Union Labor & The Economy Go Hand in Hand:
The Future of the Labor Movement
In a recent conversation on the Union Labor Advisory Network, veteran labor strategist and Union Strong advisor John McDermott joined host Michael Fina to reflect on his decades-long career in union advocacy and workforce development. Drawing from a deep personal and professional history with labor unions, McDermott emphasized a bold, simple truth: “Union labor is economic development.”
John McDermott comes from a multi-generational union household. Watching his father fight for workers’ rights as a Teamster Official would ultimately lead McDermott to pursue a career in union politics. Working off that dream, McDermott would become a political director with the Local 144 SEIU. When his time with the SEIU ended, McDermott joined the Consortium for Worker Education, creating a range of industry specific training and financial empowerment programs for unions and non-profits. He is now working with Union Strong Mobile Application Network as an advisor. The Union Strong App helps develop new and unique methods to support workers’ rights, member benefits, and union-driven political action.
Reframing the Conversation Around Labor
For McDermott, the future of the labor movement hinges on how well unions communicate—not just with their members, but with the broader public. “We have to do a better job of engaging the American people in this conversation,” he stressed. “Whether it’s through schools, veterans’ groups, or social media, people need to know these jobs exist—and they’re good jobs.”
In McDermott’s view, labor isn’t just about contracts and representation. It’s about transforming lives, educating communities, and opening doors to high-quality career pathways. “If you’ve got a good, healthy union educating its members and supporting career growth, that’s economic development,” he said.
A Vision of Economic Justice and Opportunity
Throughout the conversation, McDermott highlighted the need for a coordinated, coherent communication strategy that not only informs but inspires. This includes amplifying labor’s voice to change outdated perceptions about organized labor and clearly communicating the economic value of unionized work. From $36/hour transit jobs to growing careers in healthcare and the trades, labor is a gateway to economic opportunity and mobility—but too many people still aren’t aware of what’s available.
That’s where Union Strong comes in. “I think this has to be about economic justice and economic opportunity,” McDermott said. His collaboration with Union Strong grew from a shared belief in the power of storytelling and connection. “This is an opportunity—as well as a challenge—to communicate labor's voice more strongly and more strategically.”
Connecting People to Purpose
Beyond awareness, McDermott emphasized the importance of community engagement and workforce development. That means connecting members to benefits, safety training, and upskilling programs—and breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing good jobs, like a lack of transportation or certifications.
“Whether it’s a high school student considering their next steps, a veteran re-entering the workforce, or someone just looking for stability, unions can play a central role in guiding people toward a better future,” he said.
Empowering the Movement, One Voice at a Time
At its core, Union Strong is a digital platform designed to help unions deliver trusted, timely, and relevant information directly to their members, empowering stronger communication and deeper engagement. For McDermott, this kind of tool is essential for helping unions evolve and lead. Ultimately, amplifying the voice of unions is at the core of what Union Strong does. In alignment with McDermott’s values, Union Strong is a communications platform that enables unions to communicate more freely and effectively with their members, putting crucial information right in front of them from a platform they can trust.
Published by the Union Strong App For more information on the Union Strong App please visit: UnionStrongApp.com