Joe Allen

Join Sebastian Budgen, an expert on French politics and editor at Verso Books, as he dives into the recent upheaval in France following the fall of Prime Minister Bayrou's government. He discusses the vibrant 'Block Everything' movement uniting unions and activists against Macron's austerity measures. Meanwhile, Joe Allen, a former Teamster, sheds light on the complexities within the Teamsters Union and the implications of a near-strike at UPS, exploring how political ties influence modern labor dynamics in the U.S.

Joe Allen, author of *The Package King* and former UPS worker, explores the company’s evolution from a bike messenger service to a logistics giant. He discusses workplace culture, the militaristic productivity pressures, and the impact of union negotiations on worker rights. Allen highlights significant events like the 1962 wildcat strike and the effects of management policies on worker dignity. He offers insights into the ongoing challenges for labor movements and shares his future projects focused on the Teamsters and union dynamics.

Joe Allen, author of 'The Package King,' is a former UPS worker and labor activist who digs into the company’s historical evolution from a bicycle messenger service to a logistics titan. He explores the intense work culture at UPS, revealing how a faux-military environment leads to productivity pressure and workplace injuries. Allen discusses pivotal moments in labor history, including the militant spirit of Teamsters Local 804 and the impact of civil rights on hiring practices. He also contrasts UPS’s polished public image with the harsh realities faced by its workers.