In a significant turning point for labor relations, labor movements have recently surged across the nation. It all began in 2021 when a unionization attempt at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, was defeated, with workers voting more than 2 to 1 against union formation. However, the tide has rapidly shifted since then, evidenced by Starbucks stores in Buffalo, New York, voting to unionize shortly thereafter, leading to ongoing confrontations that have even reached the Supreme Court. Furthermore, Amazon workers on Staten Island also voted to unionize, sparking a wave of organizing efforts and labor disputes, including numerous strikes.
Labor’s Impact on Upcoming Elections
The labor movement’s resurgence coincides with a presidential race wherein candidates are actively courting workers. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized that union workers represent one in five voters in swing states, highlighting the importance of labor in the electoral process where nationwide only 10% of U.S. workers are union members, indicating a concentrated presence in decisive states.
In key battlegrounds, union workers could significantly influence elections. For instance, in 2016, former President Donald Trump won Michigan by a mere 11,000 votes and Wisconsin by just 23,000, making union workers a focal point for Democrats seeking to rally support.
Vice President Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both well-regarded among union members due to supportive legislation and policies, are leveraging this goodwill. They aim to mobilize union members as political messengers to boost voter turnout. Their campaign strategy includes early visits to union halls and conventions, resonating with the labor community as they emphasize the need for collective action.
This engagement further reflects a changing demographic within unions. Younger workers, including those from Starbucks and graduate student workers, are sparking renewed enthusiasm for unionization and bringing innovative strategies to the labor movement, as noted by labor experts.
If the Democratic campaign successfully harnesses this energy, the labor movement could play a crucial role in the upcoming elections. Close attention will be given to how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
Labor Day Reflection
Unions have historically strived for better working conditions and civil rights. The evolution of airline worker unions is a case study in this ongoing fight for justice, as discussed in the podcast “Throughline.” Unions often garner media attention during strikes, a collective action protected by the National Labor Relations Act, which has specific restrictions despite allowing Americans to exercise this right.
Interestingly, stereotypes about Gen Z and millennial workers regarding their work ethic are prevalent. The conversation continues about whether this perception stems from a generational divide or if there is indeed merit to such accusations, explored in-depth in the podcast “Booming.” Moreover, PBS documentarians have chronicled the challenges faced by working-class families in Milwaukee who lost stable jobs due to economic shifts, shedding light on the impact of these changes on American lives in their film “Two American Families.”
