Disunion: The Government Union Report

Latest Episodes:

Law and Economics of Public Sector Unions, with Richard A. Epstein Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Renowned legal scholar Richard A. Epstein joins David Osborne to dissect the legal foundations and economic consequences of public sector unionization. From the early days of private labor unions to the rise of government unions, Epstein explains how collective bargaining has evolved—and why public sector collective bargaining, in his view, breach the public trust. They explore everything from the antitrust roots of union restrictions to Roosevelt’s and Kennedy’s diverging views on public unions, the fallout of the Janus decision, and why many reforms fall short. If you care about the future of labor policy, this episode is a must-listen.

Anti-Semitism in the Classroom: The Massachusetts Teachers Association May 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Disunion, host David R. Osborne is joined by Will Sussman of the Manhattan Institute to discuss a disturbing development out of Massachusetts: the state’s largest teachers union, the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA), has come under fire for promoting anti-Semitic classroom materials.

Will and David break down the details of a shocking legislative hearing, where lawmakers confronted union leadership about educational resources linked to pro-Hamas propaganda and inflammatory imagery—including a Star of David made of dollar bills and posters glorifying political violence.

The conversation explores how radical ideologies have gained influence in government unions, the limits of union democracy, and how exclusive representation leaves many educators stuck with a union that doesn’t reflect their values. Will also shares insights from his own legal battles and raises a critical question: who really controls our public schools?

Collaborative Conferencing: Tennessee’s Alternative to Collective Bargaining Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne is joined by J.C. Bowman, Executive Director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, to explore a groundbreaking model of public sector labor relations: collaborative conferencing. Bowman explains how Tennessee moved away from adversarial collective bargaining toward a more cooperative, teacher-driven process that empowers educators while avoiding exclusive representation and political entanglements.

They discuss how the model works in practice, its bipartisan origins, the role of multiple organizations at the table, and why it might serve as a blueprint for reform in other states like Pennsylvania. With stories from the field and a clear-eyed view of the pitfalls of adversarial labor relations, this conversation offers a compelling case for a new path forward in teacher representation.

Utah’s Bold Legislative Move to Reform Public Sector Unions Mar 13, 2025

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In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne welcomes Utah State Representative Jordan Teuscher to discuss his groundbreaking Public Sector Labor Union Amendments bill. Teuscher explains how the legislation aims to increase transparency, protect worker rights, and limit union influence in government operations. They explore the bill's key provisions, including restrictions on payroll deductions for union dues and enhanced reporting requirements. Teuscher shares his insights on the challenges of passing labor reforms and why this bill could serve as a model for other states.

Tune in to learn how Utah’s bold approach to union reform could help reshape public sector labor policy nationwide.

The Decline of Union Membership: Trends and Reforms Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David Osborne welcomes Steve Delie, Director of Labor Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, to discuss the continued decline of union membership in both the private and public sectors. They explore why unionization rates are dropping despite high-profile organizing efforts, the impact of the landmark 2018 Janus decision, and how state-level labor reforms—such as opt-in policies and recertification requirements—are reshaping union influence. Steve shares key insights from data-driven research, highlighting the financial and membership challenges unions face post-Janus and what the future may hold for organized labor.

Tune in for a deep dive into the numbers, policies, and legal battles shaping the public sector labor landscape.

Unions at a Crossroads: Democracy, Transparency, and Bridging Divides Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Jake Altman, author of Socialism before Sanders, joins Disunion: The Government Union Report podcast host David R. Osborne to discuss labor unions and their challenges. Altman, a former union leader, criticizes extreme leftist positions within unions, citing examples like campus protests. He advocates for democratic reforms, transparency, and inclusive decision-making in unions. Altman suggests that moderates should organize and run for union leadership to counteract far-left influences. The conversation highlights the need for balanced, democratic union practices to better represent and engage members. David and Jake may not agree on everything regarding unions and labor organizing, but they believe in the value of civil discourse in an effort to find more common ground. By embracing respectful dialogue and exploring shared solutions, this episode reminds us that even in disagreement, progress is possible when the focus remains on fostering fair and inclusive practices.

Unpacking Union Power: Trade-Offs and Impacts on Jobs with Liya Palagashvili Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Liya Palagashvili, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center, joins host David R. Osborne to discuss her forthcoming research on the costs and benefits of powerful labor unions. Her findings suggest that, while unions can secure higher wages in the short term, they may lead to slower employment growth and fewer jobs in the long run.

They explore the impact of union strength, the role of job security, and the potential benefits of decentralized union models.

Wrapping up, David and Liya touch on the public sector, noting that job security clauses can limit job opportunities and mobility, particularly for younger workers.

You’re in for treat! Take a listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Challenging Exclusive Representation: A Fight for Free Speech and Union Accountability Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Disunion: The Government Union Report, host David R. Osborne interviews Nathan McGrath, President and General Counsel of The Fairness Center, about a potential Supreme Court case involving exclusive representation by unions in public-sector employment. The case, Goldstein v. PSC, involves six professors challenging a faculty union’s status as their exclusive representative. They posit that the union's public stance against Israel and perceived anti-Semitic views conflict with their personal beliefs and that the union's representation impacts their First Amendment rights.

Osborne and McGrath delve into the legal implications of exclusive representation, where a union speaks for all employees in a bargaining unit, including non-members, and restricts individual negotiations. They discuss how exclusive representation in New York grants significant union power, even allowing the union to pursue anti-Israel stances as part of its collective bargaining scope. This case, they suggest, could reshape public sector labor rights and potentially dismantle exclusive representation if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case and finds that it infringes on employees' rights to free speech and association.

Amendment One: Union Power, Politics, and the Future of Illinois Labor Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

How does public union policy impact you? More than you may realize.

Disunion: The Government Union Report’s David R. Osborne hosts Miley Smith, Senior Director of Labor Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute to discuss the impact of Illinois' Amendment One - which grants a fundamental right to unionize and expands bargaining rights. Amendment One is unique in its scope and has led to legislative staffers attempting to unionize, despite historical prohibitions. Smith highlights the amendment's potential to override state laws and its implications for collective bargaining, including the right to strike. Additionally, Smith addresses the diversion of union dues to political contributions in swing states, which may conflict with the political preferences of Illinois government workers.

Unraveling Union Dynamics: Michigan's Reversal, Florida's Reforms, and the Fallout of the Janus Decision Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host David Osborne is joined by Commonwealth Foundation Policy Analyst Andrew Holman. Together they co-authored co-author the most up to date report on public sector labor laws: The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading State Public Sector Labor Laws.

David and Andrew discuss the latest developments in public sector labor policy on the podcast while highlighting the following:

- Michigan's reversal of paycheck protection laws, allowing unions to collect dues through the public payroll system, and the introduction of a "fair share fee trigger law."

-Florida's recertification reforms, increasing the membership threshold for union re-elections, are also noted. The conversation covers the significant financial impact of the Janus decision on unions, with a combined loss of over 380,000 fair share fee payers and 320,000 members.

- Illinois' new constitutional amendment granting workers the fundamental right to organize is also discussed, along with the potential risks and implications for union power and worker rights.

Tune in, stay informed, and let us know what you think!