Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff

On this week’s episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff delivers updates on Trump VS Harvard, Trump's "antisemitism" maneuver, how higher education in the U.S. is becoming ever more " business-like,” and the economics behind the depreciation of the U.S. dollar since Jan 20, 2025. The show's second half features an interview with Mr. Rob Robinson, who is to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the City University of New York at its Commencement on June 10, 2025, in recognition of his multiple contributions in the fight against homelessness and inadequate housing in the U.S.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so. You can support our work by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate   Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else. We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week.1:01 We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info

This week on Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff examines a major labor strike unfolding in California, where 2,400 Kaiser Permanente mental health workers are fighting for better conditions. Next, we break down how tariffs function as an economic weapon, undermining the living standards of U.S. workers. Finally, Professor Wolff sits down with Kali Akuno, co-founder and co-director of Cooperation Jackson, to discuss Trump’s controversial "restoration" agenda and the growing resistance against it. Kali Akuno is the co-founder and co-director of Cooperation Jackson, a network of worker cooperatives and community-led programs that sustain and grow a democratic, just, and sustainable economy in Jackson, MS. Among these programs is the Fannie Lou Hamer Community Land Trust, which enables community members to collectively steward the land and creates opportunities for affordable property ownership.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so. You can support our work by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate   Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else. We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week.1:01 We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info

Maliha Safri, a Professor of Economics at Drew University, joins the discussion on urban solidarity economies. She explores how cities like Worcester and Philadelphia create alternatives to capitalism through cooperative initiatives. The conversation highlights the historical roots of grassroots activism, particularly the Iglesias Gardens, and emphasizes the importance of community resilience against gentrification. They propose 'counter mapping' as a strategy to visualize and resist economic exclusion, showcasing the power of solidarity in transforming urban landscapes.

David Van Deusen, former head of the Vermont state AFL-CIO and an organizer of union-based resistance, discusses the impact of government policies on the working class. He critiques the Trump-era tariffs and their harmful effects on public employees. The conversation also highlights Vermont's labor movement as a model of resilience. Van Deusen emphasizes the need for grassroots training in union organization and proactive resistance against socio-political challenges. The episode showcases the importance of solidarity in empowering workers and addressing economic inequalities.

In this lively discussion, the fallacy of viewing markets as flawless institutions is critically examined. Historical and contemporary comparisons reveal the detrimental effects of market ideologies on society. The podcast dives into the stark wealth disparities created by unregulated markets and the barriers faced by lower-income individuals. It boldly deconstructs the myth of the free market, arguing for essential government intervention. The conversation concludes with a call for workplace democracy, advocating for equitable decision-making in economic systems.

Celebrate Karl Marx's 200th birthday by diving into his critiques of capitalism. Discover his analysis of labor and surplus, revealing persistent inequalities and modern 'wage slavery.' Explore the contradictions of capitalism where exploitation leads to economic instability and reduced buying power. Unpack Marx's vision of democracy in the workplace, advocating for equality and worker cooperatives. Reflect on his legacy and question the permanence of capitalism, urging progressive change through community engagement.