Conservative Populism and the Future of the Right’s Relationship with Organized Labor

On July 15th, Teamster’s president Sean O’Brien surprised the country by becoming the first head of the nation’s largest labor union to speak at the Republican National Convention. Former president Trump chose J.D. Vance as his running mate, on the same day. Vance, a longtime advocate for disaffected blue-collar workers, reflects a larger populist swing within some parts of the conservative movement. The Republican party, long characterized by some as hostile to unions, now includes many who argue in favor of laws promoting a reformed vision of organized labor. Are right-wing populists correct in identifying flaws in current labor law? Can supporting organized labor be compatible with conservative governance? What changes to labor law if any, could create a better future for workers, businesses, and the American people?
Featuring:
Jonathan Berry, Managing Partner, Boyden Gray PLLC
Oren Cass, Executive Director, American Compass
Prof. Richard A. Epstein, Professor of Law and Director, Classical Liberal Institute, New York University School of Law
Alexander T. MacDonald, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson P.C.
(Moderator) G. Roger King, Senior Labor and Employment Counsel, HR Policy Association
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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.