NEW LABOR: Slowing the Treadmill of Production?

Within the treadmill of production framework, labor unions are considered one of the central actors propelling the system of environmental degradation. This article examines the evidence for this designation. American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations documents and other historical evidence indicate unions have been strong proponents of expanding production, lending support to the view that unions are rightfully considered key treadmill actors. Yet closer examination indicates labor has played a contradictory role. Unions have advocated for policies and engaged in workplace activities that slow the treadmill of production. Unions should be considered proponents of the treadmill system, but recent developments may be pushing labor away from that position. Economic globalization, changes in employment patterns, a corporate assault on labor and new union leadership have led to strategic changes within the labor movement-including greater willingness to work with environmental advocates-creating the potential for labor to more directly challenge the treadmill system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]