Richard Hurd, a professor of labor studies at Cornell University, says Gerard’s emotional response is a reflection of how badly free trade, particularly involving steel from South America, has affected the steelworkers.

Hurd says that although there has been a tiny bit of growth in union density in the private sector—up to 7.5 percent of jobs in 2007, as compared with 7.4 percent in 2006 (which was down from 7.8 percent in 2005)—overall it has declined steadily since 1955. But with a Democratic administration waiting in the wings, he says, that could change.

“It appears that labor could be poised for a resurgence if they can change the labor laws,” says Hurd.

“The president-elect has been close to unions, he has been strongly supported by unions, and there is every indication that he will institute some change in the labor laws. The stimulus plan that he is talking about will in all likelihood turn out to benefit unions.”