@LRToday Morning Round-Up: March 14, 2012
"AFL-CIO, Labor Unions Line Up Behind Obama" -- ABC News
The nation’s largest labor unions, whose support has been a mainstay of the Democratic Party, have set aside their frustrations and disappointments in President Obama and formally lined up behind his bid for a second term.
Today the American Federal of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest labor group, became the latest to endorse Obama for re-election, pledging “to work with him through the election.”
"AMR risks cash drain as discord slows union concession talks" -- Tulsa World
American Airlines' push for $1.25 billion in labor savings is bogging down, possibly imperiling its turnaround bid, as the union strife that preceded parent AMR Corp.'s bankruptcy spills into a new round of talks.
A failure to win negotiated concessions would force AMR to ask a bankruptcy judge to let the company impose new contract terms, adding legal steps to the process and delaying implementation of changes the airline has said it needs to stem losses.
"Battle over right-to-work renewed" -- Union Leader
One of the major battles of the last legislative session is about to be fought again: right-to-work.
The [New Hampshire] House is expected to debate and vote today on House Bill 1677, which is similar to the bill that died last year when the House failed to override Gov. John Lynch's veto.
Both bills would prohibit collective bargaining agreements from including provisions requiring all employees in a workplace to pay union fees.
"Bus operator, union talking" -- The Republic
Valley bus operator Veolia and the union representing 950 striking Phoenix and Tempe drivers returned to the bargaining table for the first time since transit workers walked off the job on Saturday, but negotiations continued late Tuesday without resolution.
Barring a late-night agreement, metro Phoenix appeared headed toward day five of a work stoppage that has left tens of thousands of bus passengers stranded or waiting longer for rides.
