Workers, Tariffs & the Global Economy Discussion — Thurs. Nov. 20
The Bureau of Labor Education will be holding a panel discussion titled "Workers, Tariffs, and the Global Economy on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The event is the fourth in the BLE's Labor Spotlight Series program.
• Topic: Workers, Tariffs, and the Global Economy
• When: November 20, 3 - 5pm
• Where:BANGOR ROOM, Memorial Union (2nd floor), University of Maine, Orono AND on ZOOM!
Register to attend!
This panel brings together historians, economists, and labor experts to examine the complex relationship between trade barriers, economic growth, and the American workforce. Our panelists will trace how tariffs influenced U.S. workers at various stages of national economic development and how labor movements responded, while also exploring their broader effects on industries and global supply chains. By analyzing the consequences for workers on the shop floor and beyond—and weaving together historical context, economic data, and labor perspectives—the discussion will provide fresh insights into one of the most contested tools of economic policy.
About our panelists:
Elizabeth McKillen is a Professor Emerita of History at the University of Maine, where she taught a range of courses for thirty years before retiring, including U.S. labor history and U.S. foreign relations history. She is the author of two books on U.S. labor during the World War I era and many articles in the fields of U.S. foreign relations, labor and immigration history. She has also recently written articles for the popular press on the question of U.S. labor and the tariff issue.
James Myall is the lead policy analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy on the inclusive economy, including research on labor issues, gender and racial equity, and health care policy.He is skilled in data collection, research, and statistical and policy analysis. He studied public policy and management at the University of Southern Maine and holds a master’s degree in ancient history and archaeology from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Jason Shedlock is the President of the Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council and Regional Organizer and Secretary-Treasurer for Local 327 of the Laborers‘ international Union. He also serves as the President of the Southern Maine Labor Council and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Maine AFL-CIO. He holds a Master of Arts in Government from Johns Hopkins University.
This event is FREE TO ALL. Refreshments will be provided.