Under both major political parties, Labor Unions have been on a steady decline over the last few decades. But what has also been on a steady decline during this time? Inflation-adjusted wages, working and middle class economic purchasing power, health and retirement benefits, and long-term job security.

In this episode, we attempt to take a non-partisan look at the impact Labor Unions have had on the American economy and working class families, analyze the cause of the decline, take a look at some of the strongest arguments both in favor of and opposed to Labor Unions, and address the ultimate question: Are Labor Unions simply becoming obsolete in the market? Or are they more critical than ever?

Ayres, C. (2019, Jan). Ittana Personal Finance Blog.org. Retrieved from 13 Advantages and Disadvantages of Labor Unions: https://vittana.org/13-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-labor-unions

Dray, P. (2010). There is Power in a Union; The Epic Story of Labor In America. New York: Double Day.

North Country Carpenter. (2007, Jan). The Union Advantage: Benefit. Retrieved from Union workers pay less: http://northcountrycarpenter.org/pdf/Union%20benefits%20graph.pdf

United States Dpartment of Labor. (2019, Jan 25). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from TED: The Economics Daily : https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2019/union-membership-rate-10-point-5-percent-in-2018-down-from-20-point-1-percent-in-1983.htm

United Steelworkers. (n.d.). Facts ABout So-Called "Right to Work" . Retrieved from https://www.usw.org/act/campaigns/rtw/resources/facts-about-so-called-right-to-work