Union Popularity Does Not Equal Good Labor Law

I frequently get asked why, if unions are now so popular, there aren’t more unions. Some think unions are falling down on the job, Well, there’s not nothing to that. But the real issue is that labor law is completely rigged in favor of employers and that is, by far, the biggest reason. This is a very brief primer on the issue, but a perfect talking point whenever this comes up in your life (which to be honest, is probably a lot less than mine, but still….)

Still, a surge in unionization resembling that 1930s surge seems unlikely today. Forming new unions remains extremely difficult. Many companies go to extremes to keep out a union, including firing the workers who try to organize one, usually with little legal penalty.

The union boom in Roosevelt’s day depended on changes in federal law. Two years ago, the House of Representatives passed a bill to protect union organizing, and President Biden favored it, but it lacked the support in the Senate to pass. Until that changes, strikes like those in Hollywood are likely to remain rare events — and income inequality is likely to remain high.

I disagree that strikes are likely to remain rare events…..I mean, the Teamsters are about to strike against UPS which could be a very, very big deal. But in terms of rebuilding the labor movement, it is almost impossible until labor law changes. Unfortunately, not only the Joe Manchins of the world but the Mark Warners and Tom Carpers are not down with that so even if the filibuster didn’t exist, I don’t think Democrats are quite there yet. Most are! We have moved a long ways from the indifference to unions of the Obama years, not to mention Clinton and Carter. But like a lot of issues, the older moderate senators are really uncomfortable with a strong labor movement. So there’s still a lot of work to be done.