Democrats and labor groups seek to achieve major political goals after labor-friendly candidates win elections, fill committees and achieve majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga joined AWF Union Podcast to provide an update on the potential outsourcing of jobs in Bucyrus, Ohio, The Biden administration’s agenda and what labor groups would like to see happen with the Democratic majority.

GE lightbulb manufacturing

Burga said it is still on the table for General Electric (GE) to outsource lightbulb manufacturing jobs in Bucyrus, Ohio. The Ohio AFL-CIO is working to help organize demonstrations in front of Walmart stores, who purchase lightbulbs from the manufacturer in order to get them to step up and defend the workers.

In the past, Walmart has not been friendly to workers or the labor movement, leaving Burga doubtful they will rise to the occasion of protecting workers.

President Biden’s worker first agenda

Burga then outlined President Biden’s worker-friendly agenda, saying it bodes well for working Americans, especially those in a union or who wish to form a union.

President Biden took a step in the right direction on day one, firing NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb and his second in charge. This was promising to labor leaders and showed he would make good on promises.

Burga also highlighted President Biden’s worker friendly executive orders and commitment to improving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Labor-friendly legislative agenda

Burga then said it will be important for the public to make a push to invest in infrastructure, a problem that has long been talked about but never achieved in recent decades. He added that it is important to invest in infrastructure on the state level and the federal level.

Finally, Burga discussed raising the federal minimum wage, a campaign season promise of many Democrats. This will be extremely important for many as we emerge from the pandemic-induced recession.

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