Workers Seizing the Moment

Leslie is joined by Maria Somma, Organizing Director for the United Steelworkers (USW).

The two discuss how workers across the economy – from automakers to health care workers – are using their collective power to ensure they have fair contracts and safe working conditions.

The first step in this process is organizing, and as workers seek greater protections on the job, they’re capitalizing on this unique moment.
It’s not just the hot labor market, though the recent low unemployment has certainly helped.
The pandemic helped workers in a number of industries understand that they’re essential. It has also highlighted what they needed from their employers – in terms of job security, living wages, and more – as well as the power of working together to achieve these goals.

Also, Joe Biden, the most pro-labor president in recent memory, has tasked his administration with helping workers to exercise their right to form unions. This unprecedented support, and whole of government approach, has helped tip the balance back toward workers, and away from greedy corporations.

Workers are also experiencing a time of great potential as we look to the clean energy transition. Clean technology – like electric vehicles – require a wide variety of raw materials and other components.
It’s essential that jobs from mining to manufacturing are good, community supporting jobs. That means ensuring workers can exercise their right to organize.

The final step in organizing is not, as some might think, a successful vote, but a first contract. This is where corporations like Starbucks double down on their efforts to break workers’ collective will.
We’ve seen this protracted bargaining at places like Kumho and OHL/Geodis, though the USW was ultimately successful in both cases.
What workers need to help them successfully weather the immense challenges they face, including getting this vital first contract, is the PRO Act.

The website for the United Steelworkers is USW.org and their handle on X and Instagram is @steelworkers. You can find them on Facebook by visiting Facebook.com/Steelworkers.