I sat down with assistant professor of labor studies and author of We Are the Union, Eric Blanc, to discuss: the euphoria and struggle of movement-building as a response to hopelessness, how mid-century suburban development undermined labor power, and why understanding (and wielding) economic leverage is critical.

(05:22): The pushback against unions and why unions are essentially about democracy
(08:55): How worker-to-worker organizing might be the best path forward against oligarchy
(18:45): The story of Morrisha Jones and the importance of leverage
(22:15): Why full employment in the economy should be a progressive priority
(27:55): The obstacles that appear after a union's been formed, but before a contract's been reached
(36:24): How "vibes" and culture play a role in building a movement
(43:00): How unions can flourish beyond a manufacturing economy, and how the country's structure has changed since the 1930s
(47:20): The impact of suburbanization on labor power
(01:01:33): The connection between social justice movements and broader organizing
(01:19:32): How Europe's move to the right, despite its union density, speaks to the future of the US
(01:28:04): Tactical next steps and resources

Transcripts, show notes, resources, and credits will be available within a week at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moneywithkatie.com/workplace-unions.

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Money with Katie’s mission is to be the intersection where the economic, cultural, and political meet the tactical, practical, personal finance education everyone needs.

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Ivo Vivernay

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