or maybe they want a career change so they can upgrade their skills and have a livable wage and provide for their families.
So many people across the country lose sight of what union representation really means: safe, health standards and enforcement of our codes. Our labor laws say you protect every worker. My job is to protect our jobs here in America and I want to continue to do that working side-by-side with you.
Let's work together to turn this economy around, using organized labor! The days of unchecked US employer exploitation of American workers may be finally drawing to a close.
Other young Americans contemplate their future as students in Engineering, one of the STEM fields. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. CNN reports indicate that there is anger among students who see a bleak future for themselves, and for their parents in the STEM fields.
Can Kossacks help break the cycle of job loss and destruction? Can we agree with Hilda Solis, that local workers should be prioritized for the jobs?
I want to look at how certification occurs. I want to look at how the labor pool is identified. Whether it be in the surrounding area where that particular business may be looking and seeking for high tech individuals what extensive availability of information is there so we know, if before we go abroad, we are first prioritizing those workers who are in fact capable and ready to fill these positions.
...the priority in my mind would be fairness. First of all, looking at how we provide fairness for those individuals who are trained and who are here in this country. Put them first. If we are not able to get there, then look at the statistical information and look at what is there. And then come up with ... looking at other frames, designs. But at this point that is where I would begin in exploring that.
Excepts from the confirmation hearing before the Senate Labor Committee on February 9, 2009.
Please consider writing or calling to lend your support for:
American labor with the Employee Free Choice Act.
SB 1035, Dick Durbin's bill from 2007 and 2008
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