Jan 16, 2023

Unions are pushing back, and gaining momentum

Nurses from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York strike outside the hospital. Labor action jumped by more than half in 2022 compared to 2021, according to recent data. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The number of strikes rose nearly 50% in the last two years. We explain why. Plus, the rich got richer, and authentic Native designs take on knockoffs.

Segments From this episode

U.S. labor strikes went up almost 50% between 2021 and 2022

by Justin Ho

Jan 16, 2023

Cornell University counted almost 400 strikes last year, following decades of declining union membership. Here's why labor action is becoming more common.

New York City nurses reached a deal to raise salaries by about 19% after striking for three days. Above, thousands of nurses from four New York hospitals strike on Jan. 9.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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How the world's richest people became much richer during the pandemic

by Samantha Fields

Jan 16, 2023

Two-thirds of the $42 trillion in new wealth went to the wealthiest 1%, says a new report from Oxfam. The group also says tax policy can change that.

Many of the big companies that made the most money early in the pandemic, like Amazon and Walmart, spent more on shareholders than raising workers' pay, says Molly Kinder of Brookings. Above, the interior of a Walmart.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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"Dark patterns": The deceptive arts of e-commerce

by Nicholas Guiang and Reema Khrais

Jan 16, 2023

Emily Stewart of Vox explains how web tactics like countdown clocks and inventory trackers can create a false sense of urgency for consumers.

Many e-commerce sites use well-honed tactics to influence consumers to "buy, buy, buy." Emily Stewart advises consumers to learn about them and avoid impulsive shopping.

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

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My Economy

Alaskan siblings challenge Native knockoffs with their own Indigenous designs

by Sarah Leeson

Jan 16, 2023

In Juneau, Rico and Crystal Worl draw from their Tlingit and Athabascan heritage to create designs for everyday items like playing cards.

Trickster Co. incorporates Native design into everything from apparel and jewelry to basketballs and playing cards.

Donovan Johnson

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Music from the episode

"melt" Kehlani

"Fly on the Wall" Durand Burnarr

"Glass" Shamir

"NOTHIN LIKE U" KAYTRANADA

"Hi-Fidelity" Lava La Rue, Biig Pig

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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