Are labor unions experiencing a resurgence? According to a recent Gallup poll, American’s approval rating of unions is at its highest point since 1965. Yet, despite recent growth, only about 10 percent of the workforce is unionized. In Maine, recent successful unionization efforts among nurses at Maine Medical Center and employees at the Portland Museum of Art reflect national trends. We’ll look at the role of the modern labor union and how it fits into other labor trends, such as the Great Resignation.
This show is part of Maine Calling’s ongoing series of programs about Maine’s evolving economy.
Panelists:
Cynthia Phinney, president, Maine AFL-CIO
Michael Hillard, professor of economics; University of Southern Maine; author of Shredding Paper: The Rise and Fall of Maine's Mighty Paper Industry
Steven Greenhouse, formerly a reporter covering labor, business and economics for The New York Times; diplomatic and foreign correspondent; author of Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor
