Responding to Striketober, John Oliver produced the best report on union busting we’ve ever seen. Union supporters call it “inoculation”.
By Charles Lenchner
October saw the largest number of workers on strike in years, and 2021 has seen a dramatic rise in coverage of unionization efforts. John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, took aim on his show at the efforts by companies to keep unions out. Whether or not you are likely to see a union drive at your workplace, it matters that more Americans understand how union busting and corporate pressure tactics work; the more you know, the better you can push back against their deceitful propaganda.
While not everyone will have the patience to watch the entire report (23 minutes) we’ll happily steer you towards the best bits. (But you should watch the whole thing.)
First, we have the laughably produced “captive worker” video produced by Target. The funny part is that they end up making it clear that a union would be amazing, something anyone in retail will get immediately:
In response to this corporate crap, Oliver creates the union busting captive worker video of any fevered boss’s dreams:
John Oliver understands that spreading information is easier when you bake a little humor in. In the case of workers attempting to organize in the face of an entire industry arrayed against them, a dash of contempt for the boss is essential. Thank you John, for giving workers a good laugh.
Recent Posts
Is A Citizens United 2.0 Right Around The Corner?
July 15, 2025
Take Action Now Is it possible for American democracy to be further degraded by the influence of billionaires? Thanks to champion of the working…
U.S. Leaders Gave Up On Diplomacy With Iran. We Must Make Them Return To It.
July 15, 2025
Take Action Now Building an antiwar movement means preventing the systemic U.S. aggression that creates the conditions for war.By Hanieh Jodat,…
What To Do When You See ICE In Your Neighborhood
July 14, 2025
Take Action Now How can you deter the Trump administration’s immigrant deportation machine when it pops up in your community? Follow these…
ICE Campaign Of Violence Will Lead To More Deaths
July 14, 2025
Take Action Now Jaime Alanis’s death shows the horrific consequences of a secret police force behaving with utter impunity.By Natasha Lennard, The…