Trump Betrays His Promise to Protect and Fight for American Workers
by Lawrence Wittner
891 words
Campaigning for the presidency in 2016, Donald Trump promised that, if he was elected, “American worker[s] will finally have a president who will protect them and fight for them.”
Has he kept this promise?
When it comes to protecting workers’ health and safety, his administration has been a disaster. Once in office, Trump packed the leadership of U.S. regulatory agencies with pro-corporate zealots, leading to predictable results. They repealed an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule requiring employers to keep accurate records of injuries, repealed a rule requiring that federal contractors follow safety and labor laws, and withdrew an OSHA policy allowing workers to participate in OSHA inspections. In addition, as the AFL-CIO noted, the Trump administration targeted job safety rules for toxic chemicals, mine examinations, and child labor protections for destruction. It also sharply reduced the number of OSHA inspectors. As of 2019, only 875 were enforcing health and safety regulations nationwide―the lowest level in the agency’s half-century of operation.
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Meanwhile, although Trump bragged in June 2019 that the wages of American workers “are rising at the fastest rate in many decades,” this claim is far from the truth. In fact, wages rose faster only a few years before, under his predecessor. Furthermore, an examination of what economists call “real wages”―wages offset by inflation―reveals that they have remained remarkably stagnant during the Trump era. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics later reported, “real” average weekly earnings of American workers rose during 2019 by just one-tenth of 1 percent.
The wage stagnation of the Trump era is particularly hard on America’s vast number of low-paid workers. According to a study by the Brookings Institution appearing in late 2019, 44 percent of U.S. workers (53 million Americans) were employed in low-wage jobs that paid median wages of $18,000 a year. The writers of the report concluded that “nearly half of all workers earn wages that are not enough, on their own, to promote economic security.” Moreover, as data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates, the percentage of low-wage workers has grown dramatically. Naturally, many of these workers have been forced, by economic necessity, to work two―and sometimes three―jobs to survive.
The Trump administration bears considerable responsibility for this impoverishment of American workers. It has consistently opposed raising the starvation-level federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, set in 2009. Indeed, Trump opposes establishing any federal wage minimum, and his GOP minions have blocked a minimum wage increase passed in 2019 by the Democratic-controlled House from being introduced in the Senate. In addition, the Trump administration stymied a scheduled pay raise for federal workers and gutted Obama administration rules that made millions of Americans eligible to receive overtime pay for their overtime work.
Trump has also championed measures to deprive American workers of major healthcare and pension benefits that they have funded through their tax payments. Although, during his 2015-16 campaign, Trump promised never to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, he has repeatedly sought to do so. On February 8, 2020, he again insisted that his new federal budget “will not be touching your Social Security or Medicare.” But, only two days later, Trump unveiled a budget that called for cutting Medicare by half a trillion dollars, Medicaid by $900 billion, and Social Security by $24 billion.
The Trump administration has also been waging an assault upon labor unions, which provide the major organizational muscle defending the rights of America’s workers. Thanks to Trump’s anti-labor appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an agency established in the 1930s to guarantee fair treatment for workers and their unions, it has become ever more difficult for unions to operate. The NLRB has issued rulings constraining how and where workers can organize and protest, gerrymandering bargaining units to the benefit of employers, permitting corporations to fire workers in retaliation for union activity, and narrowing the right to strike. Given the NLRB’s pro-corporate bias, even existing labor organizations―such as unions comprised of graduate student workers―are now being threatened with loss of collective bargaining rights.
In recent decades, as an unrelenting corporate attack has crippled unions in the private sector, big business, the wealthy, and their rightwing allies in public office have turned to destroying the lingering strength of public sector unions. Working toward this goal, they have promoted “right-to-work” laws on the state and national level. These laws, by eliminating the obligation of workers to pay for the union representation they receive, encourage the emergence of millions of “free riders” and, thereby, provide an effective way to undermine unions. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, House Republicans introduced the National Right to Work Act and, within days, the White House announced the new president’s support for “right-to-work” laws.
Although anti-union forces never managed to push the National Right to Work Act through Congress, they did secure an important victory. After they brought the “right-to-work” case of Janus v. AFSCME before the Supreme Court, Trump’s Justice Department joined the case with an anti-union brief. Then, thanks to Trump’s appointment of Neil Gorsuch, a rightwing ideologue, to the Supreme Court, the court issued a 5-4 ruling, overturning precedent and declaring that workers could refuse to pay dues to public sector unions representing them.
