Unions

California Divide

California may give fast food workers power to bargain with their industry

Push to pass a labor-sponsored bill is a key ‘Fight for $15’ priority and a potential organizing foothold in an industry where unionization has long been elusive.

By Alejandro Lazo and Jeanne Kuang • June 2, 2022

WhatMatters

Port labor talks collide with supply chain crunch

Imminent labor negotiations at ports in California and along the West Coast could either improve or worsen the supply chain crisis.

By Emily Hoeven • May 9, 2022

WhatMatters

Deal struck to avert big ballot box fight

A legislative deal will keep a malpractice measure off the November California election ballot, but another issue is headed for voters.

By Emily Hoeven • April 28, 2022

WhatMatters

Tax Day reveals difficult California truth: Many in financial straits

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. Today, as millions of Californians rush to file their tax returns and apply for tax credits, state lawmakers are returning to Sacramento from an 11-day spring recess — and preparing to resume negotiations over […]

By Emily Hoeven • April 18, 2022

Politics

Why is so much special interest money flowing into a California special election?

Big labor and big business are spending big bucks in a special election for a San Diego seat in the state Assembly. The campaign, now headed to a June 7 runoff, previews battles to come in the 2022 campaign.

By Ben Christopher • April 4, 2022

WhatMatters

California’s economy is recovering. Are workers?

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. On the surface, California’s economic recovery from the pandemic is looking rosier and rosier — but underneath, worker discontent is brewing. Today, nursing home workers are scheduled to hold events across the state — […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 28, 2022

WhatMatters

Divisions plague California Democratic Party

The divisions among California Democrats were on display during the party convention, including tensions with labor and progressives.

By Emily Hoeven • March 7, 2022

Commentary

Why single-payer health care failed in the Legislature

The unprecedented breadth and depth of the tax increase to fund single-payer health care is economically tone deaf.

By Guest Commentary • February 8, 2022

California Divide

In familiar refrain, United Farm Workers grapples with how to grow

United Farm Workers membership has been down for years, so low that UC Merced researchers declared farmworker union membership statistically zero for 2020. Supporters say it’s too early to write the union’s obituary but UFW struggles to push its political agenda and grow its ranks.

By Melissa Montalvo and Nigel Duara • January 18, 2022

Politics

What’s behind the ‘Great Resignation’ of California lawmakers?

An unusually high number of influential state legislators are retiring or running for higher office. The reasons include a combination of new electoral districts, term limits and political ambition.

By Ben Christopher • January 10, 2022