Who REALLY Brought Jobs Back to America? | Ft. John Russell

[@paulfogel5000]

I’ve been in a Union for over 35 years and I will be retiring comfortably at the age of 62. My wife is retiring at 56 as well. We would not be able to retire, let me repeat myself, we would not be able to retire until I was age 70 and my wife was at least 64!!! It is 100 percent because of my Union membership. I pray for the day all labor is Unionized!!!

[@IL_Bgentyl]

All labor unionized would be bad most would be great. None union pressures union to be better. The same as union pressures none union.

[@richarddunleavy3011]

From one union member to another, congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Enjoy that pension you earned it 👍

[@bonniegaither3994]

Exactly!!

[@kaistockman6443]

Same for my grandpa. He retired and was able to live in the house he built until he passed at age 93. Great health insurance from his union also. I wish I had chosen a union career. If I hadn’t gotten ill I still would.

[@talyahr3302]

Congrats!! Perhaps in retirement if you want to stay busy you can help the union! It's the perfect time. Hot Labour Summer 2.0 is approaching. ☀️ Help unions turn up the heat 🔥

[@Mortthemoose]

I'm a Brit. I've heard President Biden talking about this act, but it's great to see it in action! Lovely to see sooo many happy people 😊 All they want is a good job, fair wages, safe working conditions and a union to stand up for them 👍

[@deannealbrecht774]

My son has been laying infrastructure for rural broadband for about 3 years now. He's done well.

[@Mortthemoose]

@@deannealbrecht774 good to hear! Can you tell him to come over to rural Scotland and lay some for our area please? 😅 Ours is rubbish, yet we've been promised fast broadband for years!

[@AdventureswithBigJohn]

This all because of Trump

[@WasThatWong]

@@Mortthemoose You are a wrong. Biden is corrupt.

[@kevinfalch5049]

Put some solar on them huge buildings

[@RazielLucifer666]

That young woman with the glasses and the invisaligns for her kids, that is what every person deserves to feel when they work. I am so happy for those people, and I am hopeful that this will spread across the country. The power of unions! Workers Unite!

[@artchick07]

There's something so moving about someone being able to give their children aid. Her joy made me cry❤ I love this for them. I know so many who moved away from that county due to lack of jobs

[@stevekragel3454]

That was beautiful!

[@russellcarson1475]

Glendale Kentucky as well.

[@Richard-v8m]

Most of the jobs during Biden was after COVID and people going back to work not new job this is only a part of the left lies

[@Blue_Dun]

Pretty compassionate for someone named Lucifer666

[@luvzfrance24]

I'm a white collar worker but I have mad respect for blue collar workers and I like supporting unions. I love how I'm seeing the biggest union movement in my lifetime.

[@charleshanks6186]

Lets face it without the blue collar workers there would be no economy no manufacturing...my grand dad always said that the workers were the ones that built a company not the executives the executive make decisions but the workers carry it through..

[@RationalAUS]

The union movement is for everyone. In Australia, union membership has fallen. However, we have a commission that sets, award and minimum wages each year. Such a good system for workers. Australians are now the richest citizens in the world per capita, albeit the housing market is terrible.

[@joesutherland225]

There are white collar unions too , more than you might think.just find your local labour organization I don't care which one, tell them what you do ask them to direct you to a local union that covers that type of work. They may think it's kinda odd but they will most likley be very happy to help you find your union.😊😊😊

[@BunnyMan-ec4xg]

​@Politico995 if it makes u feel any better we are not paid well in the US and our housing market is insane too.

[@RationalAUS]

@@BunnyMan-ec4xg with America's level of wealth, you should be enjoying the highest standard of living globally. However, achieving that would necessitate changes to tax laws, and Americans would need to break free from decades of trickle-down economics indoctrination.

[@irogt]

The last decade has made me so cynical that I couldn't help wondering when the other shoe would drop, but I this so infectiously joyful. I wish them every success, and I hope their Unions and local government continue to provide for and protect them.

[@kil.sakote]

Did you have a small stroke in the middle of that?

[@tann_man]

too bad it requires siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement.

[@marcusdunton1692]

@@tann_man thought this was a bad take then I looked at your videos, truth is you are trying to be fair, you just are trapped in a system you can't see because you are in it, a Marxist would call this hegemony, you would probably call it paradise remember you words one of the things that makes capitalism great is"it must not violate the human rights of those not in the system". We have seen a system with no government constraints on capitalism I believe they call it the gilded age and they found fingers in food, and children worked in factories.

[@Loku242]

Agreed, but eventually the companies in charge of these worker paradise factories will just make sure the next local elections have only bought and paid for yes-men on the ballots, then they'll reverse all the progress and benefits so its exploitative, conditions unsafe, paychecks slashed, and the workers held financially hostage like literally everywhere else in America. The call of greater wealth is absolute, and those who hear the call will do anything for money's sake, even if it means killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people to do it. I give this factory a few months before either it goes to hell or the town gets poisoned by dumped toxic waste into the water supply.

