Will the Democrats Adopt Bernie's Ambitious Plan?

With a demand for more labor focused politics, it may be their only chance to stay relevant

With the national conversation shifting towards workers’ rights, Bernie Sanders has come up with an ambitious plan. The fact is the Democrats have failed, they have neglected to seriously address workers’ rights. Joe Biden pretended to be the “most pro-labor president” but then shut down rail workers’ demand for seven paid days of sick leave. Moreover, little in way of regulation has occurred after the East Palestine disaster, despite workers demanding something be done beforehand. Joe Biden and the democratic party are just as captive to capitalist interests as Republicans are. The only difference is that they posture as pro-labor, despite getting little done.

            This could change. Bernie Sander’s recent Workplace Democracy Plan could totally shift the Democratic party. It lays out the goals of worker protection in a Bernie Sanders Administration. These include protections for unions and union employment, banning right-to-work laws, expanding the right to strike, banning scabs, and much more. It primarily emphasizes workers’ right to unionize and their right to bargain with their corporate overlords. However, despite being called the “Workplace Democracy Plan” it does not discuss workplace democracy, only trade unions and stronger worker protections. This would set the foundation for a transition toward workplace democracy. However, with such a large figure using the term, it could create a newfound interest in the concept, leading to a broader adoption of democratic structure in the workplace.

            This plan may never come to fruition, as a Sanders presidency is unlikely. But the working class recognizes how little the current administration cares about them. if Democrats know what they are doing, they will move towards a more labor-focused platform. Inequality is at an all-time high and is only getting worse. If Democrats want a chance in the upcoming elections, they will fight to reduce this inequality.