In today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown joined the podcast to discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate, attacks against unions and the complexities of U.S. trade policy.
Brown began by addressing the wave of union endorsements his campaign has received well in advance of the upcoming election. Notably, unions such as the United Steelworkers (USW), United Association (UA), United Auto Workers (UAW) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), as well as several Local Unions, have already thrown their support behind Brown, emphasizing both broad national backing and impactful local engagement. Brown stressed that peer-to-peer conversations among union members are vital for mobilizing support, reiterating that endorsements from Locals translate to genuine grassroots enthusiasm among workers.
The discussion then shifted to the state of unions and labor rights under the current administration. Brown expressed deep concern about the frequency of attacks on collective bargaining agreements and efforts to undermine union power. He cited examples, such as the federal government’s attempt to reduce the scope of workplace safety research at institutions like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), arguing that these moves reflect a broader agenda driven by billionaire interests seeking greater profits at the expense of workers. Brown pointed out that unions are often demonized because they stand for fair profit-sharing and workplace protections, and warned that such anti-union policies disproportionately harm everyday Americans.
Finally, Brown discussed the challenges presented by U.S. trade policy, particularly surrounding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). He questioned the administration’s priorities in supporting labor rights for Mexican workers while falling short at home, recounting decades of corporate-driven trade deals that shifted American manufacturing jobs to low-wage regions and, ultimately, overseas. Brown argued that these trade agreements have been fueled by greed, leaving workers behind to shoulder the burden. He reaffirmed his commitment to the principle of the "dignity of work" and voiced optimism for broader support, referencing the newfound focus on labor rights from influential voices such as the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, who has made workers’ advocacy central to his mission.
For more from Brown, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.