EQUAL TIME is where Vermonters talk about issues ignored by the corporate media—mothers opposing toxic pollution, workers fighting for decent jobs, nurses working for health care reform, students speaking out about their education, farmers struggling against corporate agribusiness, and more.
Professor Richard Wolff, author of Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism, discusses Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century's research on inequality and the wealth divide while also offering a more systemic critique of capitalism. Piketty’s book is an exhaustive examination of income inequality, based on a formidable database that he and others assembled, that is available online.
Melanie Zinn, who runs the home based HoriZinn Early Learning Program, and Ben Johnson, president of Vermont AFT, discuss the legislative session, particularly education related legislation. After years of grassroots organizing early educators and their allies finally won legislation that recognizes the right of home-based child care providers to unionize and negotiate subsidies with the state. Now, early child-care providers in Vermont will have the opportunity to vote in an election to prove their majority and win a stronger voice through their union, Vermont Early Educators United.
George Lovell, Vermont AFL-CIO president, and Dennis LaBounty, Political Director for the Vermont AFL-CIO, assess the legislative session from the perspective of working Vermonters. Workers rights and collective bargaining are under attack throughout the world, but particularly in the USA. However, in Vermont working people, through their organizations, have made some important political gains in this biennium. The Vermont Legislature is getting credit for raising the state minimum wage.
George Lovell, Vermont AFL-CIO president, and Dennis LaBounty, Political Director for the Vermont AFL-CIO, assess the legislative session from the perspective of working Vermonters. Workers rights and collective bargaining are under attack throughout the world, but particularly in the USA. However, in Vermont working people, through their organizations, have made some important political gains in this biennium. The Vermont Legislature is getting credit for raising the state minimum wage.
Aaron Marrotte, a residential instructor and member of AFSCME Local 1674 at the HowardCenter discusses safety issues at the Center, including multi-tasking that is putting clients at risk, lack of support for the professional staff, and availability of management. Aaron explains that Center staff provide vital services to our communities. They give opportunity to the neediest of Burlington – and do it out of love and compassion for the people they serve.