AT&T posts quarterly loss after T-Mobile breakup

US telecommunications giant AT&T on Thursday reported a $6.68 billion loss for the fourth quarter, citing a costly charge for ending its planned acquisition of wireless carrier T-Mobile.

Read more: http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/t-posts-quarterly-loss-t-183538523.html

Indiana House passes right-to-work legislation 54-44

The Indiana House voted 54-44 for the controversial “right to work” bill today.

Five Republicans joined 39 Democrats in voting against the bill. Two members – one Republican and one Democrat — did not vote.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20120125/NEWS05/120125034/1001/news

Today in Labor History

Samuel Gompers, first AFL president, born in London, England. He emigrated to the U.S. as a youth - 1850
 

A handful of American companies announce nearly 60,000 layoffs today, as the recession that began during the George W. Bush presidency charges full-tilt toward what has become known as the Great Recession - 2009

 

AT&T Calls Sprint a Free-Loader, Accuses U.S. Gov't of Meddling
 

America's number second and third largest carriers -- AT&T Inc. (T) and Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) -- have hardly been best buddies, particularly since Sprint was a key player in helping convince the federal government to sink AT&T's acquisition of America's fourth largest carrier Deutsche Telekom AG's (ETR:DTE) T-Mobile USA. But in the wake of a controversial decision by Sprint, the icy détente has exploded into a full-blown war of words. And to make things even more intense AT&T is tossing out accusations of government meddling and federal interference.

Read More: http://www.dailytech.com/ATT+Calls+Sprint+a+FreeLoader+Accuses+US+Govt+of+Meddling/article23862.htm

Labor Board Chief to Press for New Union Rules

The chairman of the National Labor Relations Board hopes to have another round of regulations in place by the end of the year that would make it easier for unions to establish and win representation elections in workplaces.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/labor-board-chief-press-union-rules-15442850

Today in Labor History

The Supreme Court upholds “Yellow Dog” employment contracts, which forbid membership in labor unions. Yellow Dog contracts remained legal until 1932 - 1915

16,000 textile workers strike in Passaic, N.J. - 1926
 

Earnings Preview: AT&T to report 4Q results

NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T Inc., the largest telecommunications company in the U.S., reports fourth-quarter results Thursday before the stock market opens.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: There's every indication that the last three months of 2011 were a blowout quarter for smartphone sales in the U.S., with the launch of the iPhone 4S at no less than three carriers. Verizon has said it activated 4.3 million iPhones in the quarter.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/earnings-preview-t-report-4q-results-212547243.html

Today in Labor History

Federal minimum wage increases to 75¢ an hour - 1952
 

The hidden issue in South Carolina primary: labor union clout

When South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley came to New Hampshire to endorse Mitt Romney earlier this month, it marked more than just a meeting of political expediency. Yes, South Carolina was the next state on the primary calendar. And yes, Governor Haley could help him there.

Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2012/0121/The-hidden-issue-in-South-Carolina-primary-labor-union-clout

Today in Labor History

10,000 clothing workers strike in Rochester, NY for the 8 hour day, a 10% wage increase, union recognition, and extra pay for overtime and holidays. Daily parades were held throughout the clothing district and there was at least one instance of mounted police charging the crowd of strikers and arresting 25 picketers. Six people were wounded over the course of the strike and one worker, 18 year old Ida Breiman, was shot to death by a sweatshop contractor. The strike was called off in April after manufacturers agreed not to discriminate against workers for joining a union - 1913