In the aftermath of this decision, public sector unions worked vigorously―and, in most cases, successfully―to convince workers to pay dues voluntarily. But their membership did decline. Consequently, despite opinion polls showing that about half of America’s non-unionized workers want to join a union, the Janus decision and the other anti-labor measures of the Trump administration have combined to reduce union membership in the United States to a record low of 10.3 percent.
As a New York Times editorial concluded, Trump, as president, has sent “a clear message to American workers: You’re on your own.”
–end–
Dr. Lawrence Wittner, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is Professor of History emeritus at SUNY/Albany and the author of Confronting the Bomb (Stanford University Press).
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Mobile Mondays: 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Commute (When You're Not Driving)
According to a recent Gallup survey, there’s been a steep decline in the past decade in the number of daily commuters driving themselves to/from work. With more people turning to alternatives like ride shares and mass transit options, smartphones have become indispensable. Here are T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile's tips for how wireless devices can help non-drivers make the most of their daily commute, from learning a new language to simply de-stressing.
1. Stay updated on current events
News happens every day, at every moment – and your commute can be the perfect time to get informed. Want to scroll your way down the rail line? Get news highlights on social media or furiously attack a news feed. Rather rest your eyes? Pop on a new-focused podcast or dial up your favorite radio station app.
2. Catch up with a friend
Haven’t been great about keeping up with certain pals? Use your commute to place a catch-up call, chat with them through text, or even send them a quick email to just let them know you’re thinking about them – research shows it will make you both happier.
3. Binge a book
So many of us complain that we can never find time to read, neglecting the fact that we have a veritable library in the palm of our hands – and even a literal one: Many local libraries these days offer e-books for lending, and of course there are a million and one ways to purchase a book for download, including tons of titles available as audiobooks.
4. Create a to-do list
Organize your day (and night) as you commute. What are your priorities? What can wait? This will help you evaluate your daily goals, putting you in the right mindset to tackle your tasks with more efficiency. Use your smartphone’s voice memo or notes apps, or one of the many specific to-do list apps available for download.
5. Learn a new language
The benefits to learning a new language are many: an improved memory, stronger networking skills, enhanced multi-tasking abilities and more. Download a language app and teach yourself French, Spanish, Japanese, or whatever language sparks joy during your commute. Besides improving your cognitive skills, you’ll be one step closer to speaking flawlessly in a new foreign tongue on your next international vacation.
6. Do simple exercises
Sorry, but not having the time is no longer a valid excuse for not working out. Whether it be tightening your abs or doing seated twists, take advantage of your commute time and incorporate easy exercises into your daily routine — YouTube has a plethora of options. You’ll get the blood flowing, relieve muscle tension and feel more energized.
7. Take a breather
Simply take more time for yourself. Destress, let your mind wander and self-reflect. Take advantage of the Zen-inducing resources available on your smartphone … or take time to do nothing but gaze out the window. The world is a beautiful place, and you’re right in the middle of it. If inspiration strikes you, maybe even snap a FOMO-inducing photo!
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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: 24th February 2020
Ordnance Survey hacked: Employees’ data exposed
A hacker stole the personal data of 1,000 employees of the Ordnance Survey (OS), the government-owned mapping agency for Britain, GlobalData’s technology news site Verdict can reveal.
The agency, which produces digital and paper maps for businesses and consumers, confirmed the breach, but was unable to go into detail about the type of personal details that were compromised.
An OS spokesperson said that fewer than five employees had their bank details “potentially” compromised and no customer data was affected,
The OS discovered the breach during IT checks in January this year, closing it immediately after discovery. OS did not disclose when the breach started. Staff have been notified, with OS providing access to identity fraud protection services to its employees.
GlobalData understands that the hacker compromised the OS email account of its chief financial officer to send payroll files to an external email address. However, the OS spokesperson was unable to confirm or deny this.
In a statement, the OS said: “During IT security checks we identified a data breach which targeted an Ordnance Survey email account. We immediately took action and implemented a number of measures including informing the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). The ICO confirmed that they intend to take no further action in relation to the data breach.
“Investigations have identified that some employee information has been potentially compromised. We are working with all affected employees providing advice and guidance on personal information security. As a precaution employees have been offered access to an identity fraud protection scheme.
“We have no evidence to believe that any customer information has been compromised or that any OS systems were targeted.”
An ICO spokesperson said: “The Ordnance Survey made us aware of an incident. After looking at the details and the remedial actions Ordnance Survey undertook, we provided the organisation with advice and concluded no further action was necessary.”
Rob Scammell, GlobalData’s Verdict Deputy Editor, said: “Phishing attacks are a low-cost, high volume method for cybercriminals to steal personal data. The hack of Ordnance Survey shows that anyone can be targeted, be it a government agency or senior member of staff."
