Jane Carter

The Truth Behind the Attacks: Why Protecting the Union Difference Matters

You’ve heard the attacks on unions and the labor movement. You know there’s a concerted effort to lower wages and diminish the gains we’ve made each generation. But how do your union benefits truly measure up? And why is the labor movement more important now more than ever? We will discuss what we have, what we could lose, what we bring to our communities and why others don’t want you to have it.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At completion of this session, the participant will be able to:

• Learn the fundamental difference between union and non-union positions, and the impacts of a strong union.
•  Focus on how these differences impact our communities on a larger scale, and why certain entities want to attack the labor movement for their own personal gain.​

Jane Carter is the Director of Research, Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs for UNAC/UHCP.  During our unprecedented National Bargaining with Kaiser, Jane served on the Economic Committee and assisted with each of our local tables. From St. Francis to Beverly, to KP and the most recent settlement with SHARP, Jane has also assisted nearly every UNAC/UHCP affiliate with economics at the bargaining table. Jane has also authored several studies in recent years, including UNAC/UHCP’s recent report on the nurse staffing crisis, Two-Tier Wage Systems and the True Cost of Being a Hero. In her role at UNAC/UHCP, Jane’s work has been cited in numerous national and international publications and she appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition during our national bargaining contract fight with Kaiser. 
 
Prior to joining UNAC/UHCP in 2020, Jane spent 15 years in the labor movement, in research or regulatory policy positions for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in Washington, DC.  As a Labor Economist at AFSCME, she evaluated a variety of narrative and statistical data to prepare reports and studies involving labor relations issues, and provided assistance to affiliates during federal and state legislative hearings, contract negotiations, impasse resolution proceedings, organizing and political campaigns, and other union activities. Jane also served as the chief negotiator for affiliates across the country, presented and appeared before numerous Congressional panels as well as a subcommittee at the United Nations in New York and UNISON’s general delegation in Liverpool.  Jane’s previous positions include Assistant Director of AFSCME International’s Organizing and Field Services Department and Executive Director of the Kansas Organization of State Employees. She holds a M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management, with a focus on the Economics of Eastern European environmental and nuclear policy, and a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Studies. Jane is an honorary Kentucky Colonel and a boisterous OU fan. Follow Jane on Twitter: @jmc7333.