Janelle Jones: From Chief Economist at the US Labor Department to Advocate for Unions and Economic Equality

Janelle Jones, the first black woman to serve as Chief Economist at the US Labor Department, discusses her journey and the importance of race and gender in economic policy. Growing up in Ohio, she witnessed her mother's transition from a fast-food worker to a union worker, which shaped her understanding of the economy. Jones emphasizes the need to address the wage gap, particularly for black women who are paid 36% less than white men and 12% less than white women on average in the US. She also highlights the significance of unions in reducing economic disparities and advocates for unions for all workers. Jones emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized communities in policy-making to uplift everyone.