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Sal Rosselli: Empowering the Labor Movement

Unions have no permanent political friends nor permanent political enemies. Unions only have permanent political issues.

The Nation and On The Earth Productions

August 4, 2011

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

The NationTwitterFounded by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has chronicled the breadth and depth of political and cultural life, from the debut of the telegraph to the rise of Twitter, serving as a critical, independent, and progressive voice in American journalism.


On The Earth ProductionsOn the Earth Productions (OTE) is a media production company that is dedicated to informing the public about important educational, environmental and political issues that affect our everyday lives. Our Educational Video Series is available from any library in the world through WorldCat.org. The series is housed at UW-Madison. The team at OTE is led by owner, Karen Rybold Chin.


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