[@Mwm-x3n]

Ditto on the cynicism. I hate feeling that way. When people call me a pessimist I go with Frances A Lobowitz's answer "" I am a disappointed optimist".

[@Sunny-il1xm]

Im in AZ and had a union job for 30 years. I was blessed to have them take care of us, they fought for our raises, bonuses for employees who had peaked in their positions and kept our health insurance lower then and now as a retiree. God bless President Biden who understands the importance of UNIONS!!

[@mrs.seaturtle66allen78]

Really? I was in the steel workers union we got laid off years ago.

[@StephenWarzecha]

Trump hired more union members in most of his biz. Biden did nothing except cause higher prices everywhere. My teamsters pension is great but with Biden we can't do the things we hoped to cause of high everything. Still very grateful for them.

[@robertroughley1923]

Union employee here, not sure if I would consider Biden Pro Union. The only people I'd somewhat count on are the legislators and reps that come to our meetings.

[@donnareed3822]

@@robertroughley1923 President Biden is one of the most pro Union leaders we’ve had in a long time. Unlike trump who bragged with Musk about being able to fire entire groups of workers because they were asking for living wages 🤡

[@newstroll982]

​@@robertroughley1923Biden was the first president in modern history to walk a picket line with a Union.

[@__-vb3ht]

One thing I love about MPU is how they manage to find the most charismatic, energetic working class people. The people they pull in front of the lens can talk, they are often some real characters. An implicit assumption in a lot of our media, news coverage as well as fiction is that "the masses" are faceless grey crowds, but there are a few special people that rise to the top that are charming and engaging. But no, we are actually surrounded by really interesting people everywhere, be it a mother that is hyped about glasses for her kids or a dude straight out of jail who just walked into the union meeting after seeing a sign without any real plan. What amazing people

[@yolyrom7233]

Exactly

[@filispirit]

Unions work for the working class is so refreshing to hear and see. 🇺🇲🇺🇲💙💙💙

[@ernestsosa7153]

Till there not !

[@donnareed3822]

@@ernestsosa7153 Let Trump back in to office and he will try to bust unions. Vote blue

[@martymcglame7781]

​@ernestsosa7153 did you mean they're? Otherwise your comment doesn't really make sense.

[@ClassicFIHD]

@@donnareed3822 You think tariffs are a tax on products? It's fact unions add 30% cost to products made in the US.

[@donnareed3822]

@@ClassicFIHD If that’s what it cost to give American workers living wages then so be it. The way it works now is the production is over seas and the workers there are payed pennies. Then the companies and middle men send those products to America and we pay top dollar. We are going to pay top dollar for goods anyway. It is better for American workers for the goods to be manufactured here with Unions. The people that impacts is the companies and the middle men. Plus they should have to pay their fair share of taxes. Trump as not paid taxes in over twenty year’s. That’s why he won’t disclose his tax returns.

[@loishauger7313]

The people injected with hope in this story makes me so happy! Solidarity with all workers ✌️

[@Batirtze-b6x]

It really is amazing. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tann_man]

too bad it requires siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement.

[@frankgrabasse4642]

These people need to watch fox news so they can despair and hate. That's the Republicans message. Despair and hate.

[@ldxstormeaglex2194]

​@@tann_manIt was payed for by 1% stock buyback tax, 15% minimum tax on book income for corporations that earn $1 billion in such income. It doesn't even touch the middle class. Try again...

[@TheGreatGamehog]

@@ldxstormeaglex2194 not clean energy try again....

[@noel4729]

I am currently retired, but the majority of jobs that I have worked has always been Union jobs. And it’s good to see what President Biden is doing for those people in Tennessee. I don’t see news like this on CNN, MSNBC or Fox.

[@tenacious1]

You won't. MSM sucks.

[@ChrisW-17]

Brian Tyler Cohen just shared this story on his channel. Thank you for bringing these small town success stories to us. It's too bad good news like this doesn't make the traditional news, so I appreciate this!

[@SandraWood-n5w]

Bidens campaign promise and he did not lie. The GOP just po-pooed everything to do with infrastructure and ecology based jobs and offered nothing. If they get in in Nov. I'm afraid it will be back to square one. PLEASE VOTE BLUE.

[@DragonNinja4680]

Agree with you!! I love Brian Taylor Cohen!! He does a lot to share things we all need to hear and see. He cares about our democracy and the country!! We need to share these stories!!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

and thank you, Salon.

[@renegade1520]

Way to go Ford for investing in America. Good luck and Godspeed to the unions and their members!

[@williamradford1307]

Ford? There was 9 billion dollars if taxpayers money dumped into this project. Now they annnounced on the news Aug 21, that Ford will suspend this project due to decline in the electric car market. What a boondoggle

[@joesutherland225]

I agree! Do keep in mind,these jobs in the report are construction jobs. The plant itself will have to go through state certification vote before they represent the permanent jobs in the plant itself so jobs only half done to early to REALLY celebrate! Still more work to do 😊

[@MyMomo17]

Biden passed the inflation reduction act to get Ford to invest in American jobs.

