Business + Labor
Detroit resident physicians file for union recognition
Adding to the ongoing surge of unionization activity in the last few years, a group of resident physicians in Detroit announced Friday that they have filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This marks the first step of unionization for the health care workers, who work at Detroit Medical Center hospitals […]
Public comment reopened on Romulus facility that accepted waste from Ohio train derailment
After receiving toxic debris last month from an Ohio train derailment, the public comment period for a license renewal request by the operators of a hazardous waste facility in Romulus will be reopened. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) this month announced the extended public comment period, which was confirmed by the Michigan Department of […]
Energy, clean water and pollution top list of environmental priorities for House Dems
Michigan House Majority Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) on Friday outlined House Democrats’ environmental priorities for this term, pledging action on energy policy and highlighting issues like pollution in vulnerable communities. Strengthening polluter pay laws, addressing aging infrastructure, and examining waste policies and environmental impacts are key issues, Aiyash said in a webinar hosted by Conan […]
MPSC OKs higher compensation for residents after power outages
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday approved an increase in power outage credits for eligible customers from $25 to $35. The order also provides an additional $35 for each day customers are without power and makes the credits automatic. Previously, customers were required to apply for the credit. “The credits may not cover […]
Rick Haglund: Whitmer says ‘bigotry is bad for business.’ Is it true?
It was a clever phrase designed to grab headlines, and it did. “Bigotry is bad for business,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in her January State of the State speech, imploring lawmakers to add anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation to the state’s civil rights law. They ultimately obliged and Whitmer signed the […]
The nation’s biggest electric capacity market needs fixing, critics say
The nation’s largest grid operator is warning that it might not have enough electric generation in the future to guarantee reliability. And it comes as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission convenes a forum on the multibillion-dollar capacity market PJM operates to ensure there’s enough power to meet demand even during grid emergencies, such as during […]
Army Corps extends enviro review for Enbridge tunnel project, angering both sides of Line 5 debate
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced Thursday that it is delaying a key step in its review process of the proposed Line 5 oil pipeline replacement project, drawing complaints both from pipeline owner Enbridge and opponents of the project. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) from USACE previously had a planned publishing timeframe […]
‘Their influence on me is immeasurable’
Betty DeRamus and Susan Watson were “two of the most gifted women in the history of Detroit journalism.” That’s according to Judy Diebolt, a retired Detroit Free Press and Detroit News journalist who added that it was her “privilege to get to work with both of them.” DeRamus and Watson, both African American, started reporting […]
U of M graduate instructors approve strike authorization
Faced with steep cost of living increases, including burdensome rents, unionized graduate student workers at the University of Michigan voted Thursday night to authorize a strike should union leaders determine it’s necessary in an effort to secure increased wages in their new contract. Ninety-five percent of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3500 members […]
Unions praise Whitmer for signing Right to Work repeal, prevailing wage restoration bills
Updated, 3:16 p.m., 3/24/23 Unions and other pro-labor groups on Friday celebrated the signing of a set of bills to reverse GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder-era laws that have curtailed union power and pushed down wages. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday afternoon signed House Bills 4004 and 4007 and Senate Bill 34. HB 4004 […]
Native American agricultural leaders detail farm bill priorities at U.S. Senate hearing
WASHINGTON — A roundtable of Native American agricultural leaders at a recent U.S. Senate hearing lobbied for increased sovereignty and social justice in the coming farm bill by expanding tribes’ jurisdiction over U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. It’s called “638” authority and refers to Public Law 93-638, which gives tribes the power to manage certain federal […]
Members of Congress blast TikTok CEO as bipartisan support for U.S. ban looks possible
A U.S. House panel grilled TikTok’s CEO for more than five hours Thursday over the social media giant’s ties to China, and indicated there may be bipartisan consensus for a national ban on the platform. Members of both parties showed an unusual level of agreement during tough questioning of TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Several members […]