International union solidarity is an important part of the labor movement. There are numerous examples of working people and their organizations supporting working people in other parts of the world fighting the good fight.

However, since at least 1900 the leadership if the American Federation of Labor has had an unholy relationship with the U.S. government in international affairs. This top-down approach to solidarity has led the AFL, and the AFL-CIO after the 1955 merger, to be often more in sympathy with dictators, corrupt union bosses and reactionary politics rather to the needs of rank-and-file workers.

Out guest today, Jeff Schuhrke, does an excellent job of describing this top-down approach in his book Blue Collar Empire – the Untold Story of U.S. Labor’s Global Anticommunist Crusade. Jeff is a labor historian and Assistant Professor at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, SUNY Empire State University. The book is published by Verso Press.

After the interview we will have musical examples of bottom-up labor solidarity during the 1930s Spanish Civil War. We will have songs from the International Brigades sections from Germany, Italy and the United States. Hope you can stick around.

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Tish and Adam Turl are both from central and southern Illinois and connected to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Tish is working on a Masters of Fine Arts at SIU and Adam has a MFA from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Art in St. Louis.

I’m glad you are able to join me today in Facing Reality 4 Social Justice as we talk to them about how they are using their imagination and their art and their poetry to tear down walls of ordinary perception. They are part of a group that uses a journal – Locust Review – and a podcast – Locust Radio – and a space – Born Again Labor Museum – all of these to challenge us to think about things differently about our lives, our future and our past. See their work at https://www.locustreview.com/.

Along the way we'll have some poetry and music as well.

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This is the last of a three part interview with Sudanese trade unionist - now in Britain - Khalid Sudahmed. He is a member of MENA Solidarity Network which covers issues of political and economic struggle throughout the Middle East North Africa region. More information on his organization can be found at the website https://menasolidaritynetwork.com.

In this interview, produced by Lennox Apudo for Hudson Mohawk Magazine Radio, Khalid Sudahmed discusses the role of women in the Sudanese communities who are protecting those communities during this very difficult time when the country is ravaged by waring armies. They are also part of the building of resistance committees throughout their communities as well.

After the interview, we will hear some traditional Sudanese music.

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