PROGRAM

Roosevelt House is delighted to host the inaugural David Dubinsky Labor Lecture, named in memory of the legendary American labor leader (1892-1982) who served for decades as president of the powerful International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU)—and was a major political force from the New Deal era to the New Frontier.  Roosevelt House is grateful to the Dubinsky Family, which has generously sponsored this new series on David Dubinsky’s legacy—and the future of the labor movement in the U.S.

Please join us as we welcome a modern labor leader and an acclaimed labor journalist for a timely discussion on the Supreme Court’s recent, landmark decision in Janus v. AFSCME.  The ruling prohibits public sector unions from requiring non-members to contribute to the cost of representing them.  Our guests will examine how it might reduce the ability of organized labor to act for and empower working people, and to pursue labor’s public policy and political agendas.

We will welcome Randi Weingarten, president since 2008 of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, who earlier served for 12 years as president of the United Federation of Teachers and is considered one of the most outspoken and influential labor leaders of our time.  Joining her in conversation will be Steven Greenhouse, award-winning journalist who served as labor and workplace correspondent for the New York Times and will soon publish the book, Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present and Future of American Labor.

This lecture has been made possible by a gift from the Jean Dubinsky Appleton Estate.