Greetings, loyal #1uu listeners. I wish we were reconvening under happier circumstances but, given the setback of last Wednesday, it is as important a time as ever to be continuing our on-going conversation about building the labor movement. Obviously, the setback I’m referring to is the United States Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in favor of weakening unions and our movement by striking down public sector “fair share” fees with Wednesday’s Janus V. AFSCME decision. This decision is not just a blow to organized labor but, more broadly, a blow to every working family across America as this weakening of the labor movement will undoubtedly exacerbate our country’s income and wealth inequality crisis. Even though this has been a depressing week, as your devoted Union CEO, it is my duty to replace despair with hope by reminding you that when we are under attack, we stand up and fight back. To that end, it is my honor to welcome you to SR Episode Three (Revenge of the Koch Brother…err…Sith). This installment was recorded at the House of Jeezy Studios on Wednesday, June 20th – one week before the Janus decision was issued by SCOTUS. Nevertheless, because the Janus decision was anticipated, Ted James and Jay-Dao provide a complete breakdown of the case and its implications. Later in the proceedings, our dynamic duo talk about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and its despicable attempt to petition Donald J. Trump’s Labor Department to help them bust their employees’ legally-formed union. Next, the Union Underground imprint’s second video, District 7 Is CWA Strong is revealed and we get an update on Jay-Dao’s efforts to become the real-life version of me, The Union CEO. Finally, our hosts wrap up with another round of fun, lighthearted rapid-fire questions. My hope is that you will find our third installment of the pod informative and inspiring. Remember, don’t mourn. Organize! Also, never forget the important (albeit fictional) quote from longtime friend of the pod, Edgar Alan Poe that we’ve posted below:

THE STATE OF THE UNIONS IS STRONG ?

© 2018 Union Underground Productions / Hosted by Ted James & Jay-Dao / Mixed by Ted James / Recorded at The House of Jeezy Studios on June 20th, 2018 / Theme Music: Jonny Danger – Underground Spark / Outro Music: Ted James – Strong Will Continue / Outro music contains parts of a recording of “Strong Will Continue” by Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and is intended for fair use promotional purposes only / All quotes attributed to Edgar Allan Poe in this episode are satirical in nature / The views expressed on this podcast are the views of Ted James and Jay Dao alone. They should not be seen as reflecting the views of any labor organization or union.