Monthly Archives: March 2009

The Employee Free Choice Act: Not Really Free?

Posted on by
Reply

The Employee Free Choice Act is currently being pushed by unions to make it easier for them to organize companies within the U.S.  Also known as “card check” legislation, the bill eliminates the ability for business to require a secret-ballot election, allowing workers to form a union if a majority of them sign authorization cards.  It was introduced into both the House and the Senate today.

While labor believes the current system is unfair because it gives management the power of calling for the secret ballot, others are against the bill, including the American Trucking Associations and other prominent business leaders.   Those opposed to the bill contend that it would ultimately give unions the ability to intimidate and pressure workers during sign-up, while a secret-ballot process makes it difficult for any authoritative entity to intervene with a worker’s choice.

In further support of opposition to the card check, a recent economic study revealed that the card check will eliminate a staggering 600,000 jobs in the U.S. by the year 2010 – including numerous trucking jobs.  Additionally, the study (conducted by Dr. Anne Layne-Farrar) concluded that for every 3% increase in unionization, a 1% increase in unemployment will result.

How to Make Healthy Fast Food Choices

Posted on by
Reply

It’s no secret that truck driving is continually ranked as one of the unhealthiest professions in America – and with good reason. A lack of quick, healthy food options coupled with hours of sitting and inactivity often results in a variety of health issues – not just an expanding waistline. When it comes to how you eat on the road, learn how to make healthier choices without sacrificing taste.

  • Watch Your Portions – Overeating is the biggest contributor to weight gain, so simply eating less can significantly reduce your caloric intake.
  • Ditch the Salt – While some sodium is essential for good health, too much can wreak havoc on your health. If your kidneys are unable to eliminate enough sodium, your blood volume increases as well as pressure in your arteries. A body’s inability to regulate sodium can lead to certain diseases such as chronic kidney failure and congestive heart failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 77% of sodium in the average diet is from processed and prepared food. Instead of using salt, try keeping various herbs and seasonings in your cab to add flavor to your food.
  • Grilled, Please – Whether on a sandwich or a salad, always opt for the grilled, not fried, chicken.
  • Regular is Big Enough! – Don’t order a giant, jumbo, or super-sized meal. Remember the first tip about watching your portions?
  • On the Side – Order any dressings or sauce on the side. By dipping your food instead of drizzling it on, you’re likely to consume less and fewer calories.
  • Order Healthy Sides – These days, virtually every fast food chain offers healthy alternatives to traditional french fries. Try a side salad, baked potato, fruit cup, or chili.

Is Truck Driving Recession-Proof?

Posted on by
Reply

Truck driving schools and training programs across the nation are experiencing a rapidly increasing trend: a spike in applications due to the recent economic downturn.  The Idaho Center for Professional Truck Driving reports nearly half of the students in their classrooms were laid-off recently while the National Tractor Trailer School in New York says the number of job applicants for their school is up by 20 percent.

The recent uptick is partly attributed to the appeal of trucking jobs and the benefits they can provide, namely job security.  At a time when unemployment rates seem to be soaring, truck driving (as I’ve mentioned before) remains the driving force behind the American economy; commercial trucks deliver virtually every commodity consumed in the U.S. even during tough economic times since it’s the only method of transportation that can deliver directly door-to-door.  Thus, there will always be a demand for trucking and transportation services.  In addition, truck driving jobs provide drivers with competitive pay, health benefits, and various retirement options.

This isn’t to say trucking hasn’t been affected by the flagging economy – like nearly every other industry, it definitely has felt the pinch incurred by the deep national economic and financial problems.  Available loads have diminished slightly and the increase in applicants has allowed trucking companies to be more stringent in hiring and review background checks more rigorously.  However, there will always be a need for experienced, skilled drivers to transport goods.

Looking for a job with benefits that pays well?  Check out C.R. England’s Truck Driving Schools.