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Hi Dawn,
With March 6 being Employee Appreciation Day and Americans outworking many of their foreign peers by hundreds of extra hours per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s Hardest-Working Cities in America as well as accompanying videos.
In order to determine where Americans work the hardest, WalletHub compared the 116 largest cities across 11 key metrics. The data set ranges from employment rate to average hours worked per week to share of workers with multiple jobs.
Top 20 Hardest-Working Cities in America
1. Anchorage, AK
11. Denver, CO
2. San Francisco, CA
12. Aurora, CO
3. Virginia Beach, VA
13. Dallas, TX
4. Cheyenne, WY
14. Chesapeake, VA
5. Irving, TX
15. Portland, ME
6. Norfolk, VA
16. Nashville, TN
7. Corpus Christi, TX
17. Fort Worth, TX
8. Washington, DC
18. Honolulu, HI
9. Austin, TX
19. Billings, MT
10. Plano, TX
20. Sioux Falls, SD
Key Stats
To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/hardest-working-cities-in-america/10424/
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Governor Gary R. Herbert's Schedule
February 24, 2020 - February 28, 2020
**The Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**
Monday, February 24
10:30 p.m. Attend Leadership Meeting
Location: Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Meet with Chief of Staff
Location: Governor's Office
1:00 p.m. Meet with Lt. Governor Spencer Cox
Location: Governor’s Office
2:00 p.m. Meet with General Counsel
Location: Governor’s Office
Tuesday, February 25
11:00 a.m. Meet with Staff
Location: Governor's Office
5:00 p.m. Meet with Legislative Leadership
Location: Governor’s Office
Wednesday, February 26
9:15 a.m. Speak at Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund Kick Off Event
Location: Salt Lake City
Media Access
2:45 p.m. Speak at Utah Committee for the Games Board Meeting Event
Location: Salt Lake City
Media Access by Invitation
6:30 p.m. Speak at UCAIR Event
Location: Salt Lake City
Media Access
Thursday, February 27
10:00 a.m. Governor’s Monthly News Conference
Location: KUED Studios, Salt Lake City
Media Availability
12:00 p.m. “Let Me Speak to the Governor” Radio Show
Location: KSL Studios, Salt Lake City
Friday, February 28
8:45 a.m. Attend Cabinet Meeting
Location: State Capitol Building
Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox's Schedule
February 24, 2020 - February 28, 2020
**The Lt. Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**
Monday, February 24
9:00 a.m. Speak at Career Technical Education Day on the Hill
Location: State Capitol Building, Presentation Room
10:30 a.m. Attend Governor’s Leadership Meeting
Location: Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Meet Jordan School District Student Body Presidents
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
12:30 p.m. Elections Review with Staff
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
1:00 p.m. Weekly Update with Governor Herbert
Location: Governor’s Office
3:30 p.m. Meet with Staff
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
Tuesday, February 25
10:45 a.m. Film Multicultural Youth Leadership Day Welcome Video
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
11:15 a.m. Meet with the Utah Retired School Employees Association
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
5:00 p.m. Meet with Legislative Leadership
Location: Senate Chambers, Utah State Capitol
Wednesday, February 26
8:30 a.m. Speak at the Utah Asphalt Conference
Location: Sandy
Media Access
11:30 a.m. Meet with the Utah State University Government Relations Council
Location: House Caucus Room, Utah State Capitol
Thursday, February 27
12:00 p.m. Speak at the Utah Structural Engineering Association Annual Conference
Location: Layton
3:00 p.m. State Building Ownership Authority Meeting
Location: Governor’s Office
3:30 p.m. Meet with St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Group
Location: State Capitol Building, Gold Room
4:30 p.m. Shelter the Homeless Board Meeting
Location: Salt Lake City
Friday, February 28
8:45 a.m. Attend Cabinet Meeting
Location: State Capitol Building, Capitol Boardroom
10:00 a.m. Meet with Uintah High School Government Class
Location: State Capitol Building, Gold Room
10:30 a.m. Update with Chief of Staff
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
========================
Pipeline hate is misplaced
By Michael James Barton
Sixteen-year-old Swedish student Greta Thunberg admonished global leaders at last year's United Nations: "We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!"
But it's her parents who are daring. Why terrorize children with fairy tales of mass extinction?
When faced with a choice between easy rhetoric and actual science-based reductions in greenhouse emissions, green activists opt for emotional grandstanding. So it was no surprise when Greta visited American Indian reservations in the Dakotas to condemn two pipeline projects.
One of them, Keystone XL, would traverse under South Dakota as it brings Canadian crude oil to Nebraska. The other, Dakota Access, would increase the amount of oil flowing through an existing underground pipeline between North Dakota and Illinois.
