Barack Quote by Noam Chomsky
“Private sector unionization is down to practically seven percent. Meanwhile the public sector unions have kind of sustained themselves [even] under attack, but in the last few years, there's been a sharp [increase in the] attack on public sector unions, which Barack Obama has participated in, in fact. When you freeze salaries of federal workers, that's equivalent to taxing public sector people.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on labor trends, 2015
Union membership in private firms is very low while public unions remain strong despite political attacks, highlighting differing pressures on labor sectors.
In simple terms: Private unions are weak; public unions stay strong despite attacks.
Recognize sector differences and support policies that protect workers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- labor organizing
- government budgeting
- public sector negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can private sector workers be mobilized?
- What policies protect public unions?
Public unions face political backlash that can undermine gains.