Historian Jeff Schuhrke discusses labor's response to Gaza, union history with US militarism, and the need for tangible action. Topics include US labor support for military interventions, unions endorsing candidates involved in conflicts, conservatives using anti-Semitism laws against pro-Palestinian unions, and the AFL-CIO's role in global anti-communism. Learn about Jeff Schuhrke's upcoming book 'Blue-Collar Empire' and his call for global worker solidarity.
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Quick takeaways
Labor unions have a long history of supporting US militarism and imperialism, aligning with government foreign policy objectives.
Corporate-backed groups are using accusations of anti-Semitism to undermine unions supporting Palestinians, posing a threat to labor advocacy.
Deep dives
Labor Movement Response to US Militarism
The labor movement's historical alignment with US government foreign policy objectives is detailed, showing how organized labor, especially high-ranking officials, has traditionally supported imperial militaristic goals abroad. Efforts such as propping up anti-communist labor federations during wars like Vietnam and assisting in US interventions have been part of labor's default position, despite grassroots dissent within unions against imperialism and war.
Labor's Role in Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza
Amidst Israel's assault on Gaza, labor's response and evolution towards a ceasefire stance are examined. Initially issuing pro-Israel statements, national labor officials began advocating for a ceasefire, moving faster compared to past wars. Over time, hundreds of unions, including major national ones, called for a ceasefire, showcasing a shift in the labor movement's position.
Weaponizing Claims of Anti-Semitism Against Unions
Corporate-backed right-wing groups are leveraging accusations of anti-Semitism to target unions that express solidarity with Palestinians. Lawsuits and attacks on unions passing pro-Palestine resolutions reveal a trend of using anti-hate laws to undermine labor organizations. This weaponization threatens labor's ability to advocate for its members' rights and free speech.
Impact of US Labor's Global Anti-Communist Crusade
Jeff Shurkey's upcoming book, 'Blue Collar Empire,' delves into the intertwined histories of AFL-CIO's leadership and US foreign policy during the Cold War era. The book uncovers labor's complicity in supporting US imperial interventions globally and the dissenting voices at the grassroots level advocating for anti-imperialist solidarity. Insights reveal the complex dynamics influencing labor's decline and its implications for labor internationalism.
On this public News Brief, we are joined by author and historian Jeff Schuhrke to discuss labor's response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the history of union support for (and opposition to) U.S.-led war and imperialism, and his upcoming book, Blue-Collar Empire: The Untold Story of US Labor's Global Anticommunist Crusade.
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