Today of course is Labor Day and here are a couple of good reads I recommend:
- Civil Beat – “America Doesn’t Just Need A Raise” http://www.civilbeat.com/2015/09/america-doesnt-just-need-a-raise/
“…this Labor Day, let’s not only chant that America needs a raise but also rally around a simple norm that all workers should share fairly in the economic growth they help produce.”
“Today’s $7.25 per hour minimum has a purchasing power about 25 percent below its peak in 1968….”
- New York Times – “The Minimum Wage-Getting to $15 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/05/opinion/the-minimum-wage-getting-to-15.html?_r=1
“Fifteen dollars, phased in gradually, is the better option. It would be adequate and feasible, assuming that policy makers also take steps to raise middle-class wages, which would include tough enforcement of updated laws on overtime, scheduling, worker classification and other labor issues.”
The curtain continues to be pulled back on the actions and impacts of the chemical companies here in Hawaii and around the world.
- The New York Times – “Food Industry Enlisted Academics In GMO Lobbying War Emails Show” http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/06/us/food-industry-enlisted-academics-in-gmo-lobbying-war-emails-show.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&_r=0
Dr. Folta testified for the chemical companies during the Bill 2491 hearings on Kauai –
“Dr. Folta is among the most aggressive and prolific biotech proponents, although until his emails were released last month, he had not publicly acknowledged the extent of his ties to Monsanto.”
“I am grateful for this opportunity and promise a solid return on the investment,” Dr. Folta wrote in an email to one Monsanto executive.”
- Insiders might enjoy reading the actual emails that relate to Hawaii and Kauai. See page 26 for starters https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2303691-kevin-folta-uoffloridadocs.html#document/p8/a237529
GaryHooser's Blog 