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Worker calling out.

Dealing with the Law »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
The law is stacked against strikes, so knowing the law and when and whether to break it is essential.
Two UPS workers holding a document.

Ways to Not Quite Strike »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Strikes are the most powerful tool in labor’s arsenal, but they’re not always the right tool.
Two workers standing together holding signs.

Turn Up the Heat »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Starting with milder actions and building up to more fiery ones will maximize involvement in your contract campaign.
Four roses workers picketed for a better contract.

Organize the Organized »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
You'll need an action team, and a communications network so information zips around fast.
Two UE picketers, one with a sign and the other with a flag.

Democracy: Who Owns the Strike? »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
A powerful strike must belong to its members, from the beginning of the contract campaign to the day you declare victory.
Three picketers at the UTLA strike in January 2019.

Strikers Need Allies in the Community »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Unions can’t win big if we’re an isolated minority. Strikers need allies for much-needed moral support, and practical support.
Woman and child at UNITE HERE picket lines in Hawaii.

How To End A Strike »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
The end of a strike should be democratic, honest, and united—just like the rest of it.
Three members of a band playing at the UTLA strike in January 2019.

Strike Timeline »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Don't wait until a strike or lockout is imminent to start preparing. If you do, you can be sure management will be way ahead of you.
Three UTLA strikers demonstrating, January 2019.

How to Strike and Win: A Labor Notes Guide »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes

After a long absence, the strike seems to be making a comeback in the U.S. The teacher strike wave of 2018-19 caught everyone off guard—but showed that workers’ most powerful tool can still win.
Chicago teachers and Service Employees (SEIU) Local 73 marching with signs.

Privatizers Said It Was Impossible for Chicago Teachers to Strike. How Wrong They Were. »

October 17, 2019 | Chris Brooks

They thought they were oh so clever.
Three Chicago teachers, one with bullhorn and two with arms flexed.

Chicago Teachers Go Out On Strike Again »

October 17, 2019 | Barbara Madeloni

In 2012 the Chicago Teachers Union woke up union members and educators across the country with a winning strike. Seven years later, after a wave of teacher strikes in the last two years, CTU is at it again.

UAW workers marching with picket signs.

UAW & GM Have an Agreement. Will Strikers Vote Yes? »

October 16, 2019 | Chris Brooks

On the 31st day of the longest auto strike in 50 years, General Motors and the United Auto Workers announced a tentative agreement.

Workers on the GM picket lines with signs.

Voices from the GM Picket Lines »

October 15, 2019 | Jane Slaughter

The GM strike jumped off suddenly September 16. At the start, it wasn't clear what the bargainers were going for—including to members themselves.

GM Strike Anthems: Rap Tracks from the Picket Lines »

October 11, 2019 | Chris Brooks

Let's be honest: Picket lines can be tedious, especially if strikers simply repeat the same hackneyed chants over and over again.

March on the boss at Walmart

How To Pull Off a Quickie Strike »

October 11, 2019 | Russell Weiss-Irwin

A few years ago I was working for Princeton University Campus Dining as a member of Service Employees (SEIU) Local 175, a small, tough local that represents most of the blue-collar staff at Princeton and no one else.

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