Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Union membership is at its lowest level in a century. Why, despite viral organizing campaigns at Amazon and Starbucks, has union density flatlined?
Ruth Milkman (@GradCenterCUNY) traces the decline of American unions since the 1980s, explains the strategies of employers, and explores the “power resource” theory of what really gives workers leverage—or leaves them powerless. She highlights how a generation radicalized by the 2008 crisis and pandemic is driving new efforts to organize—but also why, without large-scale movements or changes in the law, these efforts alone can’t reverse decades of decline.
Milkman discusses Amazon’s delays, Starbucks’ stalling, the power of symbolic actions, and why a tight labor market has opened a window for organizing—but maybe not for lasting change.
Power Resource Theory and the 21st Century Us Labor Movement:
ruthmilkman.info/_files/ugd/90d188_55b6ad8c8a704d9cbc8dcdfc68d7956f.pdf
Learn more about her work at:
ruthmilkman.info
Union membership is at its lowest level in a century. Why, despite viral organizing campaigns at Amazon and Starbucks, has union density flatlined?
Ruth Milkman (@GradCenterCUNY) traces the decline of American unions since the 1980s, explains the strategies of employers, and explores the “power resource” theory of what really gives workers leverage—or leaves them powerless. She highlights how a generation radicalized by the 2008 crisis and pandemic is driving new efforts to organize—but also why, without large-scale movements or changes in the law, these efforts alone can’t reverse decades of decline.
Milkman discusses Amazon’s delays, Starbucks’ stalling, the power of symbolic actions, and why a tight labor market has opened a window for organizing—but maybe not for lasting change.
Power Resource Theory and the 21st Century Us Labor Movement:
ruthmilkman.info/_files/ugd/90d188_55b6ad8c8a704d9cbc8dcdfc68d7956f.pdf
Learn more about her work at:
ruthmilkman.info
![Fear and Loathing in Expertise [Rob Johnson]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OPCNEOtZelQ/mqdefault.jpg "Fear and Loathing in Expertise [Rob Johnson]
Expertise is broken. Trust is eroding. Enough is enough.
Rob Johnson and INET are calling on you to join us in redoubling our efforts. We are here to support you in learning about the systemic challenges we face, and to provide the tools necessary to shine light on darkness. Together we will fix this mess, because a society without trust is no society at all.
Produced by Matthew Kulvicki & Nick Alpha")
