Written By JR Robinson

In the heart of Memphis and across the sprawling landscape of Shelby County, a visual transformation is taking place. You see it every time you look at the horizon: towering cranes, new facilities rising from the dust, and the constant hum of development. But as the skyline changes, a critical question remains grounded in the reality of the people living below:

Do the workers building our future actually come from Shelby County?

On the latest episode of Erika Sugarmon Unfiltered, Commissioner Sugarmon sat down with Sweetrica Baker of the Memphis Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO) to pull back the curtain on the "working poor," the power of trade unions, and how we can turn a job into a lifelong career that builds "generational hope."

The Force of Nature: Meet Sweetrica Baker

Sweetrica Baker isn’t just a representative; she is a self-described "force of nature" fighting for the rights of those whose hands actually do the work. Working with the Memphis Central Labor Council, Baker bridge the gap between "the boss" and the workers.

"Unions are actually working people that have a contract with the boss," Baker explains. Whether it's the postal worker delivering your mail, the driver at UPS, or the staff at Kroger and Kellogg’s, these are organized workers demanding a seat at the table to discuss their needs, their safety, and—most importantly—their worth.

Beyond the Hard Hat: The Diverse World of Trade

When people think of "trades," they often default to construction. However, Baker highlights that there are over 400 different union types. In Memphis alone, the Building Trades Council represents about 20 different trades—bricklayers, pipe layers, steamfitters, and more—while the Labor Council oversees over 42 affiliates ranging from skilled warehouse work to HVAC and welding.

The draw? It isn't just the hourly wage. It’s the "pension"—a word that has become a relic of the past for most modern workers. "Pensions are a thing of the past for so many people," Baker notes, "but they are a reality in union work."

The Problem with "Out-of-Town" Labor

A recurring frustration for Commissioner Sugarmon is seeing multi-million dollar contracts awarded to developers who bring in labor from other states. When we import workers, we export our wealth.

"When we bring people in from out of state, they take that money back home," Baker explains. "That means we lose money because it isn't circulating here in our county where we need it."

Furthermore, Baker warns against "short-cut" certifications. While some programs offer quick 12-month certifications, true union apprenticeships often take five years. Why? Because you cannot fast-track safety. "In a union, we prioritize getting home. Coming to work and going back home to your family is a top priority."

Breaking the "Right to Work" Myth

Tennessee is a "Right to Work" state, a term that Commissioner Sugarmon identifies as intentionally misleading. To the average citizen, "Right to Work" sounds like a guarantee of employment. In reality, labor advocates like Baker call it "Right to Work for Less."

"The state decided they wanted to make people make as little money as possible in Tennessee because that’s attractive to businesses," says Baker. "But that hurts families. When we don't allow workers to organize, we are asking them to be quiet and put up with whatever they are dealt."

Commissioner Sugarmon is currently pushing for "Freedom of Choice" for Shelby County, requesting that the state allow the county to determine its own labor laws. "Give Shelby County the opportunity to choose... exclude Shelby County from the 'Right to Work' status," Sugarmon urges her constituents.

Civics 101: Your Vote is Your Voice

The conversation took a turn toward the fundamental structure of our government. Commissioner Sugarmon, an educator of 27 years, reminded listeners that while the President and Congress dominate the headlines, it is the local level that hits your wallet first.

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"Your vote matters more than anything locally," Baker adds. "These are the people that affect your life most immediately."

Sugarmon closed the episode with a masterclass in local budgeting. She explained the "Checks and Balances" required at the county level:

• The Mayor’s Role: Proposes the budget and administration.

• The Commission’s Role: Reallocates resources and votes on tax rates.

• The Balanced Budget: Unlike the federal government, which operates on a mounting debt (currently over $30 trillion), Shelby County is legally required to balance its budget.

The Path to a Skilled Future

For high school students or adults feeling stuck in the cycle of the "working poor," the message was clear: Trade is the way out. Baker provided a roadmap for those looking to avoid the crushing debt of student loans while gaining a high-paying skill. The MC3 Program (Multi-Craft Core Curriculum) offers a "snapshot" of all available trades, helping workers find their fit before committing to a specific path.

Resources mentioned in the show:

• Website: MidSouthConstructionCareers.org

• Digital Guide: bit.ly/APPRENGUIDE

Final Thought: Generational Hope

"We are people creating wealth, creating generational hope through the work of our hands and our backs," Baker says. Joining a union isn't just about a paycheck; it’s about ensuring that the economic growth we see in those shiny new cranes actually reaches the kitchen tables of the people who live here.

As Commissioner Sugarmon says: "Stay informed, stay involved, and let’s flip the script on labor in Shelby County."