Kate Bronfenbrenner, Director of Labor Education Research at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on the 130th anniversary of Labor Day to discuss her journey through labor, how she helped shape the careers of several of today’s most influential labor leaders and the current state of the labor movement.
The daughter of immigrants from Eastern Europe and Germany in the 1950s, Bronfenbrenner experienced difficult times growing up. She chose her career path because of the hardships she endured, which made her want to make the world a just place. The labor movement provided her with that opportunity. She discussed her journey through labor, which started as an organizer in Seattle.
After her time as an organizer, Bronfenbrenner transitioned to the field of education, joining the faculty at Penn State University while finishing her dissertation on organizing. While researching her dissertation, Bronfenbrenner was able to see the difference in plant closures caused by workers choosing to organize before and after the North American Fair Trade Act was enacted. She explained how her dissertation helped lead her to her work with the ILR School at Cornell. Bronfenbrenner then discussed the ILR School’s notable alumni, who inspire and impact the labor movement.
Finally, Bronfenbrenner spoke about several independent organizing efforts. Recent campaigns at REI, Starbucks and Amazon have shown workers' desire to receive their rightful protections and livable wages. She discussed how larger unions have backed these campaigns, which has helped lift the workers' fight and given the campaign a perceived legitimacy. Bronfenbrenner finished with a message to all labor members and those workers who suffer from employers who commit unfair labor practices.
To hear Bronfenbrenner’s message and her thoughts on the current state of the labor movement, listen to the show above.