workforce
Inflation, federal funding drop off worries Oklahoma child care center owners
OKLAHOMA CITY — The owners of child care centers face a financial cliff as federal funding that helped stabilize the industry and keep parents working comes to an end. Despite state and federal efforts to increase access for low-income families, day care owners say it’s a daily battle to staff facilities for parents who struggle […]
A ‘disaster’ nears: Millions of federal workers’ paychecks would be on hold in a shutdown
WASHINGTON — More than 3.5 million federal employees and military personnel — many in the Washington, D.C., area but also scattered across the states and around the globe — are bracing for another partial government shutdown, as U.S. House Republicans struggle to produce a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the […]
Consumers face higher car prices, lower inventory with auto workers on strike
Economic experts and researchers say that the auto workers strike could have far-reaching economic consequences for businesses and consumers, depending on its duration. In addition to workers’ job losses, consumers could see higher prices for cars and depleted inventory. The United Auto Workers union, representing about 150,000 auto workers, walked off the job at midnight […]
Democrats push to extend child care grant program
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats introduced a bill Wednesday to extend funding for five years for a pandemic-era child care subsidy program set to expire at the end of the month. The legislation would extend the child care stabilization grant program, which Congress established in 2021 to help child care providers meet additional costs during the […]
Millions more workers would receive overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule
Salaried workers who have been ineligible for overtime pay would benefit from a proposed Biden administration regulation. The Department of Labor’s new rule would require employers compensate full-time workers in management, administrative, or other professional roles for any overtime worked if they make less than $55,068 annually. Currently, the salary threshold is $35,568. The change […]
Oklahoma among worst states for workers, report found
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma is one of the worst states for employees, according to an annual analysis from a global group that focuses on ending inequality and poverty. Oxfam ranked Oklahoma 44th in its Best States to Work Index. The organization considered wages, employee protections and right to organize in compiling its rankings. California, Oregon […]
New gunsmithing degree program meant to attract firearm businesses to Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY — State officials could have a new weapon in their arsenal as they try to lure gun and ammunition manufacturers to Oklahoma. Murray State College leaders say the school’s gunsmithing program could become a huge economic development driver thanks to a $10 million legislative investment that will allow the college to offer the […]
Commentary: Workers are key part of Oklahoma’s past and future
The annual celebration of Labor Day in Oklahoma is coming again. The summer heat is about to come to an end, and the State Fair is not far away. Most kids are either back in school, or will be, and most folks look forward to a three-day holiday at the end of a grueling summer […]
Oklahoma Voice aims to help shape the conversation and hold those in power accountable
OKLAHOMA CITY — Over the past nine years living here, I’ve fallen in love with Oklahoma. I love its diverse geography from the rolling plains to its tree-covered mountains. But even more, I love its diverse people. I love that in the face of overwhelming adversity, Oklahomans are resilient, generous and, overall, optimistic. I have […]