How to Be a Better Human How labor unions create worker power (w/ Margaret Levi) (Re-release)
Sep 4, 2023
American political scientist Margaret Levi discusses the history and importance of labor unions in creating workplace protections, equality, and worker rights. She emphasizes the need for a revival of the labor movement and expresses optimism about today's young workforce. The episode explores the decline in union rates, obstacles faced by workers, and the power of labor unions in empowering workers and shaping the narrative.
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Learning From A Failed Union Effort
- Margaret Levi tried to organize a graduate student union and failed, but she learned firsthand about collective action and power.
- The experience gave her personal growth, research insights, and a sense of doing the right thing.
Where Modern Unions Began
- Modern unions trace to medieval craft guilds and expanded into industrial unions during industrialization.
- Craft unions protected skills and pay while industrial unions organized entire industries for larger collective power.
Unions Built Many Social Protections
- Unions pushed for broad social gains beyond member benefits, like weekends, Social Security, and healthcare.
- These achievements reflect unions' role in shaping society-wide labor standards and protections.