Labor unions are often promoted as a powerful tool for protecting workers, raising wages and improving job conditions. But do they actually deliver on those promises? Join us for a compelling discussion explores the real impact of unions on today’s workforce.
This event will dive into recent research that challenges the conventional wisdom about organized labor. Experts will present current data on unions’ effect on jobs, wages and other trade-offs in worker contracts. The long-term impact of collective bargaining agreements for businesses will also be covered.
The panel will discuss what truly constitutes a pro-worker environment. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, educator or employee that is interested in workplace policy, this event will offer an evidence-based look at the costs and benefits of union influence in today’s labor market.
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Buffet Lunch: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Program: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
The Louie Building (6th Floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI, 48933
Call our Events office at
This event is free, but RSVP is required by Sept. 19.
Register online
Revana Sharfuddin is a predoctoral researcher at the Labor Policy Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Her research centers on labor economics, the evolving nature of work, and the ways labor markets can adapt to foster growth and mobility for workers with diverse backgrounds and needs. Her writing has been published in The Hill, Dhaka Tribune, Reason, and other media outlets. Before joining the Mercatus Center, Sharfuddin worked in various research support roles at institutions such as the Hoover Institution, IZA Institute of Labor Economics, and the Cato Institute. Sharfuddin holds a BA in Economics from George Mason University and a MA in Development Economics from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany.
Christopher Douglas is a professor of economics at the University of Michigan-Flint. He earned his B.S. in electrical engineering and his B.S. in economics from Michigan Technological University in 2001, and his Ph.D. in economics from Michigan State University in 2007. Dr. Douglas's research interests include applied macroeconomics, energy economics, public finance, and sports economics, and has published studies in these areas in several academic journals.
Jarrett Skorup is the vice president for marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He has held various roles within the communications department, including senior director of marketing and communications and director of the Frank Beckmann Center for Journalism at the Center, and has played a leadership role in marketing efforts, media strategy, and overseeing policy campaigns and objectives. He has worked at the Center since 2009.
