Data centers, May Day and the fight for power

About this episode

This episode discusses the impacts of economic shifts on workers and their organizing efforts in response to various issues including data centers and environmental concerns.

On this week’s Labor Radio Podcast Weekly, we explore the real-world impacts of major economic and industrial shifts—and how working people are organizing in response. The Rick Smith Show examines the rapid expansion of AI data centers, raising questions about massive public subsidies, environmental impacts, and who really benefits from this booming industry. From My Labor Radio, tradeswomen are building power in the construction industry—mentoring, organizing, and breaking down barriers to ensure access and opportunity for the next generation. On Labor Express Radio, we look ahead to May Day 2026 in Chicago, which organizers say could be the largest mobilization in decades—and a critical test of workers’ collective power. Working People brings powerful firsthand accounts from Louisiana residents dealing with the aftermath of a chemical plant explosion, highlighting the human cost of environmental disaster and the role of working-class solidarity. From Australia’s Stick Together, we hear why protecting endangered grasslands is also a labor issue, tied to sustainability, land use, and community survival. And on Radio Labor, Canadian unions push back against legislation that…

Topics covered

• data centers
• May Day
• workers' rights
• environmental impact
• labor solidarity
• construction industry
• public education

Keywords

• data centers
• May Day
• workers' rights
• environmental disaster
• labor solidarity
• construction
• public education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rick Smith Show, My Labor Radio, Labor Express Radio, Working People, Stick Together, Radio Labor, Canadian unions

Books & works: Green and Red Podcast, Riverside Rank and File, Work Stoppage, Labor Notes Podcast, On The Line: Stories of BC Workers

Places: Chicago, Louisiana, Australia

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• Boycotts, Burnouts and Breakthroughs · May 16, 2026 · 55 min
• May Day Recap, New Network Shows · May 8, 2026 · 55 min
• May Day Amplified · May 1, 2026 · 55 min