Heidi Shierholz

Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former chief economist at the Department of Labor under President Obama, dives into the controversy surrounding the Bureau of Labor Statistics after its head was fired over a ‘rigged’ jobs report. She discusses the implications of leadership changes on data integrity and sheds light on the challenges of accurate labor reporting. Political tactics and the narrative shifts from the Trump administration are examined, revealing a chaotic backdrop to economic concerns and trust in government data.

Exploring the evolution of middle-out economics from a new theory to mainstream practice, with insights from economists, researchers, and former officials. Discussing the impact of middle-out economics on economic growth, antitrust enforcement, public satisfaction, infrastructure investments, workers' rights, and advocating for a more equitable economic approach.

Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the Department of Labor, shares her insights on the precarious state of the U.S. economy. She warns that potential deportations could lead to the loss of 6 million jobs. The discussion covers tariffs driving inflation, tax breaks worsening deficits, and how low minimum wages affect workers. Additionally, she highlights the significance of accurate labor data and the necessity of immigration reform to bolster economic health.

EPI President, Heidi Shierholz, discusses the wage shortage disguised as a labor shortage. Raising wages in industries like restaurants proves effective. The negative consequences of reducing unemployment benefits are explored. Potential lasting changes to the labor market and the impact of unemployment insurance on labor shortages are examined.

This year, the Federal Trade Commission decided shake up the labor market, proposing to ban non-compete clauses for the tens of millions of workers they affect. The clauses are essentially contracts between employers and employees that prohibit the former from competing with the business after the employment has ended. As many as 30% of all U.S. private sector workers have signed such agreements, which actually find their roots all the way back in 15th century England. Those who defend such clauses say employers need these contracts to protect their investments in training workers, not to mention safeguarding their trade secrets. The contracts, they say, represent not only a fair exchange, but also serve as an important fortification for businesses within the broader economy. The FTC, they say, is overextending. But opponents argue that such contracts prevent workers from starting their own businesses, locking them into undercompensated positions, and depress labor mobility and wage growth, while contributing to race and gender gaps. It is in this context that we debate the following question: Should the FTC Ban Non-compete Clauses? Arguing Yes: Arguing “YES”: Heidi Shierholz, Economic Policy Institute President and former Chief Economist to the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Arguing No: Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices