A common saying among union organizers is, "Unions have no permanent political friends nor permanent political enemies. Unions only have permanent political issues."

In this video from The Nation and On The Earth Productions, Sal Rosselli, president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, says that the labor movement is at a crossroads. To achieve a progressive majority in Congress, it will require strong and empowered unions and allies. Without this faith in the power of the grassroots, it is impossible to form the coalition necessary to force Congress to pass progressive, pro-union legislation. Labor will never be able to compete with corporations to buy votes or influences, but it can empower working people to take control of their union, demanding a new shape for American politics. 

—Anna Lekas Miller