AFSCME President Lee Saunders was the guest on the latest episode of the “Thinking CAP” podcast produced by the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C.
When the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 last summer, some predicted that it would be the end of public service unions. But AFSCME President Lee Saunders noted that the state of labor unions is, in fact, strong.
Despite constant attacks from wealthy special interests working to lower wages for working people and decimate public service unions, unions have defied those expectations and are enjoying a bout of popularity not seen in years in this country.
The son of a union member in Cleveland, Saunders discussed the challenges unions have faced to their viability and membership over the past decade, as well as about the hopeful future of unions with younger generations embracing the power of collective bargaining. He also talked about the increasing public support for the labor movement, the federal government shutdown, AFSCME Strong, the 2018 election results, and lighter topics, including football. Take a listen.