[@degronilo3660]

You asked for more stories: If you're still in the Tennessee area, there is a BIG union vote at the Volkswagen plant here within a few weeks. Local Republican leaders just held a very loud press conference in front of the plant saying the UAW is "corrupt" and "a sinking ship" despite obvious evidence to the contrary in recent wins. It's getting interesting.

[@moreperfectunion]

We'll be heading there in a couple weeks!

[@truecatholic1]

@@moreperfectunion I don't approve of unions. It is a matter of winning the tug-of-war battle with businesses. What is necessary is that "the right to earn a living" of every person who needs work is respected. Strictly speaking it would be possible to arrest the CEO or others in the company who refuse to hire someone who needs a job. Rights don't come from unions.

[@janearcher3834]

@@truecatholic1 Spoken like a true ignoramus. Clearly facts just went sailing through your head with zero obstructions.

[@donedeal8385]

Notice how they don't give a shit about the railway workers?

[@truecatholic1]

@@janearcher3834 You haven't identified any facts. The only reason that unions have power is that the federal government is willing to enforce the law. But it would be better if unions weren't necessary. Strictly speaking they aren't. Business could be held accountable for its hiring and firing decisions. For that matter at least the latter ought to be a matter in court.

[@TheMonty501]

Bunch of people love to hate on Biden but he actually does stuff like this that changes lives.

[@CM-ve1bz]

1.9 trillion changed every Americans life. The double digit inflation is unavoidable

[@williamradford1307]

I’m happy for these people but: Where are all the illegal immigrants in this town? Where’s all the money coming from? Easy to make a success story when you treat an isolated town differently than the rest of the country and take money from the rest of the country and pour into an isolated town.

[@CM-ve1bz]

Thanks KZbin, for sending me notifications of comments to a thread where mine was deleted

[@deekang6244]

⁠@@williamradford1307If you persist in thinking like this, you will forever be under the thumb of anyone who comes with a plan that promises anything. Pride in work, community, and the ability to have a life. It’s been done before. How? Maybe the billionaires make a little less, and pay their workers more. Illegal immigrants are a separate issue.

[@williamradford1307]

Thanks for that life advice but I’ve done the climbing, I’m at the top of my hills and under no one’s thumb. To my points that you’ve ignored; the illegal immigrants are not a separate issue for if this town was plagued with them like elsewhere the story wouldn’t be so rosy. Billionaires making less money? There was 9 billion dollars of taxpayer money spent on this. Now it was onn the news Aug 21,2024 that Ford will suspend operations due to decline in electric car market. What a boondoggle.

[@dgmuze]

My dad has worked as a union electrician for most of his life and he’ll retire in a couple years at 56. Full pension and medical for both him and my mom. It’s what America should be about. I will fight for unions for the rest of my life.

[@aluisious]

The problem with full pension and medical at 56 is he could live 30 years, at which point it will be close to the amount of time he actually worked. Let's be generous and say long term there's 1 retiree for each 2 workers (and worse, with his wife getting medical too). That's a hell of a burden on the current workers. As much as I'd like to retire at 56, if everyone did it, it would be really hard to pay for without restructuring the financial system, and have fun with that.

[@PrussianPushma]

​@aluisious the USA needs a smaller military budget and a bigger welfare budget. Our leadership is corrupt. Look at the standard of living of pre-ww2 germany. One working man, wife and kids all happily taken care of. That's what we should be aiming for. Working past 50 is as normal as the war on terror. Which was fake.

[@bentemchine]

@@aluisious but thats our goal: to fundamentally make the whole financial system. and we dont need luck. we have a union. what we need is more people like yourself believing that it is possible to make this a better world. Think of the billions and billions in the control of a dozen people. Think of how much better the world would be if it wasnt locked away under their mattresses but was working to build a better world for working people. Will it be fun? it could be! working together in common cause with good people is a pretty great way to spend your time on earth...

[@matthewmolina2706]

@@aluisiousdon’t worry the next generation of workers won’t get healthcare when they retire . You are just making the case for universal healthcare

[@davidjoly9816]

Retire at 56 with a full pension? That money has to come from somewhere. It's like a ponzi scheme. The only way it works is when there's an ever expanding pool of younger workers, and infinite economic growth. Of course, the FED will probably just print up a few trillion more $$$$ to bail out those pension funds, stoking even more inflation.

[@arizzle5732]

Joined LiUNA 4 years ago as an apprentice. Changed my life for the better by a long shot. Now my kids have a healthy stable home. A promising future and i get to help fix and build the infrastructure of our country.

[@mschrage618]

As soon as I heard LIUNA it all made sense. Never met happier working class people than Laborers Local 110 and 42.

[@scottsammons7747]

Local 341

[@kadecase7470]

@@scottsammons7747FUCKIN ANCHORAGE HELL YEAH BROTHER

[@shortmeister4321]

Excellent journalism! Thank you and thank you President Biden!!! 💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙

[@crafterlula1328]

I went into construction after three years of working as many corporate jobs. I saw an instant pay increase, i got health insurance, and im finally building a retirement account. Unions make a huge difference

[@TheGreatGamehog]

unions dont always get the job done

[@adrian-gr8hg]

Vote blue bro.

