The State of the Unions

You Are Here: September 23, 2012

Unions help workers get better wages and fight to ensure they receive fair treatment. But meeting the demands of a union has also a common source of conflict. And as conflicts continue to rise here in the U.S., union membership continues to decline. Unions were at their peak in America in the 1950s, but where are they now? And how much power do they have? In this hour, our reporters find out the state of the unions today in Boston and beyond.

LISTEN: State of the Unions: Host Intro

Host introduction to our show where we find out what the state of unions is today in Boston and abroad. (Producer Dillon Rand)

LISTEN: Power Struggle: Teachers Contracts

We look at the teachers’ unions right here in our own backyard and explore the power struggle between the Boston teachers’ union and policy makers over wages, school performance, and a few other sore subjects. (Reporter Erin Connolly)

LISTEN: Service Unions Fight Back

We get a window into the lives of those who work in our hotels and serve our food with firsthand insight into the treatment of service workers in Boston and the impact unionizing can have for these workers. (Reporter Brittany Gervais)

LISTEN: Pick a Side: Politicization of Unions

We jump into politics and take a look at which side of the party lines unions come down on and why. (Reporter Catalina Gaitan)

LISTEN: Exclusive Interview: Richard Stutman

We speak with the President of the Boston Teachers’ Union, who discusses the most important issues in their recent settlement and shares his thoughts on the Chicago strike. (News Director Alyssa Edes)

LISTEN: Extended Interview: Thomas Kochan

We find out which countries around the world have strong unions, which countries do not, and where the United States fits into the global picture. (Producer Dillon Rand)

 

Producer: Dillon Rand