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How U.S. Unions Took Flight (Throwback)
Sep 5, 2024
Explore the vibrant history of airline workers' unions and their fight for civil rights. Discover how the TWA strike of 1986 shaped collective action and the inspirational journey of a flight attendant in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Witness the resurgence of labor activism in 2023, linking past struggles to present-day challenges. Uncover the pivotal protests for equality and the transformative role of women's leadership in unions. This fascinating narrative intertwines labor rights with broader social justice issues in America.
46:19
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Quick takeaways
- The decline of union power in the 1980s, particularly after Reagan's response to the air traffic controllers' strike, fundamentally reshaped labor relations in the U.S.
- The recent resurgence of labor activism in 2023, marked by widespread strikes, indicates a cultural shift supporting workers' rights and solidarity across different industries.
Deep dives
The Impact of Reagan's 1981 Air Traffic Controller Strike
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan responded decisively to a strike by 13,000 air traffic controllers, showcasing his stance against union power. By terminating the striking workers, Reagan sent a clear message that unions and strikers were not to be seen as workers seeking better conditions, but rather as troublemakers. This pivotal move initiated a decline in union influence across the country, leading to an increase in broken strikes and a loss of jobs for unionized workers. The ramifications of this strike continued to be felt as unions gradually diminished in power throughout the subsequent decades.
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