California mandates to improve pay and benefits will take effect in 2024
Minimum wages to rise statewide, with larger gains for fast food and health workers. More paid sick leave, workplace violence prevention rules and other worker…
Read MoreArticles by Capital & Main
Are unions about to reverse 40 years of decline?
A rare mix of big strike wins, broad public support and a labor-friendly economy could drive union membership growth. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main…
Why 16 Million households in Northern and Central California are about to pay more for electricity
With no cap on price increases for California’s utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric will hike rates 13%, which it says is needed for upgrades. By…
As public support for unions grows, U.S. laws still favor employers
The laws that helped pull unionization down to near 10% remain on the books — but six out of 10 U.S. adults now say declining…
Californians want government action against fading economic prospects
More than 7 out of 10 think children will be worse off than their parents and favor spending on tax credits, child care and job…
Without tree cover, urban Californians are hit harder by heat, air pollution
California cities have the least urban tree canopy in the U.S. A Los Angeles housing project shows how residents can transform their environment — if…
Lessons from the bust that followed Bill Clinton’s economic boom
Historian Nelson Lichtenstein’s new book details the price we have paid for free trade, deregulation and failed health care reform. By Kelly Candaele, Capital &…
Strike: Kaiser workers say they want the old Kaiser back
Once known for strong employee-management relations, its workers now say staffing and pay need to rise to attract and retain the staff Kaiser needs. By…
California is last among states mandating paid sick leave
California requires a minimum of three sick days, the least among 15 states. A bill to raise it to five days is opposed by the…
California inmates accuse prison commissaries of price gouging
Food, toiletries and over-the-counter medicines have been marked up so high that many prisoners are simply priced out. By D. Razor Babb, Capital & Main…
California’s Surgeon General wants schools to be the front line against childhood stress
Black and Latino children are more likely to be hurt by harmful experiences that can lead to lifelong suffering. By George B. Sánchez-Tello This story…
No help for California youths denied mental health care
As insurers reject coverage amid soaring anxiety and depression, a bill to help children and teens is quietly killed. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main…
California fast food restaurants take advantage of wage law loophole
Overburdened labor enforcement agency says violations are difficult to prove. By Jessica Goodheart, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning journalism nonprofit…
California utility wants customers to pay for carbon capture and hydrogen
Sempra is pitching lawmakers on industry-friendly climate solutions paid by ratepayers. By Aaron Cantú, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning journalism…
Striking workers face another opponent: U.S. Labor Laws
Unionizing is not against the law; but the law is against unionizing. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning…
To adapt to climate change, California pays the banks that are part of the problem
The Treasurer’s Office paid $73.2 million to banks that sell state climate bonds while still funding fossil fuels. By Aaron Cantú, Capital & Main This…
One person stopped California’s divestment from fossil fuels — again
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor refused to take up the bill in a committee, for the second year in a row, as divestment movement grows. By Aaron…