With the U.S. facing a net loss of almost a million jobs and a sluggish economy, the Bush Administration has been taking heat for its economic policies. As the presidential election approaches, we hear emotional arguments about the outsourcing of American jobs, NAFTA, free trade, fair trade, and the consequences of globalization. What do all the facts, figures, and economic theories mean for American workers? How will our country address the concerns of the unemployed, underemployed, working poor and uninsured?
"FAQs" is a live call-in talkshow focusing on frequently asked questions leading up to the election, hosted by former NBC News correspondent Peter Laufer. In this episode, "FAQs about Jobs and the Economy," we will be highlighting the stories of American workers who have recently faced the loss of their jobs and all the ensuing complications. In studio will be former Silicon Valley tech worker and activist Raj Jayadev, and from Washington DC we will be joined by economist Mark Weisbrot. Throughout the program Link TV viewers will have the opportunity to call in and write e-mail, to tell their stories, express their views, and have their questions answered.
The program is built around "Show Us the Jobs," an AFL-CIO filmed initiative in which 51 Americans, one from every state and DC, lead a bus tour through eight states to showcase the devastating impact of the lack of good jobs on Americans, their families and their communities.
GUESTS:
Mark Weisbrot, Co-Director, Center for Economic and Policy Research
Raj Jayadev, Silicon Valley Debug Magazine
Natasha Humphries (31), Santa Clara CA, a former IT worker whose job was outsourced to India, and single mother of a seriously ill child. Ms. Humphries is one of the 51 Americans on the bus tour.
CALL-IN GUESTS:
Ted Balaker, Jacobs Fellow for Transportation Studies at the Reason Policy Institute.
Bus rider Jerry Nowadsky, Monticello IA: A former machinist whose company was factory was moved overseas. Consequently, he re-trained for computer work but couldn't find work. He is now stocking shelves half his former pay with no benefits.
Bus rider Mitch Freifeld (53), Portland OR: A former IT worker who was laid off and is having trouble finding work due to his age and the outsourcing of IT jobs. He is currently paying an exhorbitant amount for his own personal health insurance.
Bus rider Arlene Dombrosky (62), Jim Thorpe PA: A former garment worker whose job moved overseas, can't find work, and feels too old to be retrained.