Activists insist on scaring Greta, rather than acknowledging that pipelines are in the environment's best interest.
Transporting oil underground generates over 75 percent less greenhouse gas than transporting it by train.
It is also far safer. Spills are over four times more likely to occur via rail than a pipeline. More than 99 percent of pipeline accidents do no harm to the environment.
During the Obama and Trump administrations, Keystone XL passed six different environmental assessments determining the project was safe. Dakota Access twice received the "green" light from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In the environmental fantasy sold to Ms. Thunberg, all oil and gas production gets shut down immediately in favor of clean energy and renewables. Unfortunately, that would result in the very mass extinction she has been taught to fear. Well into the foreseeable future, there is no way to power the global economy without some greenhouse emissions.
In fact, behind the biggest source of reduced emissions over the past decade has been the increase in the production of natural gas, which has replaced older, dirtier coal in electricity generation plants nationwide.
I suspect Ms. Thunberg may one day look back and wonder why she was told that economic growth was evil.
Five months after operations began, Dakota Access added $43 million to North Dakota's state coffers. Soon after that, the state collected an additional $250 million in tax revenue. And during construction, the pipeline generated roughly 12,000 jobs.
If allowed to move forward, Keystone XL will yield similar benefits. The pipeline is projected to create 20,000 jobs and yield $6.5 billion in worker income during construction. The project would add $20 billion to local economies.
Pipeline projects like Keystone XL and Dakota Access will bring environmental and economic benefits. That is, unless green activists stand in the way. How dare they.
Michael James Barton is the founder of Hyatt Solutions and speaks around the country on energy and energy security matters. He previously served as the deputy director of Middle East policy at the Pentagon.
==============================
Dozens of pets expected at VetIQ Petcare Wellness Center in Sandy, Riverton Walmart Supercenter Openings
Grand Opening of walk-in preventive veterinary service centers features offering of a convenient and affordable way to take care of your pet wellness needs
High-quality, convenient and affordable preventive veterinary services will now be available for residents in the Sandy and Riverton areas, as a VetIQ Petcare Wellness Center will host its grand opening on Saturday, February 29 starting at 10 am at the Walmart Supercenters located at: 9151 S, Quarry Bend Dr, Sandy, UT and 13502 Hamilton View Road in Riverton,UT.
To commemorate the grand opening, the VetIQ Petcare Wellness Center will celebrate with meet and greets with the staff, freebies for pet parents and their pets, a treat bar with goodies for dogs and cats and multiple raffles to win free services from the Wellness Center. Additionally, the VIP Petcare Wellness Center is offering pet parents 50 percent off of services rendered for their first visit.
Story Angles:
VetIQ Petcare veterinarians will be available to answer pressing questions about pet health such as:
Is the Coronavirus dangerous for pets, can it be transmitted through pets?
Can pets get the common flu?
Are pets allergic to people? Hint: Yes!
Flea and tic season is around the corner. What should pet parents know.
February is oral health month for pets. Find out about the dangers of not having regular cleanings.
Pet obesity - by far the “biggest” issue in pet health.
VetIQ managers also on hand to speak about changing consumer needs and bringing back a more popular brick and mortar experience that allows pet parents to satisfy all their pet needs in one location.
The Wellness Center offers pets preventive veterinary and wellness services that fit their pet parent’s budget and lifestyle.
All three locations offer transparent pricing for its services without any hidden fees or office visit charges that can prevent pet parents from providing routine and preventive care to their pets.
A licensed veterinarian will be on site, and no appointments are required, so pet parents can take their dogs and cats for regular exams and vaccines when it’s most convenient for them.
The locations offer a range of preventive care and wellness services and will provide pet parents with prescriptions for their pets which can be filled in-store at Walmart’s pharmacy.
Consider this as you review:
68% of American households are pet parents
95% of pet parents consider their pet a part of the family
The American Pet Products Association estimates that pet parents will spend over $75 billion on their pets this year.
The APPA also estimates that $18.11 billion will be spent in Vet costs
WHAT: VETIQ Petcare Wellness Center Grand Opening
WHO: Pets, pet parents, veterinarians and staff
WHEN: Saturday, February 29 10 am - 3 pm (subject to change)
WHERE: VetIQ Petcare
Walmart Supercenter
9151 S, Quarry Bend Dr.
Sandy, UT 84094
VetIQ Petcare
Walmart Supercenter
13502 Hamilton View Rd
Riverton, UT
CONTACT: Greg Wiley, 215-840-8843, gwiley018@gmail.com
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