Topics

Work

• Private pension plans in Minnesota coming up short
  Across the country, corporate pension plans are in trouble. The plans many companies set up to provide for workers in their retirement don't have the money they'll need to keep that promise. Many pension plans in Minnesota are suffering along with the rest. Experts say in most cases, there's nothing to panic about, but there are good reasons for employees and investors to pay closer attention.July 13, 2003
• A mighty good road
  On October 15, 1852, the first train of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad traveled from Chicago to Joliet, Illinois. Two years later it would bring a delegation of East Coast journalists and dignitaries to the Mississippi River as part of the Grand Excursion to Minnesota. Over the next 50 years, as the Rock Island Line grew, it carried passengers and freight through 14 states and became part of the story of the American west. Then it inspired a song that has been passed from generation to generation. Minnesota Public Radio's Jim Bickal has traced the stories of the song and the railroad and discovered that together they tell quite a tale.July 4, 2003
• Changes in overtime pay
  The Bush administration has proposed revised overtime rules for workers. Supporters say the changes help clarify the regulations and give low-wage employees a boost. Labor unions and Democrats in Congress say the revised rules mean millions of white-collar employees would be ineligible for overtime pay.July 2, 2003
• Northwest management wage cuts on hold
  Northwest Airlines says it will not cut managers' pay in July, as many union leaders and others expected. Northwest says the five to 15 percent pay cuts are on hold until at least one major union agrees to concessions. Unions say that could actually make those discussions more difficult.June 26, 2003
• Summer job payoff
  Working a summer job is a particular rite of passage for many teenagers. A study of working teens says jobs are a good thing, even during the school year.June 20, 2003
• Taking the "temp" of the economy
  Economists keep a close eye on the temporary labor market for signs the economy is recovering. The temp market may be starting a mild recovery, but some wonder whether more temporary jobs are such a good sign after all.June 16, 2003
• Justice Talking: Is Nike swearing off sweatshops?
  Nike and anti-sweatshop activists have battled for years over company practices and the role of American business overseas. To counter protesters, in 1997, Nike launched a public relations campaign promoting itself as a responsible corporate citizen. But a San Francisco activist believes that instead of talking about good corporate practice, the company should "just do it." In a case now before the U.S. Supreme Court, the company is accused of "false advertising." Activists were bolstered by an early ruling, but it is the high court that will soon determine the limits to free enterprise's right to free speech.June 10, 2003
• Airlines' improving outlook may fuel tougher battle over NWA cuts
  There are signs of better months ahead for the airline industry, just at the time when Northwest says it needs painful sacrifices from workers. But winning givebacks from workers may be all the more difficult with air travel headed into the strong summer season.May 19, 2003
• Out of work on the Range
  Hundreds of workers at the EVTAC mine in Eveleth will probably be out of work this week. They'll follow in the footsteps of workers at the LTV Steel mine near Hoyt Lakes. More than 1,000 people lost their jobs at LTV two and-a-half years ago, and many of them are still looking for work.May 13, 2003
• Immigration reform group attracting adherents, critics
  A group that wants to reduce the number of immigrants coming to the U.S. has emerged in Owatonna, attracting the criticism of local immigration advocates. Critics point out the groups' cofounders are connected to organizations supporting the largely discredited eugenics movement.May 8, 2003
• Work and teens
  There's lots of concern for overworked, overbooked children in America today. But a study of high schoolers in St. Paul suggests that part-time work improves teens' confidence and management abilities. The study is contained in a new book.April 25, 2003
• Bill would forbid state health workers from striking
  A provision in the House Health and Human Services budget bill would forbid 3,000 state workers from striking. The provision would declare workers at regional treatment centers, group homes and other state-run health facilities essential employees. The state already forbids several categories of state employees from walking off the job, most notably law enforcement and corrections officers.April 16, 2003
• Will war worsen the nurse shortage?
  In addition to losing nurses to the nation's ramp-up for war, state health care providers have to compete with the military's attractive signing bonuses and other benefits for nurses.March 10, 2003
• Are Minnesota jobs going overseas?
  A recent survey by Minnesota Technology, Inc. showed that competition from China has played a significant role in Minnesota's loss of 38,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000. We'll discuss the impact of foreign competition on Minnesota workers.March 6, 2003
• Debating the public employee pay freeze
  Tucked into Gov. Tim Pawlenty's $4.2 billion deficit-reduction package is a proposal to freeze the wages of all public employees. The freeze would affect not just state workers, but everyone on the public payroll -- police, county health workers, teachers, and even professors in the state colleges and universities system. Administration officials say the plan is a tool to keep a lid on spending during difficult budget times. But union officials say the plan erodes the collective bargaining process.February 21, 2003

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