Jonathan Cutler, a sociology professor at Wesleyan University and an expert on unions, writes on his blog that the business media coverage of the recent settlement between the United Auto Workers and General Motors shows that the union probably got a bad deal.
Cutler wrote, “Is the business press an ‘objective’ source on labor relations? No.
“It is unabashedly and transparently pro-business. But that transparent bias is precisely what makes it potentially more interesting and more reliable than mainstream media accounts. Business press bias means that union victories are often disparaged while union defeats are celebrated.
“To read ‘against the grain’ of business press bias requires only that one reverse the terms: expressions of fear, disappointment, and rage in the pages of the business press are best interpreted as signs union strength. Expressions of euphoria and/or indifferencein the business press can signal union weakness and a raw deal for workers.
“So, what is the business press saying about the UAW-GM deal? Are the signs of fear and trembling at a labor movement is willing to stand up for the members, stand up for the retirees and take some risks?
OLD Media Moves
Biz media provide clues for union
September 30, 2007
Posted by Chris Roush
Jonathan Cutler, a sociology professor at Wesleyan University and an expert on unions, writes on his blog that the business media coverage of the recent settlement between the United Auto Workers and General Motors shows that the union probably got a bad deal.
“It is unabashedly and transparently pro-business. But that transparent bias is precisely what makes it potentially more interesting and more reliable than mainstream media accounts. Business press bias means that union victories are often disparaged while union defeats are celebrated.
“To read ‘against the grain’ of business press bias requires only that one reverse the terms: expressions of fear, disappointment, and rage in the pages of the business press are best interpreted as signs union strength. Expressions of euphoria and/or indifference in the business press can signal union weakness and a raw deal for workers.
“So, what is the business press saying about the UAW-GM deal? Are the signs of fear and trembling at a labor movement is willing to stand up for the members, stand up for the retirees and take some risks?
“Hardly.”
Read more here.
Media News
Where Reuters fits within Thomson Reuters
July 13, 2025
Media News
NYFWA Impact winner Baker-White discusses TikTok coverage
July 13, 2025
Media News
What’s next for biz news at the Dallas Morning News
July 13, 2025
Full-Time
The Logic seeks an assistant editor
July 12, 2025
Full-Time
The Logic seeks a senior editor
July 12, 2025
Subscribe to TBN
Receive updates about new stories in the industry daily or weekly.