For unions, a softer N.C. (give organized labor two of its biggest victories in a year)

http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/columns/story/1350401.html

Inroads at an opportune time
Thomas Mills
Published: Wed, Dec. 31, 2008 12:30AM


CARRBORO -- In North Carolina the political winds are shifting. For the first time in over 30 years the state voted for a Democrat for president. Kay Hagan, another Democrat, unseated Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole who, a year earlier, was widely considered unbeatable. Democrats also gained a congressional seat, giving them an 8-5 advantage in the Tar Heel delegation.

The failed policies of the Bush administration, high fuel prices and the tanking economy certainly created a perfect storm for Democrats. But the results were as much a reflection of changing demographics and attitudes as they were about "throwing the bums out."

Several social issues that once sparked a visceral reaction from many voters no longer have the same punch. And North Carolina, the least unionized state in the nation, is mellowing toward organized labor.

In May, the State Employees Association of N.C. affiliated with Service Employees International Union, becoming SEIU Local 2008, the largest public employees union in the South.

Then this month, workers at the world's largest hog-processing plant, in the Duplin County town of Tar Heel, voted to unionize.

Five years ago, few people would have predicted that North Carolina would give organized labor two of its biggest victories in a single year.

FULL story at link.

:)

Go NC, as long as this trend continues. :patriot:

and it's been adding to that list lately. Go Tar Heels!