Talkin' Shop

November 24, 2024

Jeremy Brecher on the Green New Deal from Below and Non-Party Opposition

Labor historian Jeremy Brecher shares his framework for non-party opposition and the grassroots momentum behind the Green New Deal, offering a path forward for workers under climate change and capitalism.

July 13, 2024

Why is Teamsters President Sean O'Brien speaking at the Republican National Convention?

<p><strong>Featuring: Brian Denning, co-chair Portland DSA, Teamster rank-and-file</strong></p> <p>In the U.S. labor movement, three names tend to get thrown around as the vanguard of a new upsurge of militancy: the AFA&#39;s Sara Nelson, the UAW&#39;s Shawn Fain, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters&#39; Sean O&#39;Brien. These union presidents have leaned into a confrontational approach to class struggle, including innovative strike strategy, calls for a general strike, new organizing at strategic companies, and even an inspiring strike for Palestine. </p> <p>But lately, it has seemed like one of these union leaders is not like the others: Sean O&#39;Brien. The IBT President has donated to anti-worker Republicans like Senator Josh Hawley and, perhaps most remarkably, will speak at the Republican National Convention next week. How should rank-and-file unionists and socialists understand and respond to O&#39;Brien -- supposedly one of our own -- making nice with proto-fascists? </p> <p>To understand that, I wanted to talk with Brian Denning. Brian is the co-chair of the Portland (OR) DSA and a rank-and-file Teamster. He&#39;s a phenomenal political thinker who understands how and why to connect our struggles across sectors and borders. He and I had the chance to connect a few weeks ago, in late June. For more from Brian, checkout his terrific podcast, Sunder: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/76lvVE3hhWM9AQ6MfbjpTN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://open.spotify.com/show/76lvVE3hhWM9AQ6MfbjpTN</a></p> <p>I hope you enjoy our conversation.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Intro Music: Pledge Drive</p>

June 21, 2024

Talkin' Shop (Trailer)