Recent events in Chicago prove that unions haven’t been immune to job losses and concessions over benefits and overtime. Nationally there’s no doubt that the topic of organized labor produces more heat than light. Unionized workers have been battling for more rights to organize. They’ve also been the target of much political ill will thanks to the so-called bailout of the auto industry. Where is labor headed, what role can it play in our political and economic future?

Panel:
Bob Bruno, co-director of the Labor Education Program at the University of Illinois in Chicago
Ron Gidwitz, chairman of the Economic Freedom Alliance - and a former Republican candidate for governor in Illinois
Phil Dine, journalist and the author of State of the Unions: How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy, and Regain Political Influence.

Music Button: Link Wray, “Deuces Wild”, from the CD Rumble! The Best of Link Wray, (Rhino records)