Matt Grossmann, Charley Ballard, and Arnold Weinfeld from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) discuss the latest in Michigan and national politics, policy, and the economy on the State of the State podcast, a monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan.

Peter Berg joins the conversation to talk about the UAW’s recent victory in unionizing a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee and its implications moving forward. Berg is a professor of employment relations and director of the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at MSU.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:50) – Ballard on the state of the national economy.

(4:29) – Ballard on the state of the Michigan economy.

(6:31) – Michigan is 39th in per capita personal income in the United States.

(9:41) – Grossmann on the latest in politics and how the perception of the health of the economy doesn’t match the perception for many.

(12:55) – What impact will the campus protests have on the election?

(15:16) – How will Gaza impact younger voters?

(17:11) – What factor will the UAW play in domestic politics and this election?

(19:09) – What is the diploma divide?

 (21:20) – What is the impact of the UAW’s recent win at Volkswagen? 

(23:25) – Will Shawn Fain and the UAW be a political force for President Biden in the election?

(25:24) – What are the UAW’s next targets?

(27:22) – Do you see the UAW win leading to more unionization in other industries?

(29:20) – Is the National Labor Relations Board’s legitimacy being questioned?

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