[@adrian-gr8hg]

​@@TheGreatGamehog# dude. Come on man.

[@barbaramartin6121]

​@@adrian-gr8hg😇🙏💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙😘💋🥰

[@scottsperber6468]

@@adrian-gr8hgnever

[@FairyQueen522]

President Biden brought back all of these smiles, laughter and happiness for those people. A great President long live President Biden 🙏🙏🙏

[@mbryson2899]

I grew up in Chicago. Unions kept my father's generation safe, but in the 80s they declined precipitously. Quality of life suffered commensurately. I am glad to see a resurgence of unions. Let those who provide the necessary labor share in the wealth! .

[@Over.It.999]

Sadly the people who have lost out the most from these changes blame Democrats for "forgetting" them, when it has been Republican policies that got us here. And it is Democrats who will strengthen unions and enforce antitrust laws, so businesses actually have to compete and small businesses will have a change to grow again.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

there was a huge plot in the late sixties and effected in the 70's to corrupt the union leadership so that the fascists could point and say, "see? They are worse than us" That is why the war on unions was so successful.

[@ToddHurney]

You can thank Reagan and his gang of thugs on the right for all of that. We are still paying for his "trickle" down theory. A terrible president who duped a whole nation into thinking he was great. Just another con man.

[@Vss7788]

I loved watching the people who were positive, and have a great out look, working hard and taking care of their families. We need more adults like this.

[@Seantherightway06]

As an IUOE crane operator that has worked at that plant before, even this understates the massive shift that plant has done for that part of the state. You did an excellent job of capturing the hope that the plant has brought to the area and the numerous lives that have been affected for the better by this plant. Great video!

[@steventostevin3085]

I'm British and I'm moving my money into America. Because of Biden and now Harris. Because of your economics.

[@vforwombat9915]

" and I'm moving my money into America. " if it needs a place to stay, i've got plenty of room.

[@theroach02x]

The only good thing I see in Kamela is word salad combined with scripted speeches along with only 1 interview with the press & what's worse, she flip-flopped. 2 potential WW3 break outs under Biden/Harris. America has so much to complain about in just the last 3 years.

[@Oldfrtsteeler]

Foreign interest in our economy is what's wrong with our economy. You might have Pelosi for financial advisor,you should be golden

[@steventostevin3085]

@@Oldfrtsteeler How can something be wrong if outsiders see your economy booming and want to invest in America. More money into industry makes more jobs more production more exports. The most important word here seems to be more.

[@adamreynolds8270]

​@@steventostevin3085it's because of those people who don't see that this economy is booming. They just see doom n gloom.

[@ariw9405]

Absolutely love to see it! This is exactly why unions are so important.

[@c.j.9141]

Thank you due to President Biden for doing SO MUCH GOOD for our country!!!!

[@angelicavallejo3525]

It is good now. But wait done celebrate so fast. Wait till the government gets you back in TAXES AND TAXES. You do not get anything free with the Biden Administration. Need to read between the lines. Nothing is free.

[@mrs.seaturtle66allen78]

Not going to work people don't want these vehicles out here in North Central Montana where the pickup is king they will not be electric.

[@WasThatWong]

@@c.j.9141 Is this Jill? Yeah, thanks for making us energy independent on other nations, for destroying the economy, for disobeying federal laws and allowing massive illegal invaders into our country, for using lawfare against political opponents, for selling out our country, ……….

[@theroach02x]

WOW!! I have never in my 42 year life seen so much tilt for the worse under 1 administration for my country. That would be Biden/Harris.

[@jillganz6381]

​@@mrs.seaturtle66allen78my son drives electric. Loves it. So speak for yourself

[@joshb2059]

Love to see my fellow Americans moving up

[@WhatSoEverThingsAreLovely]

Nice comment!! ❤

[@suzanne9150]

Trump just told Musk that all union workers should be fired and replaced with non-union workers with lower wages.

[@aaronthenorm5400]

​@@suzanne9150ohhhhhhh.. nooooo, that must have been fake news😊 since we did soo well under that clown.(sarcasim)!

[@Mortthemoose]

​@@suzanne9150 I don't doubt it.

[@larsmichael7162]

"Unions are an integral part of a functioning democracy". Who said it? My 87-year-old mom.

[@RichardBatten]

Your mom is a smart woman

[@sc52243]

Wow the relief and happiness and sense of optimism from just having a job and a community.

[@kimbarnes2681]

Thank you for bringing this story to us. Everyone is so happy about their life and the opportunity to be a Union member! I really enjoyed the mans story about how he was able to get a job after getting out of jail and how he's learned so much from being in a Union. The job and Union membership has really changed his life for the better. We need more Unions across America. This was a gem of a story.

[@darinmckee2320]

I'm genuinely happy for all these people.

