Ep.103: David v Goliath… taking on Amazon with Lawrence Ben

Dunn Street founder Stephen Donnelly was joined by former Australian trade union organiser - now based in New York and the National Political Coordinator for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Lawerence Ben. Lawrence discusses the recent RDWSU campaign to unionise Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama - a campaign which faced serious resistance, including union busting tactics and intimidation of workers at the ballot box, from management. He gives us an insight into the organising strategy and tactics the union deployed in this industrial fist-fight, why they chose to unionise in Alabama, and the key takeaways from an ultimately unsuccessful campaign. Lawrence also gives an overview of US industrial laws and regulations that guide employers/employee relations and how difficult it is for unions to represent and collectively bargain for workers. The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.auSupport the showSocially Democratic is an opinion-based political and campaign podcast that facilitates discussion on a range of topical issues. The opinions of guests are not an endorsement and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff at Dunn Street and Socially Democratic.Access ad-free episodes and send in questions by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SociallyDemocraticIf you like the show, rate and review us on your favourite podcast app.Follow Us on Socials:Facebook (https://tr.ee/9jGIOy)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sociallydemocratic)LinkedIn (https://tr.ee/YxyYJh)X (https://x.com/SocialDemPod)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@DunnStreet)The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au