EP 561 Labor Unions Seem to be Having a Resurgence

The numbers suggest that America is in the midst of one of the largest labor upheavals in decades. The resurgence in workers declaring their rights has benefited labor unions who are now emboldened and getting a second look from younger workers. The new found confidence that the worker is in a stronger position is exemplified by the fact that 100,000 unionized workers have voted to authorize strikes in the recent period across a range of industries. Given worker shortages, they now have little fear that they will be replaced should they walk the picket line. It’s a moment unlike any for working people in decades. Having a Democratic president who is sympathetic to unions, and very open about it, doesn’t hurt, either. Peter Berg, professor of employment relations and the director of the school of Human Resources and labor relations at Michigan State University, joins us to discuss.

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