Labor Notes and the Association for Union Democracy are co-hosting this workshop.
One of the most important tools in the rank-and-file toolbox for transforming the labor movement is running for local union office. Internal elections are one of the ways that members can present a new way forward for the union, by putting the direction of the union in the hands of the membership—even if it means challenging existing leaders to do so. »
Cartoon by Mary Matthews, drawingdailyusa.com
In November, hundreds of members of the Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) opposed their union president's call for an unconditional end to the then 41-day government shutdown.
Hear from some of them at the upcoming "What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart" workshop on Tuesday, January 6:
Micah Niemeier-Walsh, AFGE Local 3840
Chelsea Rudman, AFGE Local 12
Mae apGovannon, AFGE Local 2157 »
This workshop is intended for stewards and elected officers who work closely with stewards. Please register only if this applies to you.
Chances are that we've all been to a bad meeting. One person talked the whole time, the meeting ran way too long, people left with no clearer sense of what to do about their workplace problems, and so on.
But meetings don't have to be this way. Meetings can be a way for shop stewards to bring their coworkers together to build strength in their fight against the boss—when they're run effectively. »
The Labor Notes Conference is the biggest gathering of rank-and-file union activists, union reformers, and all-around troublemakers out there.
Save the date to join us in Chicago in 2026.
WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2026, 9 a.m. to Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois
Details to come.
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