Econ Discussion #8 - Unions

Unions have great power in our country.  Over the past three years teachers unions have been in the news.  The primary issue is are retirement plans, base salary, class size, and most recently heath care.

The concern in Wisconsin was that the government was trying to eliminate collective bargaining for teachers unions.

Read the following articles and watch the videos and post your opinions on how states should meet funding and still keep workers happy.  Secondly, put yourself in both shoes, teachers and lawmakers, what would you recommend?

Union Issues
Multiple Points of view
Union President Opinion - watch starting at 3:30
Pro less government video
Pro Less Government control

Industry Analysis Part #5 - Labor and your industry

The labor market is important to all industries.  Your task is to analyze the labor market in your industry.  Look for information on the following topics

• name of union if one, union dues cost
• average employee salary
• future outlook of work in the industry
• level of training required for the industry - skill level
• specific examples of worker issues during the past 10 years
• Current demand for jobs
• Current supply for jobs

Weekly Plan 4/18 - 5/6

Monday - TE ch 5.3
   LO - SWBAT - discuss the cost and benefits of minimum wage laws
Tuesday - Ch 5 discussion
  LO - SWBAT - list specific elements of labor and increasing their human capital
Wednesday - Ch 5 Discussion - labor unions
   LO - SWBAT - describe the requirements to start a union
Thursday - TE ch 5.4
  LO -  SWBAT - list the advantages and disadvantages of joining a union
Friday - Industry  Assignment #5 - labor unions
LO - SWBAT -  site union impact in their specific industries

Monday - TE 5.5
  LO - SWBAT list two effects of wages increase on the labor market
Tuesday - Review ch 5, practice test
  LO - SWBAT write short summaries on ch 5 topics
Wednesday - labor Union Discusson - Croxford
  LO - SWBAT demonstrate labor market knowledge on an exam
Thursday - Investing Guest speaker - Mike Nichols
  LO SWBAT write checks, post to a bank register
Friday - Test Ch 5
  LO SWBAT explain one investments risk factor

Monday-Intoduction to bank account - Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT reconcile a bank account with five transactions
Tuesday- Reconcie Bank Accounts-  Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT explain the three different types of insurance
Wednesday- Industry Research day- Ellis gone all day
  LO - SWBAT describe specific advantages and disadvantages of three different investments
Thursday - Ch 7 overview
  LO - SWBAT describe basic components to market competition
Friday- TE ch 7.1 Market structure
  LO - SWBAT identify four market structures

Econ Discussion #7 - labor equality

Recently a Wal-mart lawsuit that women employees at Wal-Mart earned less than male employees hit the supreme court.  In a speedy historic decision, the supremen court did not rule in favor of women.

Here is the discussion. 

1. Have you ever been discriminated - age, gender, religion, ethnic?
2. What should the U.S. do to eliminate discrimination?
3. Are we doing enough?
4. What is your opinion of the supreme court decison?
5. Do you fear discrimination in your next 15 year future?

Background article

Supreme Court Decision

Interview with woman who originated lawsuit