How Union Bargaining Can Buoy Affordability

In an op-ed for Progressive Magazine, Jared Bernstein and David Madland argue that union bargaining is one of the most effective ways to address the affordability crisis.

Building an Economy for All, Economy, Sectoral Bargaining, Unions, Wages +2 More

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Majorities of Americans say their top political issue is affordability. That means we can expect policymakers to increasingly focus on cost-of-living issues. As we close in on the midterms, this focus will become even more intense.

So far, the affordability agenda has targeted the important goal of reducing costs. But prices are only half of the equation. A true affordability agenda should also raise wages, and one of the most effective ways to ensure that outcome is to support unions and collective bargaining.

The above excerpt was originally published in Progressive Magazine. Click here to view the full article.

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AUTHORS

Jared Bernstein

Senior Fellow

David Madland

Senior Fellow; Senior Adviser, American Worker Project

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The American Worker Project conducts research and advances policies to build power for working people; strengthen their right to unionize; and ensure that work pays and supports a dignified life.

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