Ep.1437 - Unions

Ep.1437 - Unions

Update: 2025-09-22
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Unions spark some of the strongest emotions in construction. Jason finally tackles the topic head-on sharing both the best and worst he’s seen. From world-class training halls to toxic bullying, from skilled Southern California carpenters to right-to-work states with weaker pipelines, he unpacks why unions exist, where they add value, and where they’ve gone off track.

In this episode, Jason covers:

  • Why unions are ultimately our fault, a response to toxic management and disrespect for people.

  • The undeniable benefits: training, tools, benefits, and raising the bar on craft quality.

  • The dark side: threats, vandalism, mafia-like behavior, and how that destroys trust.

  • Real examples from California, Texas, Arizona, and Illinois that show both extremes.

  • Why “all union” vs. “no union” politics is broken and what a balanced path could look like.

  • A bigger truth: nobody in the U.S. should be threatened or killed for their beliefs, union or non-union.

The bottom line: if companies want to avoid unions, they must take better care of their people. And if unions want lasting respect, they must hold themselves accountable to higher standards.

This is a raw, unfiltered conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. Hit play and join the dialogue.



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Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

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Ep.1437 - Unions

Ep.1437 - Unions

Jason Schroeder