Biden strengthens unions by reducing organizing barriers

In January, organized labor prepared to bid farewell to President Biden, who has been described as the best friend labor has had in the White House since the New Deal era. His presidency helped facilitate a crucial environment for union activities, leading to a doubling of union petitions filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Although his presidency did not see a massive surge in union growth reminiscent of the 1930s, the policy shifts significantly lowered the hurdles for organizing, making it easier for workers to unionize. Biden's efforts included utilizing his position to publicly support labor movements and even walking a picket line, actions unheard of for a sitting U.S. president. His administration played a key role in resolving the longshoreman strike favorably for the workers involved, contrasting sharply with Donald Trump's administration, which appointed officials known for their anti-labor stances. The landscape for unions appears more hopeful than it did in 2016 due in part to a changing electorate that leans towards a growing multiracial working-class majority. This shift, which seems to align more closely with labor interests, suggests that unions may have a greater opportunity to assert themselves politically moving forward. Despite challenges such as corporate lobbying and resistance from major figures like Amazon's Jeff Bezos, there have been notable successes, like the Teamsters successfully organizing delivery drivers for Amazon in California, signaling a potential resurgence of labor organizing. On the political front, the 2024 elections are expected to reflect ongoing discontent among working-class voters who feel unrepresented. Individuals like Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican, managed to gain support from multiple unions by aligning with workers' interests, showcasing a potential shift in how some GOP lawmakers might approach labor issues. The sentiment within unions and among workers emphasizes a sense of political homelessness, driving a desire for a political mix that offers both economic populism and cultural moderation. As the political landscape evolves, it will be crucial for figures like Trump to decide whether to ally with corporate interests or the growing labor movement, as this choice could define future dynamics within his party and affect labor's political influence in the years to come.