Today’s edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Jeff Schuhrke, Assistant Professor at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies at SUNY. He joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book "Blue Collar Empire," the AFL-CIO's anti-communist foreign policy during the Cold War and the Democratic Party's relationship with the working class.
His book examines the AFL-CIO's role in undermining militant labor organizations worldwide during the Cold War. He argues that key AFL-CIO leaders, to demonstrate patriotism and loyalty to the U.S. government, often partnered with the CIA and State Department to weaken progressive unions globally. This approach, he pointed out, ultimately had negative consequences, making it easier for multinational corporations to move U.S. jobs overseas due to weakened labor movements in other countries. Schuhrke's research, based on extensive archival work, aims to provide a nuanced understanding of this controversial period in labor history.
The discussion then touched on the historical connection between militancy and left-wing politics in the labor movement. Schuhrke explained that historically, more radical elements, including communists and socialists, advocated for inclusive unions that brought together workers across racial, national and religious lines. These groups pushed for broader social justice and workplace control. While acknowledging that militancy does not equate to communism, he noted that today's militant labor leaders, like Sean Fain of the United Auto Workers and Sean O'Brien of the Teamsters, continue this tradition of advocating for workers' rights and social change.
Schuhrke also addressed the Democratic Party's evolving relationship with the working class. He argued that while Biden has been relatively pro-union, the Democratic establishment's reliance on corporate interests has prevented more transformative changes like Medicare for All. Schuhrke criticized the rollback of COVID-era social safety net expansions and the failure to implement promised policies like free community college and guaranteed paid sick leave. He suggested these factors, combined with rising inflation and cost of living, have contributed to working-class disillusionment with the Democratic Party.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Schuhrke's insights on labor history and its relevance to today's union struggles.
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