[@letsRegulateSociopaths]

It makes me so happy to see these people with hope and thankfulness

[@IanPattisonOakville]

IT guy here, represented by SEIU Local 2. 11 years into the job and I expect to be able to retire in 10 more years at 60 with a defined benefit pension. Unions!

[@bobbyward2440]

Union guy turned IT turned cybersecurity analyst here..I'm not saying there's anything wrong with unions but if I had to join a union after starting my career in IT I would have killed myself

[@mikeries8549]

​cybersecurity...how do you expain how your accounts got hacked and all your clients money is GONE? HOW?@@bobbyward2440

[@jessicaf6358]

@bobbyward2440 What makes you say that?

[@bobbyward2440]

@jessicaf6358 don't get me wrong. Working full time union right out of high school allowed me go to and finish college with no debt. But there was no career advancement. I got paid the same amount as the a$$hole doing nothing next do me. I put myself through college so my wage would reflect the dedication I have to being the best. My pay is reflecting that. I do my job and am willing to continue learning new skills. That is not something most unions do.

[@MysticYT925]

@@bobbyward2440Union workers objectively are paid more than non-union workers. You’d rather have made less money just so others could make even less?

[@sharonkaysnowton]

I was glad to see what is going on in Blue Oval City and the Liuna Construction company. This gives me HOPE for the rest of the USA. I am a union person (AFT- teacher's union) and I am retired. But, I stay and support the Union as a union member to work and fight for teachers rights. My daddy told me when I was a little girl, "If you are on a job with a Union, make sure you JOIN the UNION and be ACTIVE". I am soooo glad I followed his advice. I advised my children and grandchildren to always join a Union. I would like all jobs to have unionization. The second advice my daddy gave me is always VOTE. He actually said, "You were born a Democrat and you will die a Democrat, so make sure you VOTE." So, I make sure I always vote. I taught that to my children and grandchildren also. VOTING is the most important thing we can do for ourselves- to make our voices heard. In solidarity !!! Ps My mother taught us to always PRAY. So I PRAY constantly and always. VOTE BLUE in November 2024.

[@briansullivan1621]

Glad to see the hard working Americans are unionizing

[@whipsplash6943]

Thank you Joe!

[@marleywrx]

So nice to see those folks happy and being able to take care of their families.

[@nacarreira777]

I love seeing this! So happy for the folks in Stanton TN. Vote 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@dvdv8197]

In solidarity with all Workers 🎉❤🔥🔥

[@briansullivan1621]

Salute to you sir

[@el_chavez]

Your message at the end of the video got me to subscribe. I support anyone that is trying to awaken and unite the working class. Unidos Jamás Seremos Vencidos! Union ❤️ Workers Unite💪 I don’t care if you make $250,000 a year, if you are selling your time for money you need a union.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

This is a game changer for these workers, hands down. Imagine if we took this nationwide.

[@y_chelle]

Thanks, President Joe Biden! Vote 💙 for more of this across the country.

[@tann_man]

LMAO. there's not enough fake money to go around to do this everywhere. Just this project alone requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@mesister3862]

Remember who made this possible when you vote in November! 💙💙

[@RamsteinPoplaski]

Genuinely made me happy watching this. Thank You, MPU.

[@myrnatucker4381]

A big Thank You to President Biden and Vice President Harris and Democrats. They made this happen and are doing even more for our Countries future. So happy for these people. Voting BLUE ALL THE WAY. 💙💙🌊🌊🌊

[@ToddHurney]

Maga will never understand any of this, because they are tuned into networking that was created solely to keep them misinformed and scared and angry. This piece is proper journalism and needs to be shown everywhere to everyone!

[@catalystcomet]

I'm terrified of how close I am to the edge these days... I needed to see this. Thank you.

[@tann_man]

wait till you realize how much labor is siphoned from millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. That's the only way the government can do this.

[@catalystcomet]

One month update: I've watched this video at least a dozen times now

[@adrian-gr8hg]

Stay strong, hopeful and try to do something different. ❤

[@jeremyusry1379]

I'm a union worker and I will say I regret not joining sooner, but I am very happy we have had Biden strengthening Unions and our country from the bottom up. I'm happy these people have the opportunity for better lives.

[@fmcg5364]

Thank You for this, it made me feel better seeing people happy

[@allisonbigelow3745]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This was the most uplifting story I read last week and then today there’s the Tennessee Volkswagen story! My family is from Detroit and my grandfather, my uncle, and I were union organizers. It’s deep in my bones. I was visiting family in Detroit during the UAW strike last year. The city was electric with energy and it was a huge story, but you’re right, the regular news outlets rarely talk about these “smaller” but IMHO, equally important stories. I for one need them. More please. 😊

[@fabianstohr1080]

Vote Harris then

[@Bluefalcon6154]

More people need to see what we can achieve together keep up the great work more perfect union 🎉

[@tann_man]

This project alone requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@hompa1670]

The median home price (for now) in Haywood is abut 150k. The salary for these union members seems to be 25/hour which is about 50k/year and that is definitely enough to buy a house. They have people who just walked right up there and were able to get a job at 18 with probably no experience. In the blink of an eye, that town got transformed to what boomers told us the economy was like 40-50 years ago.

