Work shapes daily life, economic stability, and the long-term wellbeing of families and communities. Yet across the country, workers face growing challenges—from stagnant wages and unsafe conditions to weakened labor protections and declining union influence.
The Scholars Strategy Network includes researchers who study today’s most pressing labor challenges. Explore briefs and No Jargon podcast episodes, where SSN members discuss current policies and share research-based solutions.
The alliance between labor unions and the Democratic Party has shaped U.S. politics since the New Deal, but union decline and legal barriers have weakened labor’s influence even as the partnership persists.
By Michael A. Krassa, Benjamin Radcliff
Higher minimum wages are strongly linked to greater financial wellbeing across nations, suggesting broad economic benefits even after accounting for other factors.
Stronger unions are linked to fewer workplace deaths, while anti-union laws like right-to-work have weakened protections and contributed to rising occupational fatalities across the U.S.
Emotional labor—managing emotions to meet job expectations—is essential in many professions, especially public service, but often goes unrecognized and uncompensated despite its impact on worker well-being and performance.
Owen unpacks U.S. trade policy under Trump, its impact on jobs, businesses, and consumers, and how policymakers can better support workers in a changing global economy.
Wilmers examines what a surge in strikes reveals about the future of the labor movement, workplace protections, and the fight for wage equity.
Rosenfeld discusses the long decline of unions in the U.S., what has weakened their political power, and what the future may hold for organized labor.
