In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the complex history and effects of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. They discuss its roots as a backlash to the Wagner Act and how labor strikes in crucial industries prompted significant changes in legislation. Economists Beth Akers and Betsy Stevenson examine the financial impact of these strikes, which ultimately garnered bipartisan support for Taft-Hartley, reshaping the balance of power between unions and employers. The conversation also addresses the act’s relevance today, particularly in light of President Biden's pro-union stance and the shifting political narratives around unionization, suggesting a resurgence of union strength that could challenge the Act's legacy.
