Work and Economy

September 4, 2006 - Here on Labor Day, it's important to consider how labor is faring, especially in the South. The region's reputation as an anti-union stronghold is usually chalked up to a supposed anti-union sentiment on the part of the region's workers.

September 1, 2006 - City leaders in Houston threw their Stetsons in the air and squealed with glee this week when news came that Lockheed Martin had landed a major contra

August 22, 2006 - Here in East Tennessee, every time there's a new major revitalization plan for Knoxville there is mention of light rail. (Along with a "discovery" center, but I digress.) People nod and say "that's nice" and go look at the maps to see how many of their homes and natural areas will be replaced with condos and office/retail/strip-mall developments.

July 28, 2006 - Until 2004, North Carolina was considered a fairly stingy state when it came to "development subsidies" -- the over $50 billion a year in tax breaks and other give-aways that states and localities pay to attract business.

July 20, 2006 - At the request of Gov. Kathleen Blanco, the Louisiana Civil Service Commission has raised the minimum wage for all state workers to $6.15 per hour, one dollar more than the federal minimum wage. The new minimum wage will go into effect in August.

July 3, 2006 - Most people who work for a living in this country support the idea of having an organization that represents their interests.

June 29, 2006 - By way of Interstate4Jamming, here's a nice story about Lakeland, FL based Publix Supermarkets: