This November, California voters must decide two policy questions of great concern to public-sector unions. One is a tax hike to stave off further cuts to state spending (there are two versions on the ballot with a chance of passing). The other is a "paycheck protection" measure that would ban the practice of unions' deducting money from…

Scholars have long argued that civic organizations play a vital role in developing members' civic capacity. Yet few empirical studies examine how and the extent to which civic skills transfer across distinct and separate civic contexts. Focusing on Latino immigrant members of a Los Angeles janitors' labor union, this article fills a void by…

After years of tense relations between teachers' unions and the growing charter school movement, unions are stepping up their efforts to organize educators at the independent public schools. So far, the results of the increased organizing activity-which stretches from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to California appear modest. But it remains to be…

An astounding construction feat of Chinese Americans was the work done on the western section of the transcontinental railroad. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new line took place in Sacramento in 1863, but up until 1865, less than 50 miles of running track had been laid, and this was over relatively level land. The construction superintendent…

Reports on a study of the effect of unionization on faculty salaries in California community colleges. Finds small effects during initial stages of bargaining but no significant long-term positive effects. Identifies geographic location, size, and percentage of male faculty as more significant predictors of district-level salaries. (MAH)

California's Winton Act has enhanced the California Teacher Association (CTA) position over the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) position in relating to school boards. Because of its proportional representation, the legally established negotiating council has not integrated the rival organizations into one voice. The AFT tendency to work…