Labor Force Podcast

Mike Struchen
  • 2.0 (1)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Stories of the working class in a time of renewed labor militancy and awareness that capitalism is a rotten deal.

  1. 1h ago

    This Is What Companies Aren't Telling You About AI.

    AI is transforming the workplace—but who actually benefits? Automation, robotics, worker surveillance, layoffs, and the growing debate over who should own the wealth created by new technology. Companies eliminate jobs and profits soar, at what cost?

    5 min

  2. 2d ago

    Trump's Economic Speech: Here's What Actually Happened

    The economy may look strong on paper, and Trump says we're "the hottest country in the world," but millions of Americans are struggling to keep up. We have rising household debt, housing affordability, healthcare costs and retirement insecurity. Economic frustration is reshaping American politics with the rise of Democratic Socialists in the past week's primary elections. Are we witnessing a resilient economy—or one that's becoming increasingly unaffordable for working people?

    14 min

  3. Jun 19

    The Economy Looks Great. So Why Does Everyone Feel Broke?

    Why do so many Americans feel financially squeezed despite a "strong" economy? In this episode of Labor Force Podcast, we examine rising inflation, falling real wages, the shrinking American Dream, growing wealth inequality, AI and the future of work, labor organizing, and the economic pressures facing working-class families. We also discuss the surge in utility costs, teen unemployment, the rise of "BrokeTok," labor activism in Minnesota, lessons from the Labor Notes Conference, and new research showing why midlife Americans are experiencing higher levels of stress, loneliness, and financial insecurity. #LaborForcePodcast #LaborNews #Economy #Inflation #WorkersRights #LaborUnions #AIJobs #CostOfLiving #AmericanDream #WorkingClass #EconomicInequality #UnionStrong #FutureOfWork #LaborMovement #PoliticsAndEconomics

    1h 2m

  4. Jun 13

    Why the Economy Looks Good But Workers Are Struggling

    The economy may look strong on paper, but workers are telling a different story. This week, we examine rising inflation, growing financial insecurity, AI-driven layoffs, remote work isolation, faculty governance battles, and major labor fights from Cargill to Walmart. We also discuss the AFL-CIO's plan to organize 2 million workers and the push to make first union contracts easier to win. Topics: • Inflation & cost of living • AI layoffs & Meta restructuring • Remote work & worker health • Auburn faculty governance dispute • AFL-CIO organizing drive • Faster Labor Contracts Act • Teamsters vs. Cargill • Walmart union victory • SoFi Stadium labor dispute #LaborForcePodcast #LaborNews #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #WorkerPower #Teamsters #AFL_CIO #SolidarityForever

    35 min

  5. Jun 6

    Workers Don't Live Inside Economic Forecasts

    This week, we examine the growing gap between economic statistics and workers' lived experiences, from rising costs and housing affordability challenges to concerns about offshoring and disappearing manufacturing jobs. We also cover labor struggles across the country, including the Delaney Hall detainee labor strike and growing worker resistance to AI-driven workplace changes. In our featured discussion, we take a deep dive into sectoral bargaining and explore whether industry-wide labor standards could help rebuild worker power, strengthen wages, and prepare workers for the economic challenges of automation and the green transition. We close with a look at an ambitious vision for a more equal and sustainable global economy. #LaborForcePodcast #LaborNews #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #UAW #Teamsters #OrganizedLabor #Strike #AIJobs #SectoralBargaining #Economy #WorkingClass

    1h 3m

  6. May 30

    The Great Disconnect: Economic Headlines vs. Working People's Reality

    This week, we examine the growing disconnect between economic headlines and the reality facing working people. Despite strong markets, Americans are reporting worsening financial stress, rising food insecurity, and fading confidence in the future. We also discuss the live music industry's "blue dot fever," the difficult job market facing the Class of 2026, and how AI is reshaping everything from entry-level careers to debt collection. In labor news, Massachusetts rideshare drivers officially unionize, Dark Horse Comics workers launch a union drive, UAW members at American Axle prepare for a possible strike, Teamsters battle a Cargill lockout, and New York moves forward with major pension reforms for teachers and public workers. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/dark-horse-workers-united/ Finally, we explore psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma's concept of practical optimism—a realistic approach to resilience, purpose and navigating difficult times. Solidarity always. #LaborForcePodcast #LaborNews #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #Solidarity #Economy #Inflation #AIJobs #Unionize #LaborMovement

    1h 3m

  7. May 22

    Recession-Proofing in a Broken Economy

    The economy is supposedly “strong.” So why do millions of Americans feel like they’re drowning? In this episode of the Labor Force Podcast, we explore the widening gap between economic headlines and the reality facing working people: rising prices, layoffs, AI anxiety, debt, housing insecurity, and a growing sense that the system is rigged for billionaires and corporations. We discuss: • Inflation, gas prices, and recession fears • Jeff Bezos and the politics of taxing the rich • AI-driven layoffs and growing panic inside tech companies • Tech workers unionizing against dangerous AI deployment • Corporate union-busting spending exploding nationwide • The Cargill lockout, REI boycott, and Wizards of the Coast labor fight • Major union victories for hotel workers and nurses • Why labor organizing matters in an era of deep economic insecurity • Gustavo Petro’s vision of an “economy for life” and the political economy behind it As anger, pessimism, and distrust grow, this episode examines whether the social contract itself is beginning to fracture — and what role organized labor could play in shaping what comes next. #LaborForcePodcast #LaborMovement #Unions #Economy #AI #WorkersRights #Inflation #Capitalism #TechWorkers #Politics

    53 min

  8. May 16

    The Disconnect: Booming Headlines vs. Broken Workers

    This week on the Labor Force Podcast, we examine why so many workers feel trapped in an economy that keeps being called “strong.” From rising living costs and housing insecurity to AI surveillance, precarious gig work, and growing distrust in political institutions, the episode explores the widening gap between economic headlines and daily reality. https://www.wired.com/story/i-work-in-hollywood-everyone-who-used-to-make-tv-now-training-ai/ We cover: New polling on affordability and economic pessimism Labor fights in Virginia, Colorado, Michigan, and Penn State The movement to end 24-hour home care shifts in New York AI-driven workplace surveillance and instability in tech and Hollywood Why workers are increasingly questioning both corporate power and political representation Solidarity always.

    54 min
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About

Stories of the working class in a time of renewed labor militancy and awareness that capitalism is a rotten deal.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Struchen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mike Struchen
  • Show Website
    Labor Force Podcast