Maite Tapia Quoted Discusses UAW Political Influence with WILX
Dr. Maite Tapia
Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations professor Maite Tapia provided expert perspective to WILX-TV on the political influence of labor unions during the United Auto Workers' Michigan Community Action Program Conference in Lansing.
With the UAW holding its annual political strategy conference in Lansing this week, WILX examined the role the union and its members may play in Michigan politics. The Sept. 15 report, "Can a union decide who wins in Michigan? UAW's Fain says yes," featured Tapia discussing the significance of union endorsements and the broader political influence of organized labor.
Tapia, a professor in MSU's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, explained that while union endorsements do not direct individual members how to vote, they can carry considerable political significance.
"It's a strong signal that is being sent, because the UAW here has political clout. They are an important player in this landscape," Tapia said.
Tapia also noted that a union's political influence extends beyond its endorsements. According to the WILX report, she pointed to research showing that union members are statistically more likely to vote than non-members, suggesting that unions can influence political participation through member turnout as well as through endorsements.
The WILX report examined the UAW's political strategy as the union held its Michigan CAP Conference in Lansing. According to the report, the conference brought dozens of UAW members together to discuss political strategy ahead of the November elections.
Tapia's comments draw on her expertise in labor relations, worker representation, and unions. Her research examines how unions and other worker organizations operate in different workplaces and political and economic environments.
Her recent research examines worker representation at Amazon warehouses in Germany, Italy, and the United States, as well as the role unions play in politics, including how they may shape their members' political views and voting behavior.
About Maite Tapia
Maite Tapia is a professor in Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Her research focuses on unions, worker representation, inequality at work, and labor and politics. She studies how workers organize and build power, including at Amazon warehouses in the United States and Europe, and how unions shape members' political attitudes and voting behavior.