On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tom Buffenbarger, retired President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, reflected on the state of the American workforce, the escalating cost of living fueled by rising healthcare premiums, misleading unemployment data and the growing importance of unions in turbulent times.
Buffenbarger began by discussing the current economic hardships affecting American families. He painted a grim picture going forward, citing surging healthcare premiums affecting more than 22 million people and persistent food and housing insecurity. Buffenbarger highlighted how inflation and rising costs are eroding increases in Social Security, noting that benefits are often offset by higher Medicare deductions. As federal support dwindles and Congress remains inactive, he warned that these pressures leave workers increasingly stagnant or falling behind, signaling a need for coordinated innovation and governmental action to address widespread affordability issues.
Next, Buffenbarger shared his thoughts on the official unemployment statistics, arguing that the real number of jobless Americans is masked by the government’s reporting methods. He offered a count of 18 million truly unemployed, referencing the work of Leo Hendry and Rick Sloan in tracking comprehensive numbers that are often excluded from formal government data. Undercounting unemployment numbers not only distorts public understanding but also hampers effective policymaking, Buffenbarger said. This ambiguity, he contended, fuels feelings of economic insecurity among workers on multiple fronts.
Finally, Buffenbarger shared his perspective on the current state of organized labor and new organizing efforts. In the face of attacks on unions, layoffs and torn-up contracts in the federal sector, Buffenbarger praised union leaders for their resistance and advocacy. He pointed to successes, such as the United Steelworkers organizing thousands of new members, and noted that workers without union protections are increasingly recognizing their vulnerability. Buffenbarger affirmed his belief that unions will remain highly visible and influential, especially as midterm elections offer a pathway for workers to fortify their rights and quality of life through collective action.
For more from Buffenbarger, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.