Labor unions were a big part of Barack Obama’s victory. What would they like to see from the president elect? Universal healthcare for one and a huge stimulus package might be starting points. There’s also the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for unions to organize. Perhaps as a measure of how ambitious the effort will be, the anti-union and pro-business Chamber of Commerce said: “This will be Armageddon.” But will Obama be able to turn around the decades long decline in union membership? And will unions have a role in reshaping American society?

Greg Denier, communications director of Change to Win says that there’s been a fundamental shift in the way voters are thinking about the economy and the role of government as outlined in their survey, The American Dream and the 2008 Election. The Reagan era is over.

Ed Ott, Executive Director of the New York City Central Labor Council and Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance say that there was an unprecedented response from union members and that Barack Obama represents an opportunity to move forward on the issues of immigration and the right to unionize. The victory is not only symbolic, says Desai, but could really change the tide in how race and immigration are discussed. So workers, union and non, will be watching the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and the restructuring of the auto industry closely. Not to mention the bailout and Obama’s choice for Labor Secretary.

According to Desai the bailout thus far has focused on the impact on CEOs, the financial industry, and white collar jobs. Not people on the ground. There’s no bailout for us. The question is: will the labor movement and the progressive left be able to push Obama in the right direction?

Thanks to the SEIU for video in this segment, of their organizing for Obama across the country. The Real News asks will recession kill or renew labor unions, and looks at the future of the Employee Free Choice Act with economist John Schmitt.

Comments Off   Spotlight