[@BBQandSawdust]

There’s not a decent house in this town for less than $250k. Houses that sold for 180k 5 years ago are now over 400k. The school system is terrible and teachers are leaving left and right. Houses that used to rent for $500 are now $2000 a month, these worker that are here building the plant are having to pay ridiculous amounts of money to even park a camper in a spot. So many families have been displaced, my child’s school has lost over 20 students since it started in August because families who have lived their whole lives here had to leave because they can’t afford it here anymore.

[@hompa1670]

@@BBQandSawdust oh damn, thank you for your perspective as a local. I guess it must have been amazing for people who already owned property. Hopefully they build enough housing soon enough to accommodate everyone, or have a shuttle or something from Memphis

[@suzanne9150]

It great they're training people.

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

@@BBQandSawdust I call BS on your claims. I hear the same crap every time a new Local opens it's doors! The usual claims are mostly covered here and I've heard them time and time again. Yet when I go to these places to work it's shown for what it is. Fabricated lies by Union haters. I've been in over 20 years and travelled to some truly podunk towns and what you claim I've never seen. And in your area was generational poverty for decades, now people there have a future so go sell your BS elsewhere. I've been in plenty of planning meetings with local officials in various areas, the financial impact of growth is NOT driving people to the poorhouse. That's a typical Republican type claim that's been disproven many times over. As of today, Median Home Price in Stanton, TN: $130,700 (according to the “Cost of Living in Tennessee” table), sure you can find those $300,000 -$600,000 McMansions anywhere you go if you look hard enough but that is NOT the median house cost.

[@infini.tesimo]

$25 per hour is really what is needed in most situations as bare minimum these days even as a single person. Double that for families. I understand that this works in communities like theirs but in cities that is barely making it.

[@Atrayus1984]

Its about triple that in Cali and New york so you are right. COL is part of the contracts.

[@olivererz6197]

That's why manufacturing is moving there. But for these communities, 25$ an hour is a really good wage

[@BerlinCB]

Every person deserves to feel this security and hope for the future when working a fulltime job.

[@ADrew26]

love to see this. I know most working situations are awful and need addressing, but hearing more about the positive side of certain workforces should be a thing tackled by this channel. A good balance would be great to see where we could and SHOULD be in America

[@deantait8326]

Ah The EV market is dying and this EV plant will be converted before it is operational. Good for these people but it’s just a government boondoggle !!!

[@vivalaleta]

@@deantait8326 In your nasty dreams I guess.

[@XrayTheMyth23]

@@deantait8326how is the EV market dropping? EVs aren't a trend they are a necessity to eventually remove natural gas from large-scale use. This isn't some optional choice it is in the U.S.'s best interest to stop relying on foreign oil ASAP which is why there is more and more mandates to require all vehicles to be electric in the future.

[@tann_man]

Just this project alone requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@Over.It.999]

@@deantait8326 That's why there are waiting lists for EVs, I guess? Thanks for the business lesson 😂

[@dalemihocik4732]

UFCW LOCAL 880 retired at the age of 55. A former Union Steward and Contract Committee Member that can't fathom why you wouldn't want to be a union worker. So happy Southerners are waking up to the benefits of unions improving their lives. Strength in numbers.

[@FiveMissiles]

my father is with a union and he is so happy, i have some friends with the union and they are also very happy. Union is key

[@euphemiataylor9748]

Retired TWU member. Glad to see these people being educated on the importance of unions.

[@elizabethtoews7866]

The union leaders will hopefully remain uncorrupted and generous. Unions were formed to protect workers and in many cases save lives. Leadership needs to remember that.

[@graciel2313]

Unfortunately most are corrupted!

[@ericjohnson6665]

As a former member of the Teamsters, I support this move!

[@FeelLovely]

I am so so happy for that mom that is estatic that she is able to take care of her babies. It's a beautiful thing to see, and I hope this trend continues for more workers. Thanks for continuosly engaging reporting

[@charleswalters5284]

Mothers being able to take care of their babies is a matter of national security and we should treat it like it is.

[@TheAureliac]

@@charleswalters5284 Exactly! And young men who can build generational wealth. I love that this union is teaching workers that they must learn to pay attention to policy when consuming media, not just the emotions someone wants to use to manipulate us.

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

To see smiles, happiness and the pride for the ability to work, to support your family while being protected by your union is truly wonderful. Sadly, all the positive things are not shown so thank you 🙏💙💙💙

[@MrP4v]

Great coverage of a positive story. Spread the love.

[@muhammad-bin-american]

Absolutely!

[@tann_man]

This project requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@charlesheaton3994]

Union Strong! I retired at age 58 after 35 years as a LiUNA member in Washington State. Local 348 and 440. Perseverance is key for a 'Comfortable' retirement. Thank you for posting this uplifting segment on Union membership.

