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Unions & Labor Policy

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Recent Research

MARCH 8, 2010 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Rendell’s War on (Some) Special Interests

Gov. Rendell, of course, didn't declare war on all special interests - only those who oppose his tax-borrow-and-spend agenda.  For example, while he lambasts the natural gas industry for opposing yet another tax upon the several it already pays, he gives a pass to the special interests clamoring for more of its money.

DECEMBER 9, 2009 | Testimony by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Project Labor Agreements

PLAs are agreements between government and state contractors that contain stipulations beneficial to unionized labor, such as: requiring employment of unionized workers, use of union apprentice programs, and payments into union funds.  Yet PLAs result in higher costs for taxpayers and create unfair and discriminatory contract privil

NOVEMBER 17, 2009 | Commentary by ADAM COLE

Pennsylvania: An Unequal Opportunity Employer

Project Labor Agreements

Equal opportunity has long been a cherished ideal in America. Yet state government is engaging in unequal contracting practices.  Governor Rendell's administration is mandating discriminatory Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on public construction projects across Pennsylvania.





Recent Blog Posts

MARCH 5, 2010

Yes, Unemployment Benefits Do Cause Higher Unemployment

David Henderson has a post up on the Econlog blog about how unemployment benefits increase the unemployment rate.  He cites himself, the Federal Reserve, and Obama economic advisor Larry Summers.

Elizabeth Bryan touched on this economic effect in a recent CF commentary, but as the commenters note, it's just because she's cold and heartless.

posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 02:39 PM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 11, 2010

The Impact of Unions on Public Policy

The latest Cato Journal takes on the topic of "Are Unions Good for America?" The journal features a number of good articles on issues of relevance nationally and in Pennsylvania.

As private sector unions continue to shrink, while government unions grow, union leadership increasing looks to government programs to bail them out. It is important to note the impact of these laws they push for and defend, and - as Gov. Rendell noted in his budget address - put good policy ahead of special interests.

posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 00:12 PM | 0 comment

FEBRUARY 9, 2010

Growth of Government Unions in Pennsylvania

Eric Boehm notes the growth of public-sector union members (which now represent a majority of union members nation-wide) and the decline of private union members in Pennsylvania.

More than 70 percent of union workers in Pennsylvania held private sector jobs in 1984.  Since then, private sector unions have seen nearly a 50 percent decline in membership, while public sector unions in the Commonwealth have grown by nineteen percent during the same period.

 

posted by NATHAN BENEFIELD | 09:31 AM | 0 comment



Commonwealth Foundation PolicyBlog

Need for an Independent Fiscal Office in PA?

March 11

A new Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office was the subject of a recent legislative hearing this week, with several lawmakers arguing the need for the office (which was included in last year's budget deal, but still requires enabling legislation). On the other hand, the Rendell administrations says ...

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