Research Roundup A Quarterly Selection of New Research on Jobs, Workplace Standards and the Economy
The Effects of Living Wages on Workers and Firms: Evidence from the Los Angeles Ordinance (Policy Matters): Living wage laws are generally beneficial to poor families, with limited negative impacts on business. In fact, employers covered by living wage ordinances may even benefit from lower rates of worker turnover and absenteeism. The article, by UC Riverside economist David Fairris, is based on a 2005 report authored by LAANE researchers and University of California economists.
Behind the Pay Gap (American Association of University Women Educational Foundation): Just one year out of college, women working full time already earn less than their male colleagues, even when they work in the same field. Ten years after graduation, the pay gap widens.
Women's Wage Gains Continue to Exceed Those of Men in California (California Budget Project): Women’s wage gains surpassed those of their male counterparts across the earnings distribution in the early 2000s, reflecting, in part, women’s concentration in sectors of the economy that experienced strong growth. Still, on the average women continue to earn less than men.
Declining Health Coverage in the Southern California Grocery Industry (UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education): The changes in grocery health plans and reductions in starting wages at the major unionized grocery chains have dramatically reduced health care coverage in the grocery industry Southern California.
How Immigrants Affect California Employment and Wages (Public Policy Institute of California): There is no evidence that the influx of immigrants over the past four decades has worsened the employment opportunities of natives with similar education and experience in the state. In fact, immigration induced a 4 percent real wage increase for the average native worker between 1990 and 2004. Recent immigrants did lower the wages of previous immigrants.
Life in the Valley Economy: Silicon Valley Progress Report 2007 (Working Partnership USA): Silicon Valley families weathered tough times in the recession only to face even tougher times in the recovery. The region provided 156,700 fewer jobs in January 2007 than in January 2001, a 15.4% drop. Between 2000 and 2005, median real household income
in Santa Clara County fell by $9,011.
Click above to watch a short video— featuring honoree Jane Fonda—from LAANE's Women for a New Los Angeles Luncheon.
Recommended Reading Special women’s edition selection of books on labor history, democracy and the progressive movement
in America
L.A. Story By Ruth Milkman
Sociologist and labor expert Ruth Milkman explains how Los Angeles, once known as a company town hostile to labor, became a hotbed for unionism, and how immigrant service workers emerged as the unlikely leaders in the battle for workers’ rights.
Blue Grit: True Democrats Take Back Politics From the Politicians By Laura Flanders
The feminist Air America radio host and successful author explains how progressives are coming after the conservative establishment with new talent, new ideas, new media and new cash, and they have their sights set on building a new progressive movement, whether or not the Democratic Party is ready.
Femininity in Flight By Kathleen Barry
This book argues that the way flight attendants have seen themselves, been marketed and have organized reflects shifting views of the role of women in American society.
Gendering Labor History By Alice Kessler-Harris
A leading historian articulates gender’s fundamental importance in the shaping of U.S. history and working-class culture in this book of essays.
On the Picket Line Mary E. Triece
Working-class women developed their own tactics and leadership styles to challenge economic injustice and discrimination during the Great Depression. This book looks at the way female organizers often used a more personal speaking style to connect with audiences.
Sociologist and labor expert Ruth Milkman explains how Los Angeles, once known as a company town hostile to labor, became a hotbed for unionism, and how immigrant service workers emerged as the unlikely leaders in the battle for workers’ rights.
The feminist Air America radio host and successful author explains how progressives are coming after the conservative establishment with new talent, new ideas, new media and new cash, and they have their sights set on building a new progressive movement, whether or not the Democratic Party is ready.
This book argues that the way flight attendants have seen themselves, been marketed and have organized reflects shifting views of the role of women in American society.
A leading historian articulates gender’s fundamental importance in the shaping of U.S. history and working-class culture in this book of essays.
Working-class women developed their own tactics and leadership styles to challenge economic injustice and discrimination during the Great Depression. This book looks at the way female organizers often used a more personal speaking style to connect with audiences.