If we believe that everyone has a right to work and a right to education we need to create a job marketplace that gives people the chance to apply their degrees to a job that fits their skills. We need to channel the values of past labor leaders and fight for a basic right to work, sustainable living wages and a shorter work week and work day so more people can enjoy a fulfilling job that makes use of their skills and education.

Numbers in the news is a weekly feature highlighting numbers and statistics of interest to college students.

Employment has lagged behind economic recovery. We need jobs and we need them now. President Obama's recent push in Washington has been for a piece of legislation known as the American Jobs Act, a piece...