In this engaging discussion, Eric Blanc, an assistant professor at Rutgers University and author of "We Are the Union," shares insights into revitalizing the U.S. labor movement. He challenges the notion that labor is dead by showcasing the powerful grassroots organizing happening at places like Starbucks and Amazon. Topics include the importance of solidarity in a digital age, navigating workplace surveillance, and transforming labor strategies to engage new workers. Blanc emphasizes the need for collective action to combat rising inequality and advocates for global labor solidarity.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of 'worker-to-worker organizing' as a grassroots strategy to invigorate labor movements and expand union membership.
Digital tools and social media are highlighted as essential for facilitating connections among workers but should support deeper in-person organizing efforts.
The conversation links the revival of labor organizing to broader political movements, asserting that strong labor relationships can counteract far-right politics and support social change.
Deep dives
The Need for a New Labor Organizing Model
The podcast discusses the necessity for a new approach to labor organizing in the United States, highlighting the current limitations of the existing model. Traditional union methods have become less effective as labor has shifted towards becoming a mere sectoral interest group, largely failing to expand its reach or recruit new members. This has largely been attributed to financial constraints and a defensiveness within the labor movement, which prevents substantial organizational growth. The book proposed by Eric Blanc advocates for 'worker-to-worker organizing,' wherein workers initiate organizing efforts independently before engaging with unions for support, thereby fostering grassroots activism.
The Impact of Worker-to-Worker Organizing
Worker-to-worker organizing is emphasized as a scalable solution, demonstrating potential to reinvigorate labor movements by empowering workers to take the initiative. This method contrasts with conventional organizing that relies heavily on union staff to facilitate the process. By training workers to assist their peers in the organizing effort, this approach can not only expand union membership but also create a more robust solidarity among workers. The podcast points out that contemporary movements, such as the successful unionization of Starbucks, have utilized this model amidst decentralized workplaces and a rapidly changing labor landscape.
Harnessing Online Tools for Organizing
The podcast highlights the role of digital tools in enhancing labor organizing efforts, particularly in contemporary contexts. Social media platforms have provided new avenues for workers to connect, share resources, and galvanize collective action, helping to lower the costs of organizing. However, there is caution against relying solely on these online tools for momentary mobilization without developing lasting, multi-faceted organizational structures. The key takeaway is that while digital platforms enable rapid outreach, they must be integrated into a comprehensive strategy that reinforces in-person relationships and ongoing organizing efforts.
Societal Changes and Their Effects on Labor
The conversation delves into significant changes in American society and their implications for the labor movement, particularly considering trends like suburbanization and the gig economy. Many workers now face long commutes and dispersed workplaces, making it harder for them to establish the social ties necessary for effective organizing. The podcast asserts that despite challenges, there are opportunities for collective action, particularly as workers seek community amidst growing political and economic disparities. The resurgence of interest in unionization among younger workers indicates a yearning for solidarity that can drive effective organizing even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Interplay Between Politics and Labor Organizing
The podcast articulates the vital connection between labor organizing and broader political movements, emphasizing that labor relations and political engagement are not separate spheres. It suggests that the revitalization of the labor movement is crucial for countering the rise of far-right politics and addressing pressing issues like climate change. Political frameworks that support labor's rights and organize workers at large scales not only empower employees but also reshape the political landscape itself. Through transformative initiatives that align workers' rights with political action, the labor movement can become a formidable force for social change.
In this episode, we discuss Eric Blanc’s new book about the strategies re-building U.S. labor today, as well as how they can translate across movements and borders. Though many smart philosophers have declared that the labor movement is dead, workers from Starbucks to Amazon have something else in mind. So, what’s left?
leftofphilosophy.com
References:
Eric Blanc, We Are the Union: How Worker-to-Worker Organizing is Revitalizing Labor and Winning Big (The University of California Press, 2025).
https://www.laborpolitics.com
Music:
“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com
“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
