2025 Labor Market Insights: AFL-CIO Chief Liz Shuler on Workers Demanding Better Pay and Conditions

Liz Shuler, the acting president of AFL-CIO—the largest labor federation in the United States—emphasizes that the workforce is undergoing a fundamental transformation and will not revert to pre-pandemic norms. She underscores how climate change and rapid technological advancements are reshaping workplaces, while public backing for unions is surging, supported by a favorable political environment under the Biden administration.

This summary reflects a conversation held on October 14, 2021, between Shuler and Reuters labor and technology reporter Julia Love, during the virtual conference "The Future of Work: The Changing Global Workforce and How It's Reshaping Business," hosted by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

Highlights from Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO Acting President

• "The issue is not a lack of workers, but a shortage of quality, well-paying jobs."
• "Many companies stubbornly prioritize cutting labor costs, even at the expense of their own stability and profitability."
• "Unions empower workers by rebalancing power dynamics in the workplace."
• "With workplaces increasingly managed by algorithms and apps, employees often lack direct communication channels."
• "The most successful integration of technology comes from actively involving workers in decision-making."
• "Our aim is to negotiate fair agreements that benefit businesses, employees, and communities alike."

About Liz Shuler

Elizabeth H. Shuler is the first female leader of AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million members across 57 unions, including the newest addition of professional women soccer players’ association. Appointed acting president in August 2021 after the passing of Richard Trumka, Shuler previously served as AFL-CIO’s secretary-treasurer since 2009 and held key roles in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

Shuler opened by addressing "the great resignation" and a wave of large-scale strikes, highlighting a renewed worker confidence and demand for respect and fair treatment. She stressed the need to place workers at the heart of economic recovery, criticizing businesses that persist in cutting labor costs despite negative consequences.

She pointed out that many employees sacrificed during the pandemic to keep companies afloat but are now facing unfair conditions. Public support for unions is at its highest since 1965, especially among younger generations, signaling a pivotal moment for organized labor.

Q&A Highlights

Q: How can unions leverage the current tight labor market?
A: Unions unite workers to shift power dynamics effectively. Collective action remains the strongest tool for improving conditions and wages.

Q: What is the labor movement doing to restore the 40-hour workweek amidst forced overtime?
A: Efforts focus on giving workers a voice in technological changes and workplace policies, advocating for fair schedules and involvement in decision-making.

Q: How is unionization progressing at Amazon warehouses?
A: Organizing efforts are courageous but challenging due to algorithm-driven management and anti-union tactics, including unlawful firings and surveillance.

Q: What is the status of the PRO Act?
A: The PRO Act aims to modernize labor laws, enjoys bipartisan House support, and has majority public approval. AFL-CIO supports its passage and the removal of Senate filibuster barriers.

Q: How do employers attempt to undermine unions?
A: Companies employ union-busting consultants, surveillance, and intimidation tactics, including manipulating local infrastructure to disrupt organizing efforts.

Q: What workplace contract changes have emerged post-pandemic?
A: Workers demand proper protective equipment and fair staffing, especially in healthcare, while hazard pay and overtime protections have diminished.

Q: What are AFL-CIO’s priorities moving forward?
A: Adapting union strategies to evolving workplaces, utilizing technology for organizing, educating younger workers about union benefits, and demonstrating union power through successful strikes.

Shuler concludes that this is a historic moment for labor, with unprecedented opportunities to reshape work and empower the next generation of workers.

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