Dr. James Benton, the Director of Race and Economic Empowerment Project at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Labor Spring events on college campuses nationwide.
He explained Labor Spring, which is a series of events and teach-ins held across the country that try to capture the growing pro-union sentiment created during the pandemic. As working conditions have changed, these events highlight those changes and help create a new normal for workers, Benton said.
Labor Spring events look to highlight the forgotten relationships between communities and under-represented workers. These relationships are crucial to increase support for workers and to improve working conditions for everyone, Benton said. He feels these events show the power that collective action can bring when it is focused on a shared goal.
Labor Spring events will discuss pivotal and historical labor movement events, gender and racial equality and take a look at the events that have caused a resurgence in organized labor. Not only can workers attend the Labor Spring events in-person, but they can also watch a Zoom panel featuring national and global organizers and thought leaders. Anyone can follow the events online by searching for #laborspring, Benton added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.