A Just Economy is a Democratic Economy: Overcoming Race, Class, and Gender Inequalities

The economy can be a driver of inequity, such as racial health disparities, the gender pay gap, and lack of opportunity for those impacted by the justice system and incarceration. Or, a better and just economy can help families and communities thrive. How can we rebalance power in the economy and workplace so that workers have greater control of their work, earn their fair share, and have more decision-making power? This panel will explore workplace democracy and equity-driving policies and programs, from supporting worker cooperative development in disinvested communities to creating opportunities for the people and communities most affected by mass incarceration.
Panelists:
Tori Kuper
Director, The School of Democratic Management, Democracy at Work Institute and Founder and Board Member, Cooperation Buffalo
Kim Smith
Rochester City Council Member (At-Large)
Political Director, VOCAL-NY
Jodi Anderson, Jr.
Director of Technological Innovation, ILR Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative
Erin Hatton, PhD
Professor, UB Department of Sociology
Rev. George Nicholas
Executive Director, Buffalo Center for Health Equity
Moderator:
Dejia James
Director of Policy Advancement and Media, Partnership for the Public Good
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This session took place as part of the Uniting on the High Road Conference on June 21, 2024 in Buffalo, NY, hosted by Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab and Partnership for the Public Good, together with co-sponsors Clean Air Coalition, Open Buffalo, University at Buffalo Center for Urban Studies, University at Buffalo School of Social Work, Buffalo State University Department of Anthropology, CWA District 1, 1199SEIU, and Hayes Dolce.
Uniting on the High Road gathered individuals from across the United States who had been actively transforming democracy by amplifying their voices in local government, reshaping the economy for all, and reimagining public safety and health. In Buffalo, a city with a rich history of activism, participants learned from diverse movements driving racial and economic justice. The conference highlighted how local efforts, like the successful unionization of Starbucks stores, were building a more just and equitable society.
See the full conference program: ppgbuffalo.org...