What is the important role that unions have played and can play in defending democracy and defending immigrants in these perilous times? Polls show that union favorability ratings are at an all time high, and yet they only represent 10% of the workforce. How can unions grow dramatically and play a larger role in American life and politics? This panel will cover the history and contemporary issues surrounding union membership and power in the United States.

It will be moderated by Steven Pitts '74, Emeritus Associate Chair, UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education, is comprised of Peter Olney '73, retired Organizing Director of the ILWU, Jessica Tang '04, President, American Federation of Teachers MA, AFT VP; and Patric M. Verrone '81, Former President, Writers Guild of America, West.