Boehner says Dems obstructing economy
CINCINNATI, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- House Speaker John Boehner told an Ohio crowd it was the Democrats who were obstructing efforts in Congress to get the U.S. economy moving again.
Boehner told supporters in his home district Friday that perfectly good ideas from the Republican-controlled House were being unceremoniously blocked in the Senate by the majority Democrats.
Boehner said the Democrats were sticking to a strategy that the 9.1-percent unemployment rate proves is ineffective. "More stimulus spending, short-term gimmicks, higher taxes, more regulation," he said. "We've seen all of this before, and it has failed."
The Cincinnati Enquirer said Boehner didn't offer many details on the Republicans' ideas other than reducing deficit spending and rolling back business regulations. He added he was interested in seeing if President Obama's upcoming speech on jobs would indicate the White House and Senate "will work with us on our ideas that will help end economic uncertainty."
United renews talks with flight attendants
HOUSTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- United Airlines says it will seek to jump-start contract negotiations with its union flight attendants and technicians.
Talks between United and the Association of Flight Attendants have been moving slowly along since 2009, and the airline said it would begin an expedited mediation process to wrap up a new agreement.
"This action is a good step forward and serves the immediate and long-term interests of our flight attendants and the company," said Sam Risoli, a United senior vice president.
The Houston Chronicle said talks between United and the AFA have been complicated by the merger with Continental Airlines. Employees of the two companies had to decide which unions they would be represented by.
United's mechanics are still awaiting a new contract. The company plans to resume talks with the Teamsters in November. Continental mechanics have already reached a new agreement.
Bob Lutz brings his insights back to GM
DETROIT, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- General Motors says it has brought former Chairman Bob Lutz back as a special consultant.
Lutz, 79, will serve as a part-rime adviser on product-development and any other issues in which his expertise is needed, the automaker said in a written statement.
"With more than four decades of experience, there is virtually nothing he can't offer advice or an opinion on," GM spokesman Jay Cooney told The Detroit News.
Lutz retired last year after 47 years in the auto industry. He developed the Buick Regal and Chevrolet's electric Volt during his tenure with GM.
The News said Lutz had been informally offering his insights to GM executives since stepping down. His return comes at a time the auto industry is trying to maintain its momentum despite the sluggish economy.
"The company is in great shape and is being extraordinarily well-led," Lutz said in a written statement. "I have seen the 'post-Lutz' products, and they're great. But they value my opinion, and, as you know, I enjoy offering it."
Murdochs rate News Corp. bonuses
LONDON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- News Corp. executive James Murdoch turned down a $6 million bonus amid the phone-hacking scandal at the British tabloid News of the World, the company said.
Murdoch's father, Chairman Rupert Murdoch, pocketed a $12.5 million bonus in the last fiscal year, raising his total compensation from the News Corp. empire to $33 million, according to the annual shareholder statement.
The BBC said the bonuses were for the 12 months ending in June. The uproar over the eavesdropping at the News of the World hit the fan during the same period, prompting James Murdoch to decline his bonus this year.
James Murdoch is deputy chief operating officer of New Corp. and is responsible for the company's European and Asian operations.
The Guardian said Saturday the company also announced the resignation of director Thomas Perkins, an 80-year-old Silicon Valley entrepreneur who cited his age rather than the phone-hacking scandal as the reason for his departure.
