This week the boys cover a listener suggested topic that is closely associated with their lines of work: unions. Nathan is currently a librarian represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Joseph works in the heavily unionized construction industry. Amongst other things they discuss how violent strikes were prior to the formation of the NLRB in 1935, how the Haymarket Affair lead to creation of the 8 hour work day, how YIMBYs feel ambivalent toward unions, and how unions mitigate but don’t eliminate the deleterious effects of monopolization. 

Links:

How Chicago’s Past Resulted in Disproportionate Lead Poisoning of Minority Children of the Present: A Narrative Review

The Redneck Army Refuses to Stay Buried by Cassady Rosenblum 

Ep. 164: Labor Union Depictions in Hollywood by Citations Needed

Ten cities facing the worst of the pension crisis

CTA has only netted 4 rail operators this year Reddit post

Noisy and Unsafe: Stop Fetishizing Old Homes by M. Nolan Gray

A ton of variation in construction labor cost M. Nolan Gray tweet

Artwork:

Der Streik by Robert Koehler

Recorded on 7/28/2024