[@ronbennett1659]

I've belonged to a union for 43 years and I'm retired and living comfortable. The union took care of my family by making sure we got a fair contract so we can take care of our families with dignity. Even though I'm retired if my union needs my help I'll be there in a heartbeat. Glad to see some of the southern states who were always told that unions were bad are realizing they were lied to. The Republicans have always been anti union.

[@ToddHurney]

Yep! Nuff said.

[@zackclevenger8577]

So exciting to see the change finally happening in our nation! This is awesome and these are the stories we need to see that attach real people and their stories to the awesome change that is happening.

[@kelleyramsey2642]

As a retired union worker....this warms my heart ❤️

[@Jcesare09]

This is what people need to see, thank you for a good journalism

[@1371greer]

Excellent video! She said it best, “$15/hr vs $25/hr vs $25/hr with FULL Benefits!” Vast difference! Build the Labor Movement!

[@Peter07Pal]

The benefits aren't free. Granted the premiums tend to be lower for insurance, but tack in that and the union dues, take home is probably closer to $20. I'm pro union, but that is weak tennessee, out here in the west, a first day non union laborer is making 20-25 an hour, no experience. Union work should be in the $45 an hour range to start.

[@1371greer]

@@Peter07Pal true, but it also depends highly on the industry and the contract. UAW & John Deere contracts have a $0/monthly premium with a $0 deductible and a small co-pay. UAW members traditionally pay 2.5 hours/month for dues. For someone making $25/hr, union dues are only 1.5%/month or 37.5¢/hr for 4 forty hour weeks. Work more hours and your dues are still only 2.5 hours. The benefits have never been free. They have always been 100% paid for by the worker with every hour of work the complete. Making employees pay anything out of pocket for insurance premiums is wage theft. I’d like all healthcare to be $0/employee cost, but I know that’s a very long way away. But still, offering someone a $25/hr job but charging $320/month for a premium with a $5,000 deductible is a complete scam. In my building trade union UA Local 25 I pay a little under $7/hr for my insurance. I have a $400 deductible and a $2,000 OOP max. I only need to work 1,600/hrs/year to have 12 months of insurance coverage premium paid. I make $71/hr when you add the wage to the fringe benefits. Apprentices here in eastern Iowa start at $17/hr. Insurance takes affect in 6 months, but day one their contributing to the insurance fund. The reason they wait 6 months is so that when their insurance begins they actually have a reserve amount that covers 6 months in case they get laid off. You can reserve upto 3 years of insurance. Basically every hour beyond 1,600 is how you build your reserve.

[@1371greer]

@@Peter07Pal yep I agree all the wages for the working class need to be higher, in all jobs, regardless of union status. But it’s a solid start for those workers in TN.

[@suzanne9150]

@@Peter07Pal You're exaggerating the cost of union dues.....I worked as a union member for 40 years.

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

@@Peter07Pal Uh yeah you're exaggerating quite a bit! Take the cost of those Union Dues out and go hire a lawyer to do all of that for you instead and see what it costs! I am happy to pay my dues for what I get back! Representation, bargaining at contract time, COL AND my benefits!

[@williamsobat8339]

Thanks for doing what you do.

[@theflagstaffkid]

I honestly am always very skeptical about massive manufacturing, it's good to see it's union organized and good to their workers, I just hope this isn't the next $5 day. Empowering workers to create a strong company capable of dominating a market, and a town completely dependent on a corporation with no alternative options of employment......then reduced pay, benefits, safety, ECT. Wouldn't be the first time. Time will only tell, 75 years from now we can look at that town and see if it is a place suitable for the workers great-grandchildren to raise their kids.

[@richardcochran3304]

Great report! Thank you for publicizing the best public policy ever passed (by Democrats) in America! Vote straight Blue for great things for America!

[@michaelyork4554]

I work for IATSE so I am pro union, but once this facility is built, the operations will most certainly be fully automated, so what happens then? Conventions and Trade shows will always need workers, so I hope there are more construction mega projects ahead for these individuals.

[@GimpedUpNoodle]

I can speak about this project personally. I’m born and raised in Jackson Tennessee, had tons of friends from Brownsville and Haywood county, studied engineering at the university of memphis, and got my first engineering job working in the largest mega project the south has seen potentially since the manhattan project. I’ve tested over 25000 yards of concrete over the last 2 years here and god know how much my company has tested all combined. This project has absolutely revolutionized west Tennessee. This is a win for the US economy, worker, and energy independence.

[@bunyipdragon9499]

It's good to see so many smiling faces. It's good to see hope again. It's even better seeing being people waking up and being involved by learning about how politics is for them and actually can help them 💜

[@RextheRebel]

Strong nations are literally built by strong domestic productivity, unions and secure borders. This is a step in the right direction.

[@suzanne9150]

It was Trump who just told Musk that all union workers should be fired. Democrats are Pro union and always have been.

[@jerrylyns7331]

I needed this. I need hope for my country

[@laneroberts7222]

Incredible work you’re doing here by bringing this to light! Thank you for what you do.

[@its_eis]

"I am so fully unionized" HAHA I love it!

[@curiousgirl.4134]

Thank you, I didn’t know and am happy to hear and see the unions raise people up!

