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Do Unions Still Work?
Podcast

Do Unions Still Work?

Stephen J. Dubner and Zack Lapinski
Freakonomics Radio, 2022
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Analytical
  • Engaging

Recommendation

In 2021, Liz Shuler was elected as the first female president of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), an umbrella organization of unions that represents worker interests in industries as varied as policing, mining, and artists working in television and radio. In this episode of the Freakonomics podcast, she and Stephen Dubner discuss the role unions play in the US economy, the role they could play, and the obstacles that stand in the way of progress.

Take-Aways

  • AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) president Liz Shuler feels that unions will continue to play a role in the future of the US economy.
  • Current economic conditions seem to favor corporations and executives at the expense of workers, and the US government traditionally hasn’t done much to balance the scales.
  • The early 2020s have seen a major uptick in strikes, suggesting that many believe the US economy isn’t adequately providing for American workers.  

About the Podcast

Stephen J. Dubner is a journalist, podcast and radio host, and co-author of the Freakonomics book series. Liz Shuler is president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

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