Arbitration Ruling, Drug Use By Workers Up Nationwide, Book ‘Fragmented Democracy’

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Mario Henderson leads chants of “save Medicaid,” as other social service activists, Medicaid recipients and their supporters stage a protest outside the building that houses the offices of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., Thursday, June 29, 2017, in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

In what’s being viewed as a win for employers and a loss for workers, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that companies can require its employees to settle disputes through individual arbitration instead of class action. We discuss what the decision means for businesses and workers. Plus, a new book examines American democracy and the participation in politics from the viewpoint of those living in or near poverty, particularly those reliant on programs such as Medicaid. We talk to the author about her research. We also learn about new data showing an increase in positive drug tests required by employers.

Featured in this Show

  • What The Supreme Court's Arbitration Ruling Means For Businesses And Workers

    In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court said companies can indeed require workers to accept individual arbitration to settle disputes. We discuss what the victory for Wisconsin-based Epic Systems means for businesses and workers.

  • Drug Use By Workers At Highest Rate In A Decade

    New data analyzing employee drug test results has been released by one of the largest medical labs in the country. Data shows that between 2016 and 2017 the nation has seen major increases in positive test results for cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. WPR’s health reporter tells us about what Wisconsin testers are seeing.

  • How Medicaid Impacts The Political Participation Of Beneficiaries

    More than 67 million people throughout the United States rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. Medicaid is a federal program that is implemented by the states for low-income residents. However, the state the recipient lives in could have a big impact on their political participation, especially if the language surrounding Medicaid from lawmakers is particularly fraught. We speak with Jamila Michener from Cornell University about her latest book on this issue, Fragmented Democracy: Medicaid, Federalism, and Unequal Politics.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • Natalie Guyette Producer
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Steph Tai Guest
  • Shamane Mills Guest
  • Jamila Michener Guest

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