[@gigaus0]

I wish I could get some of that energy here with my union. We're teamsters, and people are actively talking about decertifying our local because 'unions ain't American' and all that nonsense.

[@bonniegaither3994]

😔

[@Over.It.999]

Could your union leaders show this video? There's a lot of disinformation from corporate Repubs who have been weakening and destroying unions for the past 40+ years. People who only hear that perspective are misinformed.

[@kathrynw3]

Crazy nonsense unions built this country and keep the greedy overpaid corporations from stealing everything from the workers.

[@mollypenwhistle2274]

Thank goodness, this will make America greater….. don’t let it go. And please more stories like this in the media, life is good, people are good, and together there is nothing you cannot achieve. Keep it up!

[@ThisIsATireFire]

We *NEED* more content like THIS. It gets damn depressing and more than a little overwhelming to just hear how everything is horrible, and everyone in charge is so focused on how to get ahead that they'll throw anyone and everyone else under the bus. Makes a person feel hopeless after a while.

[@ToddHurney]

That's out of the autocrat's playbook, which Trump pulls from all the time. Trump is a fascist and not the least bit concerned for your welfare, unless you have a couple of hundred million dollars! Don't buy into the doom and gloom!

[@jmb3d]

This is great reporting. My Brother-in-law and Father-in-law are there now. They are pipe fitters from a union in Montgomery, AL. Unions need to grow in this country to help improve the worker's lives all over the country. Keep up the great reporting.

[@eringo-bragh4243]

Democrats will never figure out that this is their best commercial, short-sighted.

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

Establishment Democrats are their own worst enemy. Don't forget, they literally preferred to lose to Trump than win with Bernie.

[@sp123]

Most cities will not return to manufacturing because it's too expensive. There's a reason it's being done in West Tennessee instead of New York City or San Diego

[@fmcg5364]

@@sp123 Be happy that some people are becoming better off, it will spread after and it can get better in your life too.

[@chloedsmith]

@@sp123 unions aren't exclusive to manufacturing, nor is the idea behind the law that was passed. Pick an industry, repatriate it and empower unions, you've given the working class the ability to bring themselves back up. The money is there, it's just being allowed to sit and circulate in small circles, not working for the people who help create it. At a minimum, just making sure that the workers who help produce wealth get a bigger share in it already does wonders, not even assuming that it results in any growth.

[@Comfymura]

Oh no, they know. They just don't want to lose those corporate profits.

[@williamelkington5430]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@gattearthrid]

Organized 🙌 United Association of Pipe Fitters representing!

[@Shishycat]

👍🏻 All of my mom's family were pipe fitters in NYC. 😊

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

Local 74 here brother! You go !!!!

[@boldfaith777]

As a Christian Conservative lived in Huntsville, AL for 3 years. This is amazing! Everyone should be hearing about this, like next week at the DNC. So happy to see this community have opportunity and a way to create growth for the next generation.

[@EeeM-ts8up]

Goddamn this made me so fucking proud to be and american and in a union. One step at a time we will elevate all our fellow Americans.

[@tann_man]

LMAO. there's not enough fake money to go around to do this everywhere. Just this project alone requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@Jamied0g]

So well said. Made me cry.

[@ToddHurney]

We destroyed it by electing despicable people into office who happily ruined it, so we can do a better job of researching and vetting candidates for office in the future!

[@adammarshall6257]

This channel is amazing, no other publication is putting out stuff like this.

[@mitchellflaherty5963]

In New Bedford Ma it’s been amazing to see the development that offshore wind has brought to the northeast, more investment in clean energy projects!!!

[@sallyrucker8990]

These projects need to be talked about on the National News!

[@John_.Cabell_.Breckinridge]

Thank you for showing a more positive story

[@DennyDupuis]

John Russel, you’re a national gem Brother…non-political fact based journalism. Love what you do my friend.

[@angelikalindenau943]

That's great to see. Hopefully there will be more projects like this

[@y_chelle]

Keep voting 💙 and there will be.

[@tann_man]

LMAO. there's not enough fake money to go around to do this everywhere. Just this project alone requires a massive siphoning the labor of millions of Americans who don't live there via taxation and currency debasement. You see the prosperity in this town but you don't see the crippling burden it puts on millions of middle class citizens all over the nation.

[@silvanastrazzella7533]

Wow amazing. Giving hope. God bless🙏👍

[@fixieroy]

This was such a great video to watch. great reporting you guys, job well done.

[@margaridarego4881]

Thank You! Thank You! For this report. I hope people take to watch it.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

Thank you for posting this. It's easy to forget with all the mayhem in the news that stuff like this is happening!

[@suzanne9150]

Over 70,000 new infrastructure projects happening all across the country because of the bill Biden passed. THANKS JOE.

[@KevinWhitesTimeIsLife]

Thank you for sharing this. More people and media outlets should be talking about this.

[@RGCDTB]

Beautiful

[@Jamesthegiantpeachlover]

Put the power back into the hands of the laborers. ✊🏼 this video makes me happy & hopeful.