Work Is Not The Enemy
Doesn’t it seem strange that we can have a shortage of skilled labor, a crumbling infrastructure, and rising unemployment? How did we get into this fix? Are we lazy? Our society has slowly redefined what it means to have a “good job.” The portrayals in Hollywood and the messages from Madison Avenue have been unmistakable. “Work less and be happy!” For the last thirty years we’ve been celebrating a different kind of work. We’ve aspired to other opportunities. We’ve stopped making things. We’ve convinced ourselves that “good jobs” are the result of a four year degree. That’s bunk. Not all knowledge comes from college. Skill is back in demand. Steel toed boots are back in fashion. And Work Is Not The Enemy.

Who Got Hired for What February 2012 Edition

Pssst. Can you keep a secret? Things look like they are getting better with our economy. At least when it comes to job creation. But don’t tell anybody! I don’t want to jinx this. How much better? Try 8.3% Unemployment!!! Shhhhh. Seriously, we’re still on shaky ground but these numbers have got to make even the most cynical among us to feel like things are finally heading in the right direction. Let’s just keep this between us for now. 243,000 new jobs! Okay, let’s stay calm and look at the numbers: Read More...

Whose Right Is It Anyway (To Work)?

From the outbox of Meyer’s inbox:

“Indiana could become the first state to embrace a right-to-work law in more than a decade, alarming organized labor proponents who fear a shift in public support for workers’ rights.” That is the opening salvo from the following article from CNN. It delves into the issue that Indiana workers and workers all around the country are facing. If you are already a member of union you could see this as an erosion of union rights. On the other hand, if you are looking for work and a company comes rolling into town because it’s a “right to work” state, you might not really complain. No matter which side you’re on, we can all agree it’s a delightful little wedge issue added to the long list of other wedge issues that wedges us apart from each other.

WHAT RIGHT-TO-WORK LAWS REALLY MEAN

By Elizabeth G. Olson, contributor

FORTUNE — As the economy continues to wobble, the American divide on labor rights is playing out in some unexpected locales. Indiana is in the spotlight now, as it prepares to adopt a law that unions say will weaken their ranks. Read More...

Live Blogging (Sorta): “Medical Waste”

Already by the title, I’m sensing trouble ahead on this new “Dirty Jobs” episode. “After making the trip out to the city of Sioux Falls in South Dakota, host Mike Rowe joins the crew of Medical Waste Transport Incorporated to work alongside the company’s other employees as a processor of medical waste.” Okay, they really need to get some new writers for these show descriptions. Here’s how I would write this without even seeing the show. “It’s Dirty Jobs. It’s Mike Rowe. It’s medical waste. If you haven’t had dinner yet, count yourself lucky. As for the rest of you, you’ve been warned.” Lets see how close I am to describing this episode. Roll tape: Read More...