Unemployment

Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas

Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America

Paul Vallas promises that he’ll grow the police force. Brandon Johnson says that to build safety, he’ll “invest in people.” What does that mean, and what are voters choosing betwee...

Mar 31, 2023 / Eric Reinhart

The Tradeoffs in the Fight Against Inflation

The Tradeoffs in the Fight Against Inflation The Tradeoffs in the Fight Against Inflation

Living with inflation of a little over 2 percent for a short period would be worth it to keep the gains in the economy.

Feb 20, 2023 / Mike Konczal

Giorgia Meloni waves to from a stage.

Giorgia Meloni’s Bootstrap Ideology Giorgia Meloni’s Bootstrap Ideology

The new Italian government’s culture war looks less like populism of the right and more like the same old blaming of capitalism’s victims.

Jan 2, 2023 / David Broder

Why US Workers Are Better Situated to Confront Economic Turbulence

Why US Workers Are Better Situated to Confront Economic Turbulence Why US Workers Are Better Situated to Confront Economic Turbulence

Europe directed more of its Covid aid to businesses, while the US supported workers. If a recession hits now, Europeans could be in even worse trouble.

Sep 16, 2022 / Mike Konczal

Worker with Wind Turbines

This Doesn’t Have to Hurt: An Argument Against BDSM Economics This Doesn’t Have to Hurt: An Argument Against BDSM Economics

Inflicting pain on workers to fix inflation isn’t just unfair. It’s stupid, ineffective, and completely unnecessary.

Jul 13, 2022 / Zack Exley and Robert Hockett

The Revolution Against Low-Wage Work

The Revolution Against Low-Wage Work The Revolution Against Low-Wage Work

Workers used the additional resources of the past year to demand better pay and conditions.

Jan 7, 2022 / Mike Konczal

Ignore the Naysayers. A Full-Employment Recovery Is Possible.

Ignore the Naysayers. A Full-Employment Recovery Is Possible. Ignore the Naysayers. A Full-Employment Recovery Is Possible.

Critics of the American Rescue Plan made two dire predictions. Both proved wrong.

Oct 15, 2021 / Mike Konczal

Help Wanted Sign

Reset Labor Markets With a Local Half-Time Job Guarantee Reset Labor Markets With a Local Half-Time Job Guarantee

The attacks on pandemic income support and the Refundable Child Tax Credit highlight the need for work guarantees.

Sep 21, 2021 / Column / Nathan Newman

There Is No Crisis of Laziness

There Is No Crisis of Laziness There Is No Crisis of Laziness

Republicans seem determined to make workers so financially desperate that they’ll labor for whatever pay employers deign to offer. 

Jun 10, 2021 / Bryce Covert

Biden’s Next Goal Should Be Full Employment

Biden’s Next Goal Should Be Full Employment Biden’s Next Goal Should Be Full Employment

Tight labor markets give workers power.

Mar 19, 2021 / Mike Konczal

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