How the Labor Movement Strengthens Democracy in the US and Globally
Labor unions form to negotiate with employers on behalf of workers. However, research shows that the impact of unionization extends beyond the worksite. Join us to discuss the impact of unions on their broader communities, unions' role in society and why they matter for democracy in the US and globally.
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Overview
Unions are known to increase wages for workers as well as job benefits and workplace rights. Research shows that these benefits are not limited to union members; unions have spillover effects that lead to increased wages for non-union workers and reduced racial and gender pay gaps. Yet, unions' importance goes beyond these more tangible advantages. Where union density is high, and workers' voices are particularly strong, we see increases in general civic participation through acts such as voting, contacting legislators, and other forms of political engagement. In short, unions strengthen democratic societies. However, over the last several decades, labor protections for millions of US workers have been eroding, and they continue to be at risk. This trend is not limited to the US.
On the eve of the US election, this panel will discuss the impact of unions on democratic societies; what actions are being taken by some autocratic states to dampen this effect through targeting, jailing, and murdering labor activists who stand up for democracy; and individuals who are working in the field to promote and protect the labor movement in the US and around the world. This panel of experts will examine how democratic strengthening through unions occurs, both in the workplace and at a societal level, looking at what the data and evidence show in the US and across the globe. Speakers will discuss how the labor movement serves as a strong protector and promoter of global democracy, its role in shaping democratic societies, and how the labor movement's people power and organizing skills are working to fight back autocracy.
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Speakers
- Director of Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab
Cathy Creighton is the Director of Cornell University School of Industrial & Labor Relations Buffalo Co-Lab.
- Executive Director, Solidarity Center
Shawna Bader-Blau leads the Solidarity Center, the largest global worker rights organization based in the United States.
- Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, London School of Economics
J. Ryan Lamare is Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the London School of Economics (LSE). Prior to joining LSE, he was the Reuben G.
- Asia Regional Program Director, Solidarity Center
Fred joins the Solidarity Center with an almost 40-year track record of success in building power for workers, unions, and communities, through his leadership at the AFL-CIO and across the U.S.