The Daily Show: Ears Edition TDS Time Machine | Labor Day
Sep 1, 2025
Philip Dray, a labor historian and author, discusses the monumental role of unions in American history and their impact on modern labor practices. Chris Smalls, president of the Amazon Labor Union, shares insights from leading the first Amazon union in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for better working conditions and worker rights. The conversation also touches on political changes affecting labor, the minimum wage debate, and the struggles of college athletes—bringing humor and poignancy to the ongoing fight for workers' rights.
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Walmart Store Union Story
- Gaetan Plour organized a union at a Walmart in Quebec and the store later closed amid disputes.
- The closure left workers jobless while raising questions about employer retaliation and corporate explanations.
Labor's Forgotten History
- Philip Dray argues much of labor's history and sacrifice has been forgotten despite its gains in safety and hours.
- Remembering those struggles explains why unions shaped modern workplace standards.
Unions' Mixed Legacy
- Dray acknowledges some unions mimicked big-business traits and faced corruption, but most locals remain legitimate.
- Corruption headlines shouldn't erase the broader lawful labor movement achievements.
