In the episode before Labor Day, we look at the rise and fall of the labor movement, particularly unions. By collectively bargaining for better work conditions, unions elevated the middle class. Over the years, many unions have watched their membership numbers decline. As a result of a few Supreme Court decisions, a loss in manufacturing jobs, and a lack of increased federal protections, the influence of unions was reduced.
As we edge closer to 2020, candidates hoping to win the Democratic nomination have made rebuilding the middle class the central tenant of their candidacies. So, what role will unions and organized labor play in 2020? Plus, we look at domestic workers and caregivers and how they’ve been left out of the conversation when it comes to labor protections.
Guests:
Randi Weingarten,President of the American Federation of Teachers
Lee Saunders,President of AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO
Rusty McAllister, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada ALF-CIO
Rick Bloomingdale, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
Dave Jamieson, Labor Reporter at the Huffington Post
Ai-jen Poo, Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance
The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, this is the best time to do it. Your support will get our fundraiser off to a solid start and help keep our newsroom on strong footing. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!