A Big Blow to Big Labor
As Rob said yesterday, when it comes to the new Congress, we're getting clear signs that there's a new boss in town. And Big Labor is not happy about it.
Yesterday, the House changed the name of the "House Education and Labor Committee" to the "House Education and the Workforce Committee." The unions recognize that dropping "labor" from the title is a threat to them:
“We basically think this name change is symbolic of the new majority’s hostility toward the rights of everyday working Americans,” said Chuck Loveless, director of legislation at the American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
“The reality is that it is going to be horrific for labor,” one union official said about the changeover at the committee.
Labor officials said they expect the committee to increase oversight of the Obama administration’s labor regulations.
Branding is everything and this is certainly a shot across the bow of liberal labor unions.
More tears of joy, Rob?
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Comments :
Dec '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
I can see what they have to be upset about.
What does a labor union have to do with "work" anyway?
May '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
They should hire a "messaging" guy to get the name changed to Big Workforce. Maybe the ones who designed the new Democratic logo. Though I'd do that consulting for a mere six figures. Call me.
Pretty much any other government was going to be less friendly to Big Workforce than the Obama-Pelosi administration, unless Richard Trumka somehow became Speaker, with Andy Stern as Chief of Staff. So you'd think they'd have come up with a snappier comeback than that limp, pallid boilerplate.
Aug '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
Ok, so much for a shot across the bow. Now let's take out the mast.
Jul '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
Playing "Dancing in the Streets." At least for the moment. And still keeping one eye on this 112th.
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
One step at a time! But this is a good first step.
May '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
This is less meaningful than you might suppose. This is a habitual process of Committee renaming depending on who is in control of the House. It was Workforce before 2006, was changed to Labor by Madame Secretary and now changes back. Honestly it's not a harbinger of very much that was not already apparent. The "horrific for labor" quote is just spin.
Jun '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
It was just to eliminate the confusion. It's not the "House Education and Organized Extortion Committee." It's about much more positive things, and the name should reflect that.
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
Except when they changed the name to Workforce in 1995, it actually was meaningful, don't you think?
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
I'm not even a little bit misty, Emily, but I like the direction. Although I have to side with Trace here. Call it Labor, call it whatever. The key is going to be actually doing stuff.
And my awful, cynical self is telling me that often, in Congress, they make big noises and rattle sabers and point to huge directional changes.....only to offer up, to generous lobbyists from all sides, certain concessions. As in: "We're going to be so tough on Big Labor, that if you're representing Big Labor, you better treat us right."
May '10
Re: A Big Blow to Big Labor
Count me in for this dim view of the situation. Governor-elect Kasich continues talking tough about public unions, but it's yet to be seen whether the Ohio Senate and House will support him in the kind of changes that are needed. This is an axe-sized problem, with the unions screaming about hatchet-level reforms and GOP squishes no doubt readying their pocketknives.