New Jobs Don't Make Dent in U.S. Poverty Rate
Growth in low-wage employment hasn't helped everyday Americans put food on the table.
Growth in low-wage employment hasn't helped everyday Americans put food on the table.
Instead of helping workers and the economy, those looking to shutter the federal government will make it harder for millions to provide for their families.
Last week our brothers and sisters in Greece's trade unions hung a massive banner from the country's Finance Ministry building which read: "No to blackmail and austerity." A few days later Greek society echoed that defiant sentiment with a resounding "No" vote against the latest round of cuts.
The Huffington Post cites the top 10 examples of corporate welfare and welfare for the rich. There are actually thousands of tax breaks and subsidies for the rich and corporations provided by federal, state and local governments.
U.S. workers got short shrift from policymakers during the last five years compared to the nation’s financial institutions. While banks received a bailout from the economic meltdown they caused, homeowners were left to go it alone and many were forced into foreclosure.
The Teamsters and American workers face a moment of reckoning. The time has come where people must stand up and say enough is enough to companies that seek to take advantage of employees and taxpayers.
The Teamsters for years have been an outspoken critic of fast-track trade authorization which allows bad proposed trade agreements to move through Congress on just a quick up-or-down vote. And in the last week, we were joined by 185 House lawmakers who feel the same way.
An old friend who has been active in politics for more than 30 years tells me he's giving up. "I can't stomach what's going on in Washington anymore," he says. "The hell with all of them. I have better things to do with my life."
As a member of IBT you now have access to valuable features and benefits, including special group discounts on auto and home insurance offered through MetLife Auto & Home – a leading provider of quality auto insurance coverage.