The political power of labor unions

Labor union endorsements have become increasingly important to local and federal elections, with unions signaling support for candidates up and down the ballot. 

Earlier this month, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stressed his union support while speaking near Duluth, Minn. As Minnesota becomes a battleground state in this election, what role could labor unions play in turning the tides?

MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with a union leader and a researcher about the time and money spent encouraging members to go out and vote. They also discussed how effective labor union campaigning is and how endorsement decisions are made.

We also heard from MPR senior economic contributor Chris Farrell and producer Twila Dang discuss the new MPR News podcast, “Small Change: Money Stories From The Neighborhood,” which focuses on the creative and collaborative ways people without much money manage to achieve their dreams. The first episode is out now.

Guests:

• Jason George is the business manager and financial secretary of the Local 49 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. 

• John Remington is a professor of work and organizations at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

• Chris Farrell is MPR senior economic contributor and co-host of “Small Change: Money Stories From The Neighborhood.”

• Twila Dang is the producer and co-host of “Small Change: Money Stories From The Neighborhood.”

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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