Troublemakers Blog

Why the UAW Endorsed Zohran When Other New York City Unions Held Back [1]

[1]

August 07, 2025 / Sam Feldman

Zohran Mamdani’s shock victory in this year’s New York City Democratic mayoral primary upended New York politics and called into question the effectiveness of big local unions, which mostly lined up behind loser Andrew Cuomo. » [1]

Zohran’s New York City Primary Win Shows People Are Ready to Organize [2]

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August 04, 2025 / Danielle Smith [3]

Back in February, few New Yorkers were thinking about the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary, and even fewer had heard of the New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. » [2]

In Small-Town Oregon, Teacher Strike Threat and Community Support Stop Bad Proposal [4]

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July 30, 2025 / Barbara Madeloni [5]

As educators fend off attacks at the federal and state level, they’re also seeing some local wins. From striking for more recess to demanding more nurses and support personnel, teachers across the country have successfully organized for policies that improve children’s school day. » [4]

In Italy, Immigrant Workers Launch a Wave of Strikes for a 40-Hour Week [6]

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July 30, 2025 / Morganne Blais-McPherson and Sarah Caudiero

Since early April, immigrant workers in the Tuscan city of Prato have staged a wave of strikes demanding their right to a 40-hour work week, or “8x5.” » [6]

In Uncertain Times for Entertainment, IATSE Reformers See a Way Forward [7]

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July 21, 2025 / Greg Loebell

The International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) will hold its Quadrennial Convention in Hawaii starting July 28. The 2025 “Quad” convention would be business as usual, if not for an upstart group of IATSE members in a reform caucus called CREW [8] that believes they can fix some of their union’s worst flaws. » [7]

Inside Your Union, You Have Due Process Rights [9]

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July 17, 2025 / Cathy Highet

Suppose you run for local union office on a reform slate, and nearly win… but then the incumbent leaders trump up charges against you. You’re sure your only crime is challenging them, but they brand your organizing “dual unionism” or “conduct unbecoming a member.” They hold a trial, find you guilty, and suspend your membership. Do you have any recourse? » [9]

Longshore Workers Remember the Struggle to Free the Charleston Five [10]

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July 08, 2025 / Kerry Taylor

Dockworkers from around the world reunited in South Carolina for a week in June to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the successful campaign to “Free the Charleston 5” and the founding of the International Dockworkers Council. » [10]

Educators Union Rejects Anti-Defamation League, Cuts Ties [11]

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July 07, 2025 / Emmaia Gelman

UPDATE: On July 18, the NEA’s board of directors voted to overturn [12] the will of the union’s Representative Assembly. » [11]

Social Justice Artists: Apply for an Anne Feeney Hellraiser Grant [13]

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July 01, 2025 / Natascha Elena Uhlmann [14]

Friends and family of legendary folk musician and “hellraiser” Anne Feeney [15] have come together to announce a new round of grants for artists “on the frontlines of the fight against fascism.” » [13]

Chilean Starbucks Workers Gain Second Contract after Strike [16]

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June 18, 2025 / Vanessa Alvarez

After a 25 day strike, on March 31 the baristas of the Sindicato SBK won a second contract with Starbucks Chile (Alsea). Among their wins is paid leave for parents of any gender. » [16]