Seizing Labor’s Moment features Alex Press, a journalist and author, and Eric Blanc, a labor historian and writer. They discuss surging labor militancy, the challenges and reasons for hope in labor unions, the resurgence of worker strikes and organizing drives, the impact of the Biden administration on the labor movement, the future of higher education, the ongoing strikes in Hollywood and the potential job loss due to AI, and the impact of Labor Notes on the labor movement.
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Quick takeaways
The surge in working-class militancy and successful union reform efforts show the growing support for unions as a solution to workplace problems and for progressive politics.
Reform movements within the Teamsters and the UAW aim to transform the unions through democratic practices, militancy-focused approaches, and cross-sectional solidarity.
Worker-led unionism is on the rise, fueled by the support for unions among millennials and Gen Z, the decentralization of industries, and advancements in digital technologies.
Despite challenges, the labor movement is experiencing a period of excitement and militancy, with organizations like Labor Notes playing a crucial role in empowering workers and promoting bottom-up, democratic unionism.
Deep dives
Recent surge in working-class militancy and union reform efforts
The past year has seen an explosion in working-class militancy and creativity across the United States, with union reform efforts paying off and new leadership in the Teamsters and the UAW taking their unions to the verge of massive national strikes. The vibe across the country is pro-union, with overwhelming support for unions and growing numbers of workers seeing unionization as a solution to their workplace problems and for progressive and left politics as a whole.
The state of the American labor movement today
The American labor movement is experiencing a mix of positive and negative developments. While there is a surge in working-class militancy, creativity, and successful union reform efforts, the overall percentage of workers belonging to a union remains just above 10%, with many unions still unwilling or unable to pursue more aggressive organizing strategies. However, there is hope as workers demonstrate a willingness to fight for better conditions and significant gains have been made, particularly in unionization efforts at companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and in higher education.
The significance of the UPS strike and union reform in the Teamsters
The UPS contract, a major private sector contract covering 350,000 workers, is of significant importance, and the recent strike narrowly avoided by the Teamsters was a reflection of workers' dissatisfaction from a prior contract that introduced a new tier of drivers with lower benefits and pay. The Teamsters' reform movement, led by Sean O'Brien, aims to transform the union through more democratic and militancy-focused approaches. While there are still challenges and limitations, the recent victory for reformers in the national leadership positions reflects a sea change in the Teamsters and their commitment to organizing unorganized sectors like Amazon.
Changes in the UAW and the potential of cross-sectional solidarity
Reform efforts within the UAW have emerged after corruption scandals, with the establishment of more democratic practices and a focus on building cross-sectional solidarity. The union reformers, led by President Sean Fain, aim to revitalize the UAW by involving members in decision-making and addressing broader working-class concerns. This includes forming alliances with graduate student workers, recognizing the common issues they face, and tapping into the knowledge and resources they bring to the union. Such cross-sectional solidarity demonstrates the potential for broader and more powerful labor movements.
Labor movements and the importance of worker-led unionism
The labor movement in the US is experiencing a period of immense opportunity and breakthroughs. This is evident in the rise of worker-led unionism, where workers themselves take the lead in organizing efforts. Young workers have become radicalized and are embracing the idea of workplace power. This trend is fueled by the growing support for unions among millennials and Gen Z. The decentralization of industries and the rise of digital technologies have also made worker-led organizing at scale more feasible. Examples of successful worker-led unionism include the Starbucks Workers United campaign, the efforts of news guilds, and the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee. While there are challenges and obstacles in the path, the labor movement is primed for transformation and has the potential to bring about significant change.
The impact of labor notes and the rise of movement unionism
The organization Labor Notes has played a significant role in the recent reinvigoration of the labor movement. It has helped cohere the movement wing of labor and has been instrumental in empowering workers and promoting a bottom-up, democratic approach to unionism. Labor Notes has been successful in organizing trainings and conferences that have attracted thousands of participants. This movement unionism relies on worker-led efforts and emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action. It has gained traction in various industries and has inspired other unions and organizing initiatives. While challenges remain, the labor movement is experiencing a period of excitement and militancy.
The need for resources and a shift in union strategies
Despite having significant financial resources, many unions have yet to fully capitalize on the opportunities in the labor movement. While some unions have embraced new organizing models and experimental approaches, others have been reluctant to take risks and invest in worker-led organizing efforts. There is a need for a shift in union strategies towards more decentralized and worker-driven models that can scale up organizing campaigns. The rise of young workers and advancements in digital technologies have made worker-led organizing at scale more feasible. The success of campaigns such as the Starbucks Workers United and the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee demonstrate the potential of worker-led unionism. However, more unions need to embrace these models and allocate resources towards new organizing to fully capitalize on the momentum in the labor movement.
Hope and prospects for the labor movement
Despite the challenges and obstacles, there is reason for hope and optimism in the labor movement. Breakthroughs and successes have been witnessed in various industries, and there is a growing understanding of the central role of labor in addressing economic inequality, racial and gender justice, climate change, and preserving democracy. The labor movement is becoming more dynamic and attracting young workers who are committed to rebuilding worker power. While the path forward may have ups and downs, the momentum of worker-led organizing is difficult to reverse. Thousands of workers are dedicated to transforming the labor movement from the bottom up and bringing about substantial change.
Featuring Alex Press and Eric Blanc on surging labor militancy and why US unions must seize this historic moment.
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