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UAW strikers picketing on a street corner.

Auto Workers Ask: If We Can’t Win It Now, When Will We? »

October 18, 2019 | Chris Brooks | Jane Slaughter

“They always say it will take multiple agreements to reach equality—we can’t win it all in one go,” said Sean Crawford, a second-tier worker at Flint Truck Assembly in Michigan.
Two UAW workers with picket signs

Why Strikes Matter »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes

How Strikes Win »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Assess all the types of leverage the union can bring to bear: how will you make the employer cry uncle?
Patco striker and child with picket sign

How Strikes Lose »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Any plan to revive the strike must take the risks seriously. There are good reasons not to strike too hastily.
Three workers from UIC GEO.

Pushing from Below »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Rank and filers can organize from the bottom up to put on a contract campaign and strengthen a strike.
Two workers holding up signs.

Ways to Strike »

October 17, 2019 | Labor Notes
Workers have invented a wealth of variations on the strike. Some are riskier than others. Some pack more punch.
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.

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