Shawn Ellis Detroit Teamster & Union Communications Instructor My Labor Radio 5 10 2026

In this episode of My Labor Radio, host Mark Givart interviews Shawn Ellis, a retired Teamster and veteran union communications instructor from Detroit, about his decades-long career in labor organizing and media outreach. Ellis recounts his journey from working in meat cutting and fast food to becoming a Teamster through home delivery of the Detroit Free Press, and shares powerful insights from the 17-month 1995 newspaper strike that reshaped his life and the labor movement. He reflects on the critical role of communication during labor disputes, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with reporters, mastering the 'five W's' of storytelling, and countering negative media narratives with consistent, positive messaging. Ellis also discusses the evolving landscape of labor communications, from traditional print to digital platforms like podcasting, social media, and AI-driven misinformation, urging unions to invest in training and infrastructure to stay relevant. He highlights the need for younger members to step up and lead, stressing that communication is not just about having a Facebook page but about strategic, sustained outreach that builds solidarity and visibility. The episode also features a deep dive into the economic challenges facing working families, particularly in Indiana, as highlighted by a report from LendingTree showing that raising a child now costs $303,000—nearly 30% more in three years. Guest Jason Critchlow argues that child care, housing, and flexible schedules must be treated as essential infrastructure, not optional add-ons, to support modern families. The conversation underscores how systemic failures in institutions like schools and workplaces harm working parents, especially in low-wage states. Ellis and the hosts conclude with a call to action: unions must embrace modern communication tools, train leaders, and organize the 90% of unorganized workers to build a stronger, more resilient labor movement for the future.