I know this isn't really a hot take, though. But I don't see a scenario in which we can make real changes that help people, save the planet, and destroy US imperialism without an organized working class - and that requires mass unionization. And right now the deck is stacked so much against unionization, from a legal / policy / regulation standpoint. But also, I do see a whole lot more positive energy regarding unionization among the working class in the US. People really are seeing through the anti-unionization lies spread by neoliberalism over the last few decades. Really, the one big objection from workers is they don't want to get fired, which is totally reasonable. That's why we need to make radical changes to the unionization rules and really beef up enforcement.
And this is has the benefit of being ostensibly in line with the goals of the Democratic party. Now of course, the party is beholden to capital and capital will fight this tooth and nail. But I think there will still be plenty of D politicians who see mass unionization as increasing their base of power, right or wrong.
So I think this should be our electoral focus, even if that means to the exclusion of other policies (because not like we're gonna get shit done in those areas as things stand now, anyway.
I agree. Life at this point for most of America is simply work-home-repeat. Its also the activity that every American participates in. Religion, national politics, sports, while popular, are still minor communities compared to labor. And those groups have largely remained reactionary with maybe a few exceptions. But deep down every worker knows they're getting a shitty deal. Unions, and by extension local politics, are the organizations we should be putting any and all effort we have into.
Another thing is that union power gives the framework to solve problems external to labor as well. Right now my union is trying to partner with a bunch of other unions across the west coast to form a housing coalition so we can fight for lower cost housing. More often than not, the employer will either be the direct landlord or have ties to landlords in the area. I might be union-pilled but i genuinely believe that unions have the capability to improve every aspect of our lives.
Yep, this was exactly the point I wanted to make, and you articulated it so well. An organized, militant working class will have much more success in say taking real measures to combat things like wealth inequality, climate change, healthcare, imperialism, et al than we will just hoping the few progressive politicians we have will be able to swim against the current and get something done.