I was too much of a victim of the model I created. I tried Change to Win and helping Obama, and then I just ran out of Andy Stern ideas.
Andy SternUnions have been the best anti-poverty program that actually worked and did not cost the government a dime. But as unions grow smaller- not stronger- our ability to act as an economic mechanism to distribute the gains of our work and raise all workers' wages and benefits up is disappearing.
Andy SternI would say that workers in general, and white workers particularly, are correct that their economic wellbeing is deteriorating.
Andy SternRepublicans have been very successful. There are three things Americans dont like: big unions, big government and big corporations. So Republicans go after big government and big unions, and only talk about small businesses.
Andy SternThe union movement has been the best middle class job creating program that America has ever had, and it doesn't cost the government a dime.
Andy SternAmerican workers won't be able to compete fairly for jobs until companies have to pay higher wages in countries like China and India.
Andy SternIn 1972, I signed a union card for SEIU. And for the last 38 years, 14 as president, it's been my life. I've seen the most miraculous, spectacular things. But there's a time to learn, a time to lead and a time to leave.
Andy SternUnions should not be lapdogs to a political party, they should be watchdogs for their members interests.
Andy SternManufacturing and other unskilled professions that were union jobs, that allowed people to live a middle-class life, are disappearing both because unions are disappearing and because of the global nature of the economy.
Andy SternThe question is always 'What is the role of a labor movement?' How much is about collective bargaining, how much is about social change for all workers?
Andy SternIt has no enforceable standards to stop a union from conspiring with employers to keep another stronger union out or from negotiating contracts with lower pay and standards that members of another union have spent a lifetime establishing.
Andy SternUNNATURAL CAUSES tears back the veil to show the socio-economic and racial inequities in health as well as the public policies that underpin them. Should be required viewing.
Andy SternToday I send this message to every emerging global corporation: "justice; family, community, and union" are the same in every language and, wherever you go and whatever you do, a new global labor movement is coming to find you.
Andy SternEmployers need to recognize that the world has changed and there are people who would like to help them provide solution in ways that are new, modern and that add value to companies.
Andy SternI'm not running from any particular problems, I just want to take some time and figure out in my life where I can keep doing what I'm doing but in a way that I can also honor what I want to do for myself.
Andy SternWe can bring to earth a new world from the ashes of the old because our union transforms us the powerless into the powerful. And I ask you to join together in using all that power-all that strength to make the dreams of all workers and communities around the world come true.
Andy SternI would say the issue for the labor movement in the United States is not structural... there is no correlation between the success of workers and how the labor movement is structured.
Andy SternI'll never run for office. But I intend, either on the fiscal commission or on issues like immigration, to hopefully have my voice be heard.
Andy Stern