On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska and member of Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 464, shared his inspiring journey from union leadership to national politics. Osborn, a Navy veteran, is a member of Local 464 in Omaha, Neb. During the conversation, he reflected on how his experiences in the military, labor and union activism have shaped his perspectives on issues such as economic justice, campaign finance reform and the struggle for working-class representation in government.
Osborn recounted his path to union leadership, beginning with his initial encouragement to join while working at Kellogg's, and culminating in his eventual election as union president of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International Union Local 50-G. He described how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequities between corporate profits and essential workers, with the company earning record profits while employees were working 7-day shifts. After negotiations halted when proposals included cuts to health insurance and the introduction of a two-tier wage system, Osborn helped organize and lead a successful 70-day strike. This experience solidified his commitment to standing up for workers and propelled him into the political arena.
Next, Osborn highlighted his first Senate run, where he garnered 47 percent of the vote against a well-funded incumbent. Despite the personal challenges and toll on his family, Osborn explained his decision to run again, citing concerns about housing affordability and the lack of wage-earning voices in Congress. He emphasized the importance of having leaders who understand everyday struggles, such as “putting Christmas on a credit card,” and advocated for antitrust laws and revised tariff policies to help restore economic balance for working families.
Finally, Osborn discussed his campaign’s reliance on grassroots support from union members across Nebraska, showcasing how “boots on the ground” power can challenge traditional political fundraising. He outlined ongoing efforts to mobilize volunteers from various industries, including rail, postal, construction and education sectors, to create a blueprint for other working-class candidates. By focusing on campaign finance reform and rejecting corporate contributions, Osborn aims to shift power away from corporations and lobbyists toward the people, thereby inspiring a nationwide movement for a government that is by and for the people.
For more on Osborn’s journey from the shop floor to a U.S. Senate campaign, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
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