James Sherk
- Senior Policy Analyst in Labor Economics
As Heritage's Senior Policy Analyst in Labor Economics, James Sherk researches ways to promote competition and mobility in the workforce instead of erecting barriers preventing workers from getting ahead.
Sherk joined Heritage in 2006. His recent writings address why joblessness rose in the recession, the economic consequences of extending unemployment benefits and the wrongheadedness of legislation to do away with the secret ballot in union elections ("card check").
His commentary and analysis has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post, New York Post, Business Week and Roll Call. He has been a guest expert on such networks as CNN, CNBC and Fox News.
Sherk completed graduate studies at the University of Rochester, where he received a master of arts in economics with a concentration in econometrics and labor economics. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich.
Sherk, whose hobbies include hiking, reading and cooking, resides in Washington, D.C.
All Publications by James Sherk
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Issue Brief posted May 23, 2012 by James Sherk
Extend Whistle-Blower Protections to Union Employees
Whistle-blower laws prevent employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal activity. These laws encourage employees to reveal illegal behavior—and discourage employers from breaking the law in the first place. However, whistle-blower protections do not protect employees of labor unions. Unions can legally fire their own employees for raising allegations…
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Issue Brief posted May 4, 2012 by Rea Hederman, Jr., James Sherk
Heritage Employment Report: Jobs Do Not Bloom in April
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy added 115,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate declined to 8.1 percent from 8.2 percent. However, further declines in the percentage of Americans in the labor force explain this slightly lower unemployment rate. Indeed, the labor force participation rate dipped…
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Backgrounder posted March 19, 2012 by James Sherk
The Employee Rights Act Empowers Workers
Abstract: Labor unions should serve the interest of employees—not the other way around, as often happens. Legislation introduced in Congress would go a long way toward making this a reality. The Employee Rights Act guarantees workers a private, informed, uncoerced vote on unionizing. The…
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Issue Brief posted March 9, 2012 by Rea Hederman, Jr., James Sherk
Heritage Employment Report: February Shows Good News
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that businesses and governments increased payrolls by 227,000 jobs in February and that the unemployment rate remained at 8.3 percent. The unemployment rate remained flat even as the labor market increased by 476,000 potential workers. Job creation was robust enough that the labor…
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Issue Brief posted February 16, 2012 by James Sherk
Improving Labor Market Calls for Reducing Unemployment Insurance Duration
FYI: Heritage WebMemos are now called Issue Briefs.
Congressional leaders have agreed to maintain extended unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while reducing maximum benefit duration to one-and-a-half years. The legislation moves in the right direction, but in an improving labor market, Congress…
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Backgrounder posted February 14, 2012 by James Sherk
Delayed Recovery Historically Slow
Abstract: In his third State of the Union address, President Obama, pointing to two years of job growth and the fastest job creation since 2005, argued that America’s economy is roaring back. These positive numbers lack context: In normal economic times they would represent…
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WebMemo posted February 3, 2012 by Rea Hederman, Jr., James Sherk
Heritage Employment Report: January Jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in January, the economy added 243,000 jobs—108,000 more than the consensus forecast of 135,000. As a result, the unemployment rate fell from 8.5 percent to 8.3 percent, the lowest level since February 2009. For the last three months, job creation has averaged 201,000…
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WebMemo posted January 27, 2012 by James Sherk
Unions' Declining Appeal Shows Need for Alternatives
Union density in the American workplace fell to a new post–World War II low of 11.8 percent in 2011. Private-sector union membership remained at 6.9 percent—less than when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
Union membership has fallen because…
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WebMemo posted January 12, 2012 by James Sherk
Understanding Mandatory Paid Sick Leave
What Is Mandatory Paid Sick Leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) currently requires companies with more than 50 workers to provide eligible employees with up to 12…