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 SecurityPatrick Oakford serves as the Director of Worker Power and Economic Security at the Roosevelt Institute.
Diana Reddy
Fellow, Worker Power and Economic SecurityAs a fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Diana Reddy studies unions, labor regulations, and the work of the National Labor Relations Board.
Benjamin Schoefer
Fellow, Worker Power and Economic SecurityAs a fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Benjamin Schoefer researches wages, employment, and labor markets.
Regina Seo
Fellow, Worker Power and Economic SecurityAs a Roosevelt Institute fellow, Regina Seo researches and writes about structural barriers to aging in place.
Samantha Shorey
Fellow, AIAs a Roosevelt Institute fellow, Samantha researches and writes about the workforces constructing and adapting to new AI technologies.
Miranda Yaver
Fellow, Health CareAs 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.