Journalist and organizer Kim Kelly joins host Jonquilyn Hill to discuss the recent rise in labor wins and energy surrounding unionization efforts in 2023. They explore the impact of big companies like Starbucks and Amazon on labor conditions and public perception, as well as the history of labor unions in the US and the difficulties in organizing. They also touch on sustainable farming practices, the power of organizing, and the future of the labor movement.
The labor movement has seen a resurgence with successful strikes and negotiations by unions like UAW, Riders Guild, and SAG-AFTRA, reflecting a shift towards militancy and the need for reform in labor laws.
The visibility of strikes in popular industries like Hollywood and Amazon has generated support for unions and workers' rights, resonating with a wider audience and highlighting the labor behind the products and services we consume.
Deep dives
New Energy in Labor: A Year of Striking and Organizing
In 2023, there has been a resurgence of labor wins and increased energy in the labor movement. The United Auto Workers (UAW), the Riders Guild, and SAG AFTRA have all successfully taken on their employers in strikes and negotiations. Behind the scenes, there has also been a campaign to reorganize the organizers. Labor journalist Kim Kelly discusses her experience as an organizer and how she became involved in covering labor. She highlights the UAW's stand-up strike strategy, where intermittent strikes were launched to keep employers on their toes. This new energy in labor reflects a shift towards militancy, as seen in the recent successes of the UAW and other unions. However, despite the momentum, union density in the United States remains low, and challenges such as worker misclassification and outdated labor laws still exist. The passage of the PRO Act and reform efforts in these areas would be crucial for expanding union membership and further strengthening the labor movement.
Visibility and Impact: Strikes in Pop Culture and Everyday Life
Labor strikes have attracted attention and had an impact on both pop culture and everyday life in 2023. Strikes at companies like Starbucks and Amazon, as well as in Hollywood, have garnered public attention and shed light on the issues faced by workers. The visibility of these strikes in popular industries has allowed the public to recognize the labor behind products and services they consume. For example, the Hollywood strike highlighted the disparity between actors and behind-the-scenes workers, and the impact it had on entertainment production. This increased visibility of labor disputes in familiar industries has resonated with a wider audience, particularly younger people, and has generated support for unions and workers' rights.
From Peak to Decline: Union Membership and the Challenges Ahead
Union membership in the United States has seen a decline since its peak in the 1930s. The introduction of the Wagner Act in 1935 provided legal protection for workers to join unions, leading to increased union density. However, subsequent legislation and actions, such as the Taft-Hartley Act in the 1940s and the actions of the Reagan administration in the 1980s, hampered labor's progress. Currently, union density stands at around 10%, and challenges such as employer opposition and complex labor laws persist. The passage of the PRO Act, which would streamline unionization processes and address worker misclassification, is seen as a potential solution to increase union membership. Further reforms and updates to labor laws are also needed to ensure that all workers, including those in small businesses and historically marginalized industries, have equal rights and protections.
Looking towards the Future: Organizing for Change
To sustain the momentum of the labor movement, continued organizing efforts are essential. Workers need to come together to form more unions and build collective power. Labor unions provide a platform for workers to advocate for better wages, safer working conditions, and other improvements in their workplaces. The universality of work experience makes organizing a potent tool for fostering understanding and collaboration among workers from diverse backgrounds. Legislative reforms like the PRO Act and addressing worker misclassification are crucial steps towards strengthening the labor movement. However, it is also important to challenge misconceptions, such as the idea that unions harm small businesses, and highlight the positive impact labor organizations can have in improving workplaces for both workers and employers. By organizing and standing united, workers can continue to drive positive change in the labor landscape.
2023 was a big year for unions. WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes brought Hollywood to a standstill, and the UAW made historic gains for nearly 150,000 of its members. But despite all of the commotion around unions, membership is still way down from its peak — and has been steadily declining since the 1950s. Was the past year a sign of an upcoming resurgence in the labor movement? Weeds host Jonquilyn Hill talks to journalist and organizer Kim Kelly to find out.
