Some Unions Angered by 'Obamacare' as Costs Rise
Some unions leaders have grown frustrated and angry about what they say are unexpected consequences of Obama's health care overhaul plan.
labor
Jobless Claims Plummet to 5-Year Low
The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell sharply last week to its lowest level since the early days of the 2007-09 recession.
Worldwide, May Day Honors Workers; Here, It Salutes 'Loyalty'
Today is May Day, a major international celebration of workers' rights and labor solidarity. But in the U.S., where it all began, it has a different name: Law Day.
April Factory Activity Weakest in 6 Months as Orders Fall
Manufacturing growth pulled back to its slowest pace in six months in April as new orders and employment cooled, the latest signal the economy has hit a soft spot.
Obama Set to Announce New Secretary of Labor
President Barack Obama is set to nominate Thomas Perez, an assistant attorney general, to be the next secretary of labor, the White House says.
7 Business Battles That Bruised Consumers in 2012
Companies get into fights all the time: in the courts, through their advertising, in contract negotiations with partners, and even with their own workers. To some extent, it's just business as usual -- but when those fights escalate, it's often consumers who feel the pain.
Twinkies Likely to Survive Sale of Hostess
Twinkie lovers, relax: Your snacks are likely to survive, even though Hostess Brands will not. Despite the problems that led Hostess to bankruptcy court, its high brand recognition and strong revenues ensure other companies will bid for at least slices of its baked goods empire.
Target Responds to Backlash Over Thanksgiving Night Opening
Target is pushing back against complaints that its 9 p.m. Thanksgiving opening is ruining the holiday for its employees. It's hardly the only retailer making the move, an online petition singling out Target at Change.org had 228,000 signatures as of Friday morning.
US Productivity Grew at 2.2% Rate in Spring
U.S. companies got more output from their workers this spring than initially thought. Productivity rose at a modest 2.2 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, largely because employers cut back sharply on hiring.
Jobless Claims Drop, Suggesting Improved Hiring Outlook
The number of people seeking unemployment aid last week fell to its lowest level since mid-May, suggesting layoffs are easing and hiring could pick up.
American Airlines' Flight Out of Bankruptcy Gets Bumpier
American Airlines executives hoping to bring the deficit-riddled carrier out of bankruptcy want to trim about 13,000 jobs. They left their unions' counteroffer sitting on the tarmac. Will the two sides ever be able to meet in the middle?
Fewer Americans Struggling to Pay Mortgage
Fewer Americans are having trouble paying their mortgages now compared to a year ago, according to a new survey. The bad news? Fewer Americans have mortgages. Some of those who were struggling last year have since sold or foreclosed.
The Demographics Behind the Boom in Working from Home
As the economy picks back up, more and more people are working from home. The number of home-based U.S. businesses will grow by more than 10% over the next four years, and the number of telecommuters will rise by 12%. But that's not all based on the recovery: Many are victims of the recession.
MIT Reports Gains for Female Professors, but Obstacles Remain
Spurred largely by a 1999 report that cited gender discrimination among reasons why women accounted for less than 10% of MIT's science and engineering faculty, the school made a concerted effort to address the stereotypes and misconceptions that limited women's advancement through MIT's academia. The effort appears to have paid off.
UAW Head Uses Ford CEO's Big Payday to Rally Union
When Ford awarded CEO Alan Mulally more than $50 million in compensation for 2010's record profit it raised eyebrows around Detroit. Now, the UAW is using that big payday as a rallying point for members as it starts negotiations to regain some of what autoworkers gave up in concessions during the downturn.