A new report from researchers from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finds that not only is rising inequality a drag on economic growth, but that policies designed to lessen inequality through a moderate level of redistribution do not slow growth. While the report is clear in stating it isn't the official opinion or policy of the IMF, researchers Jonathan D. Ostry, Andrew Berg and Charalambos G. Tsangarides make a compelling case that austerity policies are bad for economic growth and that it isn't just morally sound to reduce income inequality, it's the economically wise choice, too. While countries have pursued policies focused heavily on deficit reduction and lower government spending, the new report suggests those legislative priorities may be the wrong approach to economic growth, joining a growing chorus of evidence from economic analysts that is pushing for a move away from austerity. Read more >>>

The economy added 175,000 jobs in February—62,000 more than the January job gain but still far below what is needed for recovery—and the nation’s unemployment rate was nearly unchanged at 6.7%, compared with January’s 6.6%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of long-term unemployed people (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose by 203,000, increasing the number of long-term jobless workers to 3.8 million. Read more >>>

Last year, Denise Imundo’s husband had surgery on his neck that forced him out of the job market. He went four months without work, and although he was eligible to receive disability payments, they only covered one-third of his salary. And when the holidays approached, finances were getting tight.

But instead of racking up debt, the couple’s Union Plus Credit Card offers special assistance for eligible cardholders. Read more>>>

As the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for the Denver Metro Area, the Denver Area Labor Federation represents more than 50,000 union members through its political and organizing programs.

Founded in 1882, the Federation works with local and national labor and community organizations around policies and initiatives in support of worker rights. DALF works closely with the Colorado AFL-CIO in implementing the New Alliance Program for strength and solidarity across our labor movement.

Read more...

Donate to the Denver Area Labor Federation.

Its down to the wire in Wisconsin to see whether anti-worker Governor Scott Walker gets to keep his job. Please join us in calling into Wisconsin to make sure that we stand up to people who are willing to put us down. This race will have an impact all over the country.