Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, "The labor movement can be both a shield and a megaphone."

In this episode of The Fly, hosts Kennedy and Anya interview Liz Shuler, the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, about the state of the labor movement in the U.S. under recent political shifts. Shuler reflects on her personal journey into labor activism, sparked by organizing clerical workers at her father’s electric utility company, and shares her vision for the labor movement as both a 'shield and a megaphone'—protecting vulnerable workers while amplifying their voices. She contrasts the pro-worker policies of President Biden with the rollback of union rights under Trump, including the cancellation of federal collective bargaining agreements and the impact of the 'Doge' initiative. Shuler emphasizes the urgency of protecting workers from AI-driven workplace surveillance and algorithmic management, advocating for worker-centered regulations. She highlights the growing energy among young workers, citing Starbucks and Amazon organizing efforts, and outlines the AFL-CIO’s Next Up program to cultivate youth leadership. The conversation also addresses the labor movement’s response to Trump’s immigration crackdown, stressing solidarity with immigrant workers and the importance of Know Your Rights trainings. Shuler concludes with a call to action, inspired by historical figures like Frances Perkins, and expresses hope in the next generation of labor organizers.