Jacobin Radio

Jacobin Radio: Notes on Labor Notes w/ Al Bradbury and Jane Slaughter

Jun 17, 2024

Labor activists Al Bradbury and Jane Slaughter discuss the recent Labor Notes conference, showcasing the growth of the U.S. labor movement and the historic UAW victory at the VW plant in Chattanooga. They highlight the impact of cross-inspirations among different labor movements, the urgency of climate change, and the role of unions in driving change. The conference's international representation and push for internal union reform also take center stage, illustrating the evolution and significance of Labor Notes.

59:07

Episode guests

Jane Slaughter

Al Bradbury

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Labor Notes conference is vital for grassroots labor activists to strategize and build skills.

Recent successes like UAW victory at VW plant highlight momentum in labor activism.

Growing international presence emphasizes cross-border solidarity and global labor movements.

Deep dives

Labor Notes Conference: A Platform for Rank-and-File Activists

The Labor Notes conference, held biennially since 1981, has become a pivotal event for rank-and-file labor activists, drawing over 4,700 participants in the most recent edition. This conference serves as a premier gathering point for labor organizers at every level, providing a space for strategizing, story-sharing, and skill-building. The recent conference saw a substantial turnout, capped only due to venue capacity constraints, showcasing a growing interest in grassroots organizing and union reform.

Intro

3min

Labor Notes Conference and its Impact on the Labor Movement

16min

Drawing Inspiration and Fostering Reform in the Labor Movement

3min

Labor Conference Highlights and Auto Worker Solidarity

6min

Urgency in Climate Change, Palestinian Protests, and Labor's Role in Movements

4min

Diverse International Representation and Internal Union Reform at Labor Notes Conference

4min

Evolution of the Labor Movement and Labor Notes Conference

24min

In this episode of Jacobin Radio, guest host Barry Eidlin assesses the most recent Labor Notes conference held near Chicago from April 19-21. The Labor Notes conference is the premier gathering of rank-and-file labor activists and organizers from across the U.S. and around the world. This year’s conference was the biggest yet, with over 4,700 people gathered to hear the latest on organizing strategy and contract victories. In a bit of serendipity, Labor Notes conference goers got to watch live the vote tallies coming in from a union election at the VW plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The United Auto Workers won an historic 3-to-1 victory, organizing the first foreign-owned auto transplant in the South.

What does this year’s Labor Notes conference tell us about the state of the U.S. labor movement, and what lies ahead? Barry discusses these questions and more with two long-time Labor Notes conference organizers, Alexandra Bradbury and Jane Slaughter.

Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.

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Jacobin Radio

Jacobin Radio: Notes on Labor Notes w/ Al Bradbury and Jane Slaughter

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Labor Notes Conference: A Platform for Rank-and-File Activists

Success Stories and Victories in Organizing

Expanded International Solidarity and Collaboration

Evolution of Union Reform & Democratization

Empowering Grassroots Activism and Skill Development

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts