March 4, 2025

Is LABOR in LIMBO? - The Future of LABOR!

Is LABOR in LIMBO? - The Future of LABOR!

Union power, corporate influence, and a presidency without guardrails—Michael Desrosiers and Ken Diaz break down what’s ahead for labor rights in Trump’s second term.

Michael sits down with Ken Diaz, Master Executive Council President for United Airlines Flight Attendants, to talk about the challenges unions may face under the new administration. With Trump back in office, what happens to the surge in worker activism? Will the momentum behind union organizing hold, or will corporate influence push back even harder?

Ken shares his perspective on key labor appointments, calling some a pleasant surprise while questioning whether they’ll have real influence. He and Michael discuss the recent wave of strikes and union wins, pointing out how companies—and even the government—have fought to keep workers from gaining too much power. They also dig into the role of the media in shaping public opinion, where misinformation spreads fast and often works against labor movements.

Michael and Ken’s conversation leaves listeners with a clear takeaway: staying informed and unified is more important than ever. Workers have power, but only if they use it.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:58 Conversations with Trump Supporters

03:28 Economic Context: Inheriting a Strong Economy

04:44 Stagnant Wages vs. Corporate Profits

05:56 Unionization Movements and Worker Rights

07:37 Impact of the New Administration on Unions

09:01 Hope for Labor Movement with New Appointments

10:59 Concerns About Trump’s Commitment to Labor

12:31 Influence of Corporate Leaders on Policy

13:48 The Role of Media in Political Messaging

15:29 Messaging Challenges for Democrats

16:44 The Disconnect Between Workers and Corporate Interests

18:15 The Role of Social Media in Misinformation

20:20 Challenges in Union Solidarity

22:05 Corporate Greed vs. Worker Rights

25:27 Reflections on the Republican Party’s Direction

27:41 Historical Context of Civil Rights Advances

29:07 Concerns About Erosion of Rights

30:20 Lack of Checks and Balances in the Administration

31:47 The Role of Media in Accountability

35:36 Union Leadership and Misinformation

38:03 The Need for Solidarity Among Workers

40:56 Corporate Accountability and Worker Advocacy

42:23 Closing 


Links

cuckoo4politics.com

https://www.instagram.com/cuckoo_4_politics/

https://www.facebook.com/Cuckoo-4-Politics-104093938102793


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm