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Chest-up photo of Dennis Serrette, a Black man, leaning back in a wooden rocking chair, resting his face gently on one hand, smiling warmly, bathed in warm evening light, with some greenery behind him.

Dennis Serrette ¡Presente! »

April 1, 2024 | Gene Bruskin

Dennis L. Serrette, a passionate advocate for civil rights, labor rights, and social justice, passed on March 7 at the age of 83. Dennis leaves behind a legacy of tireless activism, unwavering dedication, and boundless compassion that touched countless lives.

Our Class Has No Borders: Why the UAW Is Standing Up with Mexican Auto Workers »

March 29, 2024 | Brandon Mancilla

The United Auto Workers announced February 23 that it will provide material support to Mexican auto workers organizing in the independent union movement.

Workers in orange vests and hardhats crouch around a track. They are framed by a big yellow piece of equipment in the foreground. The day is very sunny.

Rail Workers Push for One Member, One Vote »

March 28, 2024 | Joe DeManuelle-Hall

Railroad track workers have launched a campaign to get their union officers elected by the members, rather than by convention delegates.

Close-up of a diverse crowd standing, clapping,shouting, raising fists. T-shirts in front row say "save our pensions" and "we are one." Banner on wall behind them says "Machinists District [751], Keep America Working." Handmade signs say things like "No no no, don't sell your soul," and "Thanks IAM, you're standing up for all of us."

Finally Back in Bargaining This Year, Can Machinists Save Boeing from Itself? »

March 27, 2024 | Don McIntosh

A lot of eyes will be on the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) this year as it takes part in one of the most significant labor negotiations of recent times. Boeing is one of just two major commercial aircraft makers in the world.

UE Demand for Ceasefire Was Built on Decades of Membership Education and Debate »

March 21, 2024 | Carl Rosen

Unions representing more than half of the U.S. labor movement have now called for a ceasefire in Gaza, as has the AFL-CIO and some 70 city councils—the result of actions by many local and international unions and rank-and-file activists.

Black-and-white photo looks upward at a woman in a plaid shirt and bedazzled hardhat, gesturing and speaking

Seeking Today’s Workplace Poets »

March 21, 2024 | Susan Eisenberg

Almost Killed Myself: Day One, Apprentice Electrician

People are gathered around a table wearing masks, a woman with dark hair speaks and gestures in the middle.

Steward’s Corner: 'There Aren’t Enough of Us’ »

March 20, 2024 | Ellen David Friedman

It’s a common situation: there’s too much union work to do, and not enough people doing it. And the ill effects are serious.

A Black man in a baseball cap and a T-shirt that says "Home" with the shape of Africa for the "O" speaks to the camera. He is standing in a warehouse, in front of shelves stacked high with folded apparel . Another Black man can be seen behind him, working.

If the Workers Take a Notion: ‘Works for All’ Showcases Union Coops »

March 15, 2024 | Matt Noyes

I remember Wisconsin carpenter Tom Crofton trying years ago to convince his local officers to create a worker cooperative to build affordable housing. Housing was an urgent need, he argued—and the union had the skills, the labor power, the organization, and the financial resources to do it.

Two dozen teachers stand on stairs with signs saying ‘Andover Supports Newton’

Teaching Each Other to Strike »

March 14, 2024 | Barbara Madeloni

Recently I heard members of the Newton Teachers Association recount the path to their 11-day January strike. The audience at the Massachusetts Teachers Association winter skills conference gave them a standing ovation.

People rally on brick steps (Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Squre) on a rainy day. Many wear blue or red T-shirts under their coats. Banners say "Ready to strike" and "Soldarity." Picket signs say "Fair Contract Now," "Solidarity with Strike-Ready Teachers," and "Essential Wages for Essential Workers."

Strike Threat Wins in Confrontation over Remote Work »

March 12, 2024 | Michelle DuBarry

When “Reclaim your Momentum” was unveiled as the theme for Portland Community College’s 2023 in-service training, it struck a discordant note with members of my union, the PCC Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals.

Thirty people, many with fists raised stand behind a banner that says “Stand Up, for safe jobs, for fair pay”

Toyota Workers at Critical Engine Plant Launch UAW Union Drive »

March 6, 2024 | Luis Feliz Leon

Auto workers at a Toyota engine plant in Troy, Missouri, have signed up 30 percent of their 1,000 co-workers to join the United Auto Workers (UAW)—a first at Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, on the heels of the union’s announcements of organizing campaigns at Volkswagen, Hyundai, and...

A group of forty cram into a building lobby with signs saying “Labor for Palestine”

For Palestine Solidarity, Bay Area Union Members Step Up and Dig In »

March 5, 2024 | Bahaar Tadjbakhsh

When street protests seem ignored by the war machine, what are union members to do?

Welcome New Staff! »

March 4, 2024 | Labor Notes Staff

Labor Notes staff are busy as a hive, ramping up for our biggest-ever conference. As we do, we’re very grateful to have more capable hands on deck: two wonderful new co-workers plus three terrific interns.

An orange Union Pacific railroad locomotive is shown in a repair area.

Rail Machinists Rerun Contested Election »

March 4, 2024 | Joe DeManuelle-Hall

A new election for top officers will be held in Machinists District Lodge 19 on May 3, after complaints about bad addresses and campaigning at polling locations during a close vote last year.