Work & the Economy
Legislature’s rules committee kills new building standards that advocates said would save money
On a party-line vote, members of the Legislature’s administrative rules committee have blocked a proposed Wisconsin commercial building code update that advocates said would save energy, improve safety and lower insurance costs. The update would have brought Wisconsin commercial building standards in line with the 2021 standards of the International Code Council, including the International […]
Student debt relief scams on the rise. Here’s what borrowers need to know.
Complaints about student debt relief scams are increasing as the date approaches for borrowers to restart payment on their student loans after more than a three-year pause. Consumer protection advocates say that the Biden administration’s student debt relief efforts, the subsequent halting of those policies by the courts, and the restart of student loan payments […]
Shutdown would mean even more delays in overwhelmed U.S. immigration courts
WASHINGTON — A looming partial government shutdown will put added pressure on an already strained system — U.S. immigration courts. Canceling or rescheduling court cases that many immigrants have awaited for years will cause even more backlogs, immigration attorneys and judges have warned. “Where we’ll really kind of see the backlog continue to build will […]
Wisconsin joins UAW auto strike as workers seek to recoup past givebacks
United Auto Workers members on strike against the three Detroit-based auto manufacturers are looking for wage gains to make up for years of stagnation and concessions the union made a decade and a half ago to rescue the industry from collapse, labor leaders say. Wisconsin UAW workers joined the walkout last week at two parts […]
Authors of sweeping anti-poverty proposal say it can help state’s workforce needs
Democratic lawmakers rolled out a massive draft bill Tuesday aimed at tackling poverty by addressing housing, transportation, and a host of related factors that the backers say keep people on the margins and out of the workforce. The authors, Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), opted for a broad approach in the […]
Despite political backlash, socially responsible investing is still popular, advisor says
Investment strategies that peer into the corporate soul — or at least what’s reflected in a company’s behavior — continue to draw a growing number of investors, both individuals and organizations. Tim Smith of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility says popularity remains at an all-time high for investment guidance that can help people who […]
Governor’s child care funding proposal might get a second life
First posted 9/21/2023, 10:29 p.m. Updated 9/22/2023, 12:03 p.m. In a surprise move, Senate leaders voted Thursday to formally introduce legislation sought by Gov. Tony Evers to fund Wisconsin’s child care providers. The legislation, based on the draft bill that Evers put out six weeks ago, also includes provisions for a paid family leave program, […]
Child care funding remains dead after Republicans reject special session call
The special session that Gov. Tony Evers called six weeks ago to add $1 billion to Wisconsin’s 2023-25 budget for child care, paid family leave, higher education and workforce training came and went Wednesday as Republican leaders in the Legislature opened it and ended it in seconds. Two hours later, Democrats announced their own bills […]
A year into UW Health union discussions, nurses chafe that pay isn’t on the table
A year ago, as UW Health nurses were on the verge of a three-day strike to demand union recognition, they and the hospital system’s management reached an eleventh-hour deal to avert the walkout. In a compact that was brokered by Gov. Tony Evers, UW Health management agreed to meet directly with nurses and their union […]
Bernie Sanders condemns ‘corporate greed’ at UAW rally in Detroit
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) railed against “corporate greed” and “record profits” secured by the Detroit Three during a spirited rally on Friday in the Motor City with striking United Auto Workers (UAW) members. The rally featuring the two-time presidential candidate attracted hundreds of participants and was held at the Ford-UAW Joint Trust Center took […]
Sen. John Fetterman to Detroit Three auto execs: How many yachts do you need?
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on Saturday joined striking autoworkers outside the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Fetterman said he drove about five hours from Braddock, Pa., in his UAW-made Ford Bronco to get to the plant. “I always stand for the union way of life,” Fetterman said. “Whatever the unions say is […]
Consumers face higher car prices, lower inventory with auto workers on strike
Economic experts and researchers say that the auto workers strike could have far-reaching economic consequences for businesses and consumers, depending on its duration. In addition to workers’ job losses, consumers could see higher prices for cars and depleted inventory. The United Auto Workers union, representing about 150,000 auto workers, walked off the job at midnight […]