Ep 8. Who Protects the Worker?

Free to Choose is a TV series that premiered in 1980 and focused on the importance of individual liberty and economic freedom. The eighth episode of season one is titled "Who Protects the Worker?" and seeks to explore the role of unions in protecting worker rights.

Throughout the episode, renowned economist Milton Friedman argues that while unions may have initially formed to protect workers from exploitation by employers, they have instead become self-serving organizations that stifle competition and harm both workers and consumers.

Friedman also argues that while government regulations and interventions may seem like a solution to protect workers, they often have unintended consequences such as raising costs and reducing job opportunities.

To support his argument, the episode includes interviews with experts and everyday workers who have been impacted by unions and government regulations. These individuals provide firsthand accounts of how unions and regulations have affected their jobs and the economy as a whole.

The episode also explores the history of unions, including their rise to power and the controversial tactics they have used to achieve their goals. Friedman argues that despite their initial intentions, unions have become corrupted by power and lost sight of their original purpose.

Instead, Friedman advocates for a free market system where workers are free to negotiate their own wages and working conditions without interference from unions or government regulations. He argues that competition in the marketplace will ultimately benefit workers by providing more job opportunities and higher wages.

Overall, "Who Protects the Worker?" is a thought-provoking episode that challenges conventional wisdom about the role of unions and government in protecting worker rights. Through both expert analysis and personal stories, viewers are forced to question whether the current system truly benefits workers or if there are better alternatives to ensure their protection.