Jeff Schuhrke, a labor studies professor and author, teams up with Micah Utrecht, editor at Jacobin, to dive deep into the hidden histories of American labor's role in the Cold War. They discuss how unions often undermined left-wing movements both domestically and abroad, revealing the moral quandaries labor leaders faced. Schuhrke highlights the AFL-CIO’s collaboration with the CIA, and the detrimental impacts of anti-communist strategies on workers' rights. Their conversation underscores the need for a revived, progressive labor movement capable of addressing global inequalities.
The historical alignment of U.S. labor unions with anti-communist agendas during the Cold War severely weakened the labor movement's integrity and effectiveness.
Contemporary leftist activists must prioritize solidarity and collaboration to counteract the alarming rise of global far-right movements and authoritarianism.
The upcoming Socialism Conference serves as a vital opportunity for leftist organizers to build community and refine strategies for revitalizing the labor movement.
Deep dives
The Global Rise of the Far Right
The episode addresses the troubling global ascendance of far-right movements amidst escalating crises such as war and environmental disasters. It highlights the potential for these crises to catalyze mass social movements and the vital necessity for the left to unify in response. The discussion underscores that this historical moment calls for the formation of robust organizations, coalitions, and relationships among leftist groups. Activists are urged to recognize the importance of solidarity and collaborative efforts to counteract the rising authoritarian trends.
The Importance of the Socialism Conference
The episode emphasizes the significance of the upcoming Socialism Conference scheduled for July 3rd through 6th in Chicago, portraying it as an essential platform for leftist organizers and activists. Featured speakers include prominent figures from various fields, which serves to enrich discussions on strategies and analyses relevant to contemporary political challenges. The conference aims to foster community building among leftists while honing strategies for better organization in the socialist movement. This gathering is portrayed as a critical opportunity to inspire and mobilize for future action.
The Decline of Organized Labor
The episode explores the alarming decline of the U.S. labor movement, exemplified by the fact that less than 10% of American workers are currently unionized. It highlights that the strength of organized labor, once a formidable force in shaping worker rights, has diminished significantly over the past half-century. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the suppression of left-wing forces within unions, particularly during the Cold War. The discussion frames this historical context as essential for understanding the current state of labor disempowerment and the challenges faced by contemporary organizers.
Historical Context of Anti-Communism in Labor
The dialogue delves into the historical entwinement of labor unions with U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, particularly how some unions became agents of anti-communist agendas both at home and abroad. It argues that the AFL-CIO's actions, ranging from purging communists from unions to partnering with the CIA, contributed to the weakening of the labor movement. This alliance not only compromised the integrity of organized labor but also aligned it with U.S. imperialist interests, creating a legacy of distrust towards unions. The historical accounts stress the importance of recognizing these dynamics to inform present-day labor activism.
Lessons from the Past for Modern Labor Organizers
The episode encourages contemporary labor organizers to learn from the historical missteps of the labor movement, particularly regarding its alignment with imperialism and anti-communism. It advocates for an internationalist approach that challenges U.S. foreign policy while fostering genuine solidarity with workers globally. Activists are reminded of the importance of rank-and-file democracy within unions to ensure that leaders are accountable to membership. This insight is positioned as crucial for reviving the labor movement and promoting a more equitable and just approach to organizing.
Recent Trends in U.S. Labor and Foreign Policy
The episode discusses contemporary developments within the AFL-CIO's foreign policy, especially in light of recent cuts to U.S. aid programs and shifts in international relations. It highlights the role of organizations like the Solidarity Center in facilitating labor movements abroad, while also critiquing their ties to U.S. government funding. Moreover, the discussion points to the current political landscape, marked by decreased funding for these initiatives, as a signal of a potential decline in U.S. influence over global labor movements. This context serves as a call for U.S. labor activists to advocate for accountability and transparency in their foreign engagements.
Jeff Schuhrke on his book Blue Collar Empire: The Untold Story of US Labor’s Global Anticommunist Crusade. During the Cold War, organized labor’s top leadership acted as an agent of the US national security state abroad: undermining left-wing unions, fomenting right-wing coups, and promoting the US-led capitalist order. At home, those same forces destroyed left-wing unions and organizers. That history goes a long way in explaining the weakened, conservative, and ineffectual workers’ movement we still confront today.
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Register for the Socialism Conference at Socialismconference.org before April 25th for an early bird discount!
