Unions and Abundance: Why Organized Labor is Key to Economic Growth

This week, Ezra Klein invited Derek Thompson, co-author of Abundance, and Marc Dunkelman, author of Why Nothing Works?, to discuss the movement sparked by their books. The timing was critical: the shadow primary for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is already underway, with a key debate emerging between the 'abundance' movement—a deregulatory, centrist agenda—and populist alternatives.

Two early frontrunners in the Democratic Party have embraced elements of the abundance agenda. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro promotes his deregulatory record and rapid infrastructure development under the slogan “Get Stuff Done.” Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed an aggressive plan to accelerate housing construction in the state. A central question remains: How do unions fit into this agenda?

Newsom’s housing initiative has faced delays due to union concerns, while Shapiro has argued that unions can coexist with efforts to expedite construction. A new report from The Roosevelt Institute, released Thursday, challenges the notion that unions are incompatible with economic abundance. The report, authored by Columbia University labor experts Kate Andrias and Alex Hertel-Fernandez, introduces the concept of “democratic abundance.”

Unions as Allies in the Abundance Movement

The report argues that unions are not obstacles but key allies in advancing an abundance agenda. It emphasizes that organized labor ensures workers’ rights are central to economic policymaking. The timing of the report aligns with the No Kings movement, which is uniting with workers for May Day, and a resurgence of interest among workers in forming and joining unions.

“We thought it was really important to take a step back and ask where are workers in this story, and in particular, to think about why organized labor needs to be part of the conversation when it comes to abundance…to get the kind of things that abundance seekers want.”

Hertel-Fernandez highlights the report’s focus on labor’s role in achieving abundance goals.

Debunking Criticisms of Unions in Economic Growth

The report directly addresses criticisms that unions hinder economic progress, particularly in housing and infrastructure. It counters claims that unions drive up costs and slow construction by noting that U.S. construction costs are higher than in countries with stronger union presence. Additionally, costs have risen in states with weaker unions, suggesting other factors are at play.

The authors also argue that unions are uniquely democratic. Unlike other interest groups, unions are legally required to maintain transparent electoral and governance structures, ensuring they represent their members’ interests. This makes them less susceptible to the criticisms often leveled at other groups for misrepresenting their constituents.

How Unions Can Strengthen the Abundance Agenda

Beyond addressing criticisms, the report outlines the tangible benefits unions bring to an abundance-focused economy:

• Skilled Labor Force: Unions provide highly trained workers essential for building the nation’s infrastructure.
• Community Engagement: As democratic organizations, unions foster community buy-in, ensuring projects align with local needs and reducing delays from lawsuits or objections.

The report concludes that unions are not a barrier to abundance but a necessary partner in achieving it.