The Best Fix for High Unemployment? Prevent Companies From Laying Off Workers

http://www.nationaljournal.com/next-economy/solutions-bank/the-best-fix-for-high-unemployment-prevent-companies-from-laying-off-workers-20140109

Clare Foran

National Journal

9 January 2014

Text / Under 800 Words

The unemployment crisis is a hard thing to solve - businesses sometimes have no choice but to let workers go. An innovative program tries to prevent joblessness by temporarily paying a portion of workers’ salaries at struggling companies.

A Card That Gives Migrant Workers a Name

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/a-card-that-gives-migrant-workers-a-name

Ankita Rao

The New York Times

18 September 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

In India, corruption in the distribution of government ID cards leaves the poorest without legal identity or protection. A non-profit group is creating and distributing unofficial ID cards and legal aid for day workers in major cities in India.

A Scorecard for Companies With a Conscience

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/a-scorecard-for-companies-with-a-conscience

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

11 April 2011

Text / 1500-3000 Words

For triple-bottom-line businesses, there are no guarantees that responsible practices will continue after a sale of the company. 'B corp', a new form of corporation in the United States, is one that aims to maximize not just profit, but social and environmental good.

At Cambodia Hotel, The Workers Are The Boss

http://www.npr.org/2013/07/05/190665916/at-cambodia-hotel-the-workers-are-the-boss

Daniel Zwerdling

NPR

5 July 2013

Radio / 5-15 Minutes

Overall, Cambodia is a relatively poor country whose residents don't own much. Norwegian hotel owners in the city of Krong Siem Reap urge their Cambodian staff to be more in charge of making their own decisions by making them co-owners of the hotel, an act that forced them to have more confidence and critical thinking skills.

Ethical Businesses With a Better Bottom Line

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/ethical-businesses-with-a-better-bottom-line

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

14 April 2011

Text / 800-1500 Words

Corporations concerned about their social and environmental impact must also consider the costs. Bcorps, a new form of corporation in the U.S., are using a rigorous certification process to gain consumers trust and boost sales.

Foreclosure Is Not an Option

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/foreclosure-is-not-an-option

David Bornstein

The New York Times

6 December 2010

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Foreclosure affects millions of homeowners and millions more owe more on their mortgages than what their homes are worth, but Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), offers assistance. As a free service to borrowers, ESOP holds lenders accountable with fair lending agreements, creates constructive communication, and ultimately saves homes.

Helping Where Help Is Wanted

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/helping-where-help-is-wanted

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

10 January 2012

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Vacant positions exist in many employment sectors, including in education and in hospitals. ReServe is a program that joins retired professionals to part-time paid positions in non-profits to perform duties. A controversy has emerged that suggests these positions should be paid at a professional-rate salary.

In a Second Career, Working to Make a Difference

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/in-a-second-career-working-to-make-a-difference

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

5 January 2012

Text / 800-1500 Words

Some inner city schools, nonprofits, and businesses in New York lack the staff to make their organizations function for the people they serve. ReServe is a program that links retired professionals with part-time jobs in schools, libraries, hospitals and other city agencies to help fil this gap.

In Florida Tomato Fields, a Penny Buys Progress

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/business/in-florida-tomato-fields-a-penny-buys-progress.html

Steven Greenhouse

The New York Times

24 April 2014

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For decades, migrant workers in Florida have been employed under dreadful conditions, picking produce without breaks under extreme temperatures and women being sexually harassed. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has demanded that growers increase wages, mandate rest breaks, and prohibit sexual harassment. The Coalition has partnered with big food companies, notably McDonald’s, Yum Brands, and Walmart, which have pledged to buy only from growers who follow these standards.

Playing the Odds on Saving

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/playing-the-odds-on-saving

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

15 January 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Lotteries aren’t usually considered part of the solution to a savings crisis experienced across America, particularly by the nation's poor, but with more hopefuls purchasing lottery tickets than setting aside rainy day funds, one organization, Doorways to Dreams, is working to change federal and state laws to allow banks to offer prize-linked savings. In Michigan, the programs have seen some success.