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EQUALS: Reimagining Our Economy

WHEN WORKERS WIN – Meet Sharan Burrow, Leader of the Global Trade Union Movement

Season 2, Ep. 5

She’s been described as “the union boss of union bosses’ union bosses”. 

She’s the “individual with the possibly the largest democratic mandate in the world”, representing over 200 million workers in 163 countries and territories.

And she’s winning change on the front-lines with workers around the world.

She’s Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 

Max and Nabil talk to Sharan about why trade unions and collective action is as important as anything in fighting for a fairer and more equal world.

We explore what is driving the “age of anger” we’re living through. How do we respond to the pushback against democracies? 

We explore unions themselves. What’s the future of trade unions in the robot era? We ask Sharan about some of the criticism that unions get – that they’re irrelevant, or that they hold back business. 

And we learn about some truly exciting wins taking place around the world – be it in Qatar (where the 2022 World Cup is being held) or with the technology giant Samsung – that Sharan with the ITUC together with workers and others around the world have led. 

An incredible source of hope. Just when we needed it. 

Do subscribe to the podcast, and share it with your friends and family. 

Hosted by Nabil Ahmed and Max Lawson.

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