Episode 36

Date: September 22, 2025

Episode 36 Summary:

• Bud notes
• Mike goes all in on unions.
• St. Louis Fed Labor Participation Rate https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CIVPART/
• 'Whoever has the answer to the question of what people are going to do to make enough money to exist this century, they are going to win.'
• Why did Watson beat Ken Jennings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2M-SeKey4o
• AI isn't clever. It's fast and very cheap.
• AI Summary
• In this podcast episode, Bud and Mike delve into a comprehensive discussion about unions and their role in modern society, politics, and the economy. The talk revolves around an article from The Atlantic, which contrasts two approaches towards unions: adopting an even more pro-union stance, or reverting to a more tentative approach. Mike argues in favor of doubling down on union support, emphasizing that unions are vital as they represent the only significant leverage workers have against potential exploitation by corporations, especially in an era where AI and robotics threaten to replace human jobs. Mike outlines how unions provide a unified voice necessary for negotiating better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Without strong unions, workers become vulnerable to diminished rights and worse working conditions, as unions are crucial in advocating for labor law bescherming and defending workers' rights.
• The discussion touches on the notion that politics is inherently about people, and with the rise of automation, there is an urgent need for strategies like basic income or government as an employer of last resort. Mike believes that abandoning support for unions could be detrimental, and instead, the Democratic Party should fully commit to supporting labor rights. This is contrasted by the low union membership in the U.S., where only 8% of adults are part of a union, with even fewer in the private sector. Bud points out the unfamiliarity many Americans may have with unions due to low membership rates and suggests considering how to make unions more decisive and effective.
• Mike remains steadfast, stating that even low participation is better than none, as unions are essential in contesting poor employer practices and ensuring American workers do not miss out on benefits enjoyed by workers internationally. While acknowledging that union membership within the U.S. is low, Mike emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining power on a global scale and criticizes the framing of the political debate as a dichotomy between increased union support and other economic strategies.
• The discussion underscores the challenges facing Democrats, who have historically supported employee rights, as they navigate between appeasing corporate donors and promoting labor justice. As the economy stands on the brink of transformation due to technological advancements, the conversation suggests that having an assertive political message that resonates with the public is crucial. There’s a critique of the Democratic Party's messaging and campaign direction, illustrating the need for leadership and articulation of a clear stance on labor issues.
• Finally, the episode highlights the potential consequences of ignoring the AI revolution and emphasizes the need for supporting unions as a safeguard against growing economic inequality. By reinforcing the point that unions play an indispensable role in advocating for worker rights and economic justice, Mike and Bud call for continued support for unions to navigate the challenges posed by technological advancements in the workforce.

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