Factually! with Adam Conover

Why YOU Need a Union with Kim Kelly

Sep 20, 2023

01:03:36

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Kim Kelly, journalist and author of FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor joins Adam to look at overlooked labor struggles, the significance of disabled workers, the fight for incarcerated workers' rights, and the power of unions in building community and driving change. Find Kim's book at factuallypod.com/books.

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Quick takeaways

Labor battles of women and people of color have been historically overlooked, highlighting the need for inclusive narratives in American labor history.

Recognizing the importance of solidarity and organizing across different industries and identities is crucial for the labor movement.

The Alabama coal miner strike of 2021 demonstrated the power of empathy and unity among workers in creating a powerful movement for change.

Deep dives

The Underreported Labor Battles in America

The podcast episode explores the underreported labor battles in America, focusing on the lack of coverage given to certain industries and workers. It highlights the example of the 2018 teacher strikes which demanded better pay and benefits for tens of thousands of teachers in several states. The strikes, which impacted children and teachers, did not receive as much attention as Hollywood strikes. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions and struggles of all workers, including women and people of color, throughout labor history.

Introduction

4min

The Untold History of American Labor and the Need for Inclusion

3min

The Early Labor Movement in Pawtock, Rhode Island

18min

The Importance of Disabled Workers in the Labor Movement

8min

Labor Struggles and Solidarity: From the 1970s to the IWAC

6min

Exploitation and Organizing: The Fight for Incarcerated Workers' Rights

16min

The Brookwood Strike: Uniting Workers and Building Community

11min

Book Availability, Social Media Presence, and Advocacy for Workers

3min

While the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes have garnered significant public attention, those unions represent only a tiny fraction of the unionized workers in the country. Throughout the long history of labor in this country, it's not uncommon for important battles to be overlooked, especially when they are the struggles of women and people of color. Adam is joined by Kim Kelly, journalist and author of FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor, to look back at some of those struggles and the ongoing story of workers' rights in America. Find Kim's book at factuallypod.com/books

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