The American ideals of democracy, opportunity, and equality can only be upheld if our government structures the economy around us, the people. Yet today’s labor market and economic structures produce a vicious cycle of inequality and political and economic oppression that benefit the few at the expense of the many.

A stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable America requires broadening political and economic power and correcting our legacy of exclusion (racism, misogyny, and other social and economic hierarchies). We believe that the government is responsible for the well-being of all its people and must use its capacity to set and enforce economic rules that build worker power and provide essential goods and services–from higher education to health care–directly. The worker power and economic security program aims to advance the case for policies and public goods that enable Americans to set the terms of their participation in the economy on a fair and even playing field, democratizing our 21st century economy.

Worker Power and Economic Security Staff

Patrick Oakford

Director, Worker Power and Economic Security

Patrick Oakford serves as the Director of Worker Power and Economic Security at the Roosevelt Institute.

Diana Reddy

Fellow, Worker Power and Economic Security

As a fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Diana Reddy studies unions, labor regulations, and the work of the National Labor Relations Board.

Ned Resnikoff

Fellow, Housing

As a Roosevelt fellow, Ned Resnikoff researches housing and urban policy.

Benjamin Schoefer

Fellow, Worker Power and Economic Security

As a fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Benjamin Schoefer researches wages, employment, and labor markets.

Regina Seo

Fellow, Worker Power and Economic Security

As a Roosevelt Institute fellow, Regina Seo researches and writes about structural barriers to aging in place.

Samantha Shorey

Fellow, AI

As a Roosevelt Institute fellow, Samantha researches and writes about the workforces constructing and adapting to new AI technologies.

Miranda Yaver

Fellow, Health Care

As a Roosevelt fellow and the 2025 Roosevelt Society author-in-residence, Miranda Yaver investigates how the health insurance industry exacerbates inequality in the United States.