RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate LaborPains as a right-biased advocacy group with a pronounced anti-union stance. We also rate them mixed for factual reporting due to a lack of transparency and one-sided reporting that is opposed to unions.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
LaborPains is a blog published by the Center for Union Facts (CUF), an American interest group known for its critical perspective on labor unions. The blog serves as an extension of CUF’s mission, providing commentary and analysis on union-related news and issues. It was established as part of CUF’s broader campaign to influence public opinion on labor unions and their role in the modern workforce.
Founded by Richard Berman, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs specialist, CUF is part of a network of nonprofit groups designed to disseminate corporate messages. Launched in February 2006, CUF has been active in commissioning studies on workers and unionization, supporting legislation to curb union influence, and running advertisements critical of unions.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
LaborPains and the CUF are closely associated with Richard Berman, a public affairs firm specializing in research, communications, and advertising. The organization’s funding comes from undisclosed companies, foundations, and individuals. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in funding, with unions accusing CUF of being a “paid attack dog” without disclosing its financial backers. While CUF does not disclose its donors, according to Influence Watch, tax filings confirm donations from the conservative Mercer Family Foundation ($150,000 in 2017), the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation ($125,000 in 2015), and the National Philanthropic Trust ($100,000 in 2017).
Analysis / Bias
LaborPains exhibits a clear bias against labor unions. The website’s content consistently portrays unions in a negative light, focusing on issues such as the decline in union membership, alleged corruption, and opposition to union-backed legislation.
News stories on the CUF website lead to LaborPains.org, which has the tagline “Because being in a union can be painful.” Articles and headlines often contain emotionally loaded language that portrays unions negatively, such as this SEIU Affiliate Workers United Defends Terrorism. This story is primarily sourced from social media.
Editorially, most stories view unions negatively, as evidenced by The organization’s advocacy for the Employee Rights Act and opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, which further demonstrates its anti-union bias. In general, the content on LaborPains is mostly fact-based; however, there is a lack of transparency and significant bias in favor of corporations and opposition to unions, indicating a right-leaning political bias.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years.
Overall, we rate LaborPains as a right-biased advocacy group with a pronounced anti-union stance. We also rate them mixed for factual reporting due to a lack of transparency and one-sided reporting that is opposed to unions. (D. Van Zandt 11/12/2023)
Source: https://laborpains.org/
Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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