Government Union Report

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne is joined by J.C. Bowman, Executive Director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, to explore a groundbreaking model of public sector labor relations: collaborative conferencing. Bowman explains how Tennessee moved away from adversarial collective bargaining toward a more cooperative, teacher-driven process that empowers educators while avoiding exclusive representation and political entanglements.They discuss how the model works in practice, its bipartisan origins, the role of multiple organizations at the table, and why it might serve as a blueprint for reform in other states like Pennsylvania. With stories from the field and a clear-eyed view of the pitfalls of adversarial labor relations, this conversation offers a compelling case for a new path forward in teacher representation.

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne welcomes Utah State Representative Jordan Teuscher to discuss his groundbreaking Public Sector Labor Union Amendments bill. Teuscher explains how the legislation aims to increase transparency, protect worker rights, and limit union influence in government operations. They explore the bill's key provisions, including restrictions on payroll deductions for union dues and enhanced reporting requirements. Teuscher shares his insights on the challenges of passing labor reforms and why this bill could serve as a model for other states.Tune in to learn how Utah's bold approach to union reform could help reshape public sector labor policy nationwide.

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne welcomes Steve Delie, Director of Labor Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, to discuss the continued decline of union membership in both the private and public sectors. They explore why unionization rates are dropping despite high-profile organizing efforts, the impact of the landmark 2018 Janus decision, and how state-level labor reforms—such as opt-in policies and recertification requirements—are reshaping union influence. Steve shares key insights from data-driven research, highlighting the financial and membership challenges unions face post-Janus and what the future may hold for organized labor.Tune in for a deep dive into the numbers, policies, and legal battles shaping the public sector labor landscape.

Jake Altman, author of Socialism before Sanders, joins Disunion: The Government Union Report podcast host David R. Osborne to discuss labor unions and their challenges. Altman, a former union leader, criticizes extreme leftist positions within unions, citing examples like campus protests. He advocates for democratic reforms, transparency, and inclusive decision-making in unions. Altman suggests that moderates should organize and run for union leadership to counteract far-left influences. The conversation highlights the need for balanced, democratic union practices to better represent and engage members.   David and Jake may not agree on everything regarding unions and labor organizing, but they believe in the value of civil discourse in an effort to find more common ground. By embracing respectful dialogue and exploring shared solutions, this episode reminds us that even in disagreement, progress is possible when the focus remains on fostering fair and inclusive practices.

In this episode, Liya Palagashvili, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center, joins host David R. Osborne to discuss her forthcoming research on the costs and benefits of powerful labor unions.  Her findings suggest that, while unions can secure higher wages in the short term, they may lead to slower employment growth and fewer jobs in the long run. They explore the impact of union strength, the role of job security, and the potential benefits of decentralized union models. Wrapping up, David and Liya touch on the public sector, noting that job security clauses can limit job opportunities and mobility, particularly for younger workers. You're in for treat! Take a listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David R. Osborne interviews Nathan McGrath, President and General Counsel of The Fairness Center, about a potential Supreme Court case involving exclusive representation by unions in public-sector employment. The case, Goldstein v. PSC, involves six professors challenging a faculty union's status as their exclusive representative. They posit that the union's public stance against Israel and perceived anti-Semitic views conflict with their personal beliefs and that the union's representation impacts their First Amendment rights. Osborne and McGrath delve into the legal implications of exclusive representation, where a union speaks for all employees in a bargaining unit, including non-members, and restricts individual negotiations. They discuss how exclusive representation in New York grants significant union power, even allowing the union to pursue anti-Israel stances as part of its collective bargaining scope. This case, they suggest, could reshape public sector labor rights and potentially dismantle exclusive representation if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case and finds that it infringes on employees' rights to free speech and association.

How does public union policy impact you? More than you may realize.  Disunion: The Government Union Report's David R. Osborne hosts Miley Smith, Senior Director of Labor Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute to discuss the impact of Illinois' Amendment One - which grants a fundamental right to unionize and expands bargaining rights. Amendment One is unique in its scope and has led to legislative staffers attempting to unionize, despite historical prohibitions. Smith highlights the amendment's potential to override state laws and its implications for collective bargaining, including the right to strike. Additionally, Smith addresses the diversion of union dues to political contributions in swing states, which may conflict with the political preferences of Illinois government workers.

