News

A Union-Approved Candidate
Here at Labor Pains, we often talk about the political clout of unions, how they funnel millions upon millions of dollars into elections, the vast majority of which goes to Democratic candidates. But it’s not often that a union makes a power play this blatant: A government studies teacher at Washington Irving High School in [more...]

Posted Tue, 31 Aug 2010 .

What They Are Really Thinking
The recent kerfuffle over the Los Angeles Times releasing scads of data on LA’s teachers has provided some interesting insights into how defenders of teachers unions think. The head of the LA teachers union, for example, said he was “outraged” that the Times would publish data revealing which teachers were effective and which teachers weren’t [more...]

Posted Mon, 30 Aug 2010 .

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PRESS RELEASE
New University Survey of Labor Economists Shows Overwhelming Opposition to EFCA, Binding Arbitration
Majority of Economists Believe Increased Unionization Will Have a Negative Effect on the Economy

8/12/09

Washington D.C. – A new survey of nine hundred and twenty-five (925) labor economists conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for the Center for Union Facts illustrates a growing consensus among experts that increased unionization will have a negative effect on the economy. The survey further indicates that labor economists are overwhelmingly opposed to a bill currently before Congress that would radically overhaul existing labor law at the expense of American businesses. Their opposition grew even more fervent when they learned about EFCA’s binding arbitration clause, which would impose outside government arbitrators in the event of a contract dispute. The main findings of the survey are as follows: •Nearly two-thirds of economists surveyed believe Congress should not pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

•When informed about EFCA's binding arbitration clause, the percentage of economists in favor of the bill declined from 36% to just 27%.

•58% percent of economists believe that increased unionization would have a negative effect on President Obama's job creation program, while only 22% believe it would have a positive effect.

•By a ratio of more than 3 to 1, economists surveyed believe that changes to the economy and business climate — rather than employer resistance — are likely to blame for the recent decline in union membership.

“As President Obama looks for ways to pull the country out of its economic downturn, he should heed the opinions of economic experts who overwhelmingly believe that increased unionization will only further hinder our economic condition,” said Richard Berman, Executive Director of the Center for Union Facts. “Legislation like the curiously named Employee Free Choice Act, with its illogical binding arbitration clause, will only make things worse for American businesses and their employees.”

The Center for Union Facts is a non-profit organization supported by foundations, businesses, union members, and the general public. We are dedicated to showing Americans the truth about today's union leadership. For further information or to arrange an interview please call Sarah Longwell at (202) 463-7106.