ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Economists say the labor market is strong, but many are skeptical of a government report that says U.S. employers added 2.7 million jobs last year. A worker rights advocate has started his own podcast discussing many of the issues currently facing American workers.
Bringing about change often requires action. For Amoret Miller, the revolution comes in the form of a podcast called “Worker's Rock.”
“I believe podcasting is a platform where people like me can have an impact,” said Miller, who has been involved in labor issues for 20 years. “Even though I’m not a member of parliament and I’m not a famous singer, I’ll probably get a bigger audience.”
Workers Rock is an evolving concept. One of his recent episodes deals with the growing push for a four-day work week, featuring his CEO of Ireland-based Four Day Week Global, Dr. Dale Whelehan.
“When people hear about a four-day work week, they wonder how they can cut their hours by 20%,” he said. “There's a lot of work to be done, and that's very scary for business leaders.”
Workers Rock has featured unions' fights for higher wages and better working conditions. Miller also draws insights from labor historians and other experts. Workers are available on several popular platforms.
It's all part of Miller's 20-year commitment to supporting this little guy.
“I've always had the same idea of what's fair and what's right,” she said.
The post-pandemic workplace will be a different place. It seems like the employees have more say. Many companies are now adopting a hybrid model. The battle for more time and more money and profits continues.
“I think workers are demanding more because of the pandemic,” Miller said. “They understand that their life is theirs and their time is valuable.”
Last year saw the most labor strikes in the United States in 20 years. Miller's podcast provides a voice in changing times.
“Workers collectively have a lot of power,” she says. “And we need to understand that: whether we're unionized or not, we still have power as a people.”