In this episode, host David Osborne is joined by Commonwealth Foundation Policy Analyst Andrew Holman. Together they co-authored co-author the most up to date report on public sector labor laws: The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading State Public Sector Labor Laws. David and Andrew discuss the latest developments in public sector labor policy on the podcast while highlighting the following: - Michigan's reversal of paycheck protection laws, allowing unions to collect dues through the public payroll system, and the introduction of a "fair share fee trigger law." -Florida's recertification reforms, increasing the membership threshold for union re-elections, are also noted. The conversation covers the significant financial impact of the Janus decision on unions, with a combined loss of over 380,000 fair share fee payers and 320,000 members. - Illinois' new constitutional amendment granting workers the fundamental right to organize is also discussed, along with the potential risks and implications for union power and worker rights. Tune in, stay informed, and let us know what you think!

In this insightful episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne is joined by James Sherk, the Director of the Center for American Freedom, to delve into public sector labor policy. The discussion highlights key issues and common misrepresentations within the sector. Sherk outlines significant achievements in enhancing job satisfaction among federal employees, while Osborne underscores the importance of understanding union history and its influence on contemporary policies. It's a deep dive episode, and one you won't want to miss. Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Get ready for a riveting episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report! Host David Osborne is joined by The Daily Signal Investigative Columnist and WIBC radio host Tony Kennett for an eye-opening discussion on the powerful influence of teacher unions. Dive deep into how these unions are shaping state primaries by targeting Republican candidates and wielding their financial muscle to sway education policy. David and Tony don't hold back as they uncover the contradictions and limitations within teacher unions, from their controversial role in public education funding to the growing perception that they may not truly represent the voices of teachers. The conversation takes a dynamic turn as they explore the heated political landscape surrounding school choice, unpacking the alliances and conflicts that define this critical issue. Tune in for an episode packed with insights, controversies, and a fresh perspective on the future of education in America.

In this episode, host David R. Osborne and Vice President and Legal Director of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation Bill Messenger delve into the complexities of public sector unionization. The conversation heats up as they debate the challenges posed by compulsory union dues, exclusive representation, and the processes of union certification and decertification. They examine the decline in union membership, the principle of voluntary free choice, and the constitutional questions surrounding compulsory unionism clauses. It's an informative and exciting episode, so tune in and stay informed!

Join host David Osborne and guest Christian Barnard (Assistant Director of Education Reform at Reason Foundation) as they delve into the intricate dynamics behind the stagnant teacher salaries despite soaring investments in education. In this thought-provoking podcast, they dissect the complexities of benefit costs, labor policies, and union subsidies that divert crucial funds away from instructional salaries. Through insightful discussions, they shed light on how addressing these systemic issues could pave the way for a much-needed reevaluation of teacher compensation. Later in the episode, the focus shifts to the challenges faced by teacher unions in advocating for fair wages, exploring topics such as incentives, compensation structures, and the fiscal impact of pension obligations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping teacher salaries and the path towards meaningful change in education.

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne interviews a physical education teacher John Grande. Mr. Grande has been a teacher for 36 years. After expressing frustration with mandatory diversity training, he was disciplined by his employer. He has now filed a lawsuit arguing his First Amendment rights were violated when he faced disciplinary action for answering a question during the training. In this episode, we touch on the issues of union leadership, political activism, teachers' rights, and contract negotiations. So tune in, get informed, and let us know what you think!

Join host and Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow for Labor Policy David R. Osborne as we dive into discussions of the positive public policies that would clear up what has become the murky world of government unions.

How did teachers' unions morph from representing teachers' needs to some of the largest special interest and politically active organizations in our country?  In the series premier of Disunion: The Government Union Report, join host David Osborne and guest Professor Michael Hartney as they dive into an enlightening discussion on the frameworks in place that subsidize the power and influence of teachers' unions - enabling them to become dominant forces in educational policy and politics.