Finally a President that Supports Working People!

By Rosemarie Treanor, ILRF intern

March 3, 2009 marks President Obama’s sixth week in office.  The list of topics that have been demanding Obama’s attention is endless. I am personally relieved that the President and his administration have placed labor related issues on the table. Of course, many can argue that there hasn’t been enough attention or support for all the labor actions. It is exciting that John Sweeny of the AFL-CIO has frequently attended meetings and events at the White House since inauguration day, and this constant conversation about labor issues is critical for upcoming success.

The New York Times article In Obama, Labor Finds the Support It Expected demonstrated the happy customers of Obama’s multiple plans. Influential institutions such as the Communication Workers of America as well as the AFL-CIO are pleased with the actions and are receptive for ideas of the future. Obama is sincerely supportive of unions, as seen in his steadfast support to the right to bargain and unionize. Barak Obama has made references to the workers at Republic Windows & Doors, for their nationally recognized sit-in successfully granted them severance and health care packages. This group has now taken their story to the road, in order to provide inspiration for other workers. National attention for such issues is thrilling, and Obama is one of the drivers of the awareness for labor rights.

What is intriguing about this specific administration is the newly appointed middle class Task Force. VP Joe Biden will be leading this new addition. The emphasis will be on green jobs to assist the economy monetarily as well as with an increase in created jobs. This innovative establishment welcomes the ideas of the public via the website, and the attention and funding could potentially impact the current economic state.  Obama has demonstrated an understanding of the labor force by placing an emphasis on the topic amidst all the other important issues.

Comments

[cassj]

Comment to John: “you get what you are worth” and that “you cannot legislate a wage”. Perhaps you should discuss with an airline pilot why they want to bargain for how many hours they work. As a consumer you run the risk of eating foods that are sprayed with pesticides that are harmful to your health. It is in not only the workers’ best interests who work in the fields to be safe from poisonous chemicals but yours as well. How about the police force? Offer to cut pay and health benefits to people who protect your community and perhaps you will see that yes, working conditions for other people end up affecting you as well.

The issue goes beyond setting wage standards – that in fact government often intervenes to keep wages artificially low. Without state sanctioned violence around the world poor working conditions could not have been kept in place.

[Rosemarie Treanor]

Thank you for your comments. I think that the efforts of Obama at this point are noteworthy, and I hope that he maintains his commitment throughout his term. Here is a link about another Obama action- in regards to infrastructure.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29493458/

[Imee]

Yeah, I know, right? I really think Obama is doing pretty well in his first few weeks C43in office as President. I really don't mind that there's so much criticism about his work and intensions, because I don't see how it's affecting him and his job as the nation's leader. I'm hoping his labor-related projects will work out fine, it's what everyone needs right now after all.

[John De Gennaro]

Based on the "Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them" then I can count on this comment not being posted. You are right. Labor is not a commodity. And people are not "entitled" to a job. You get what you are worth. You cannot legislate a wage. Corporations exist to make money for the shareholders, not to employ people. You are witnessing first hand what happens when shareholders lose money. They lay people off and tighten their belts. Perhaps now you understand capitalism.

By the way, a quick English lesson. "Comments are moderated, (no need for a comma) and will not appear ( not appear? better to use "will not be posted" because using the word "appear" is non-specific, meaning appear where?) until the author (I am the author of the comment and as such cannot moderate my own post however, you are the site owner and you CAN moderate the post.) has approved them."

John De Gennaro