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News Brief: Unions, Gaza, and Labor's Checkered Relationship With US Militarism
Jun 19, 2024
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.
44:10
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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.
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