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As Rank-and-File Auto Workers Demand National Shutdown, Union Officials Partner with Companies to Keep Plants Open »

March 17, 2020 | Chris Brooks

Last week Ford mandated that most of its global white-collar workforce is to work from home indefinitely, starting yesterday. But the company is still requiring blue-collar workers to keep the assembly plants running. Ford workers are to come in even if they are in a high-risk group, such as...

Organizing around the World for PTO: Pandemic Time Off »

March 16, 2020 | Dan DiMaggio

Across the globe, workers are taking action in the face of the coronavirus, pressuring employers to boost paid sick leave, suspend punitive attendance policies, and apply safety measures. While some companies have been proactive, too many have reacted only after workers forced them to.
A worker cleaning a yellow pole with disinfectant on a NYC bus with another worker looking on. the workers are wearing orange safety vests, helmets, and transparent visors.

Solidarity Is Our Only Chance »

March 16, 2020 | Jane Slaughter

If there were ever a time to say, “I'll fight for someone I don't know,” this is it. If we ever meant it when we said “an injury to one is an injury to all,” now we're seeing why that's so.
Strikers carry a banner "Fund Our Public Schools" with a rainbow of faces. Picket signs say "Strike" and "It's Time to Use Our Outside Voice." One kid is carried on an adult's shoulders.

Saint Paul Teachers Strike for Their Students’ Mental Health »

March 10, 2020 | Samantha Winslow

UPDATE, March 13: St. Paul teachers, aides, and community school professionals ended their strike today after four days. A settlement was reached following an all-night bargaining session. Teachers reported back to school at 1 p.m. and students will return on Monday.

Union Reform: It's Not A One-Person Show »

March 9, 2020 | Herman Benson

Following is an edited excerpt from Democratic Rights for Union Members: A Guide to Internal Union Democracy (available for $12 at uniondemocracy.org), by the founder o

Film Review: When Women Struck for Equal Pay »

March 5, 2020 | Toni Gilpin

In this occasional series, film buff and labor historian Toni Gilpin recommends movies that depict working people and their lives on the job.

U.K. Universities Strike Again, over Pensions, Pay, and Equity »

February 26, 2020 | Steven Parfitt

Tens of thousands of academic staff at more than 60 British universities are striking for the third time in two years.
Bernie Sanders addressing a UPTE picket line in 2019.

One Local Union's New, Improved Endorsement Process »

February 26, 2020 | Joaquin Chavez and Lisa Kermish

For 2020, our local’s executive board set out to construct a more democratic and participatory endorsement process than we had ever had before.

We Need More of Bernie's Spirit in Our Unions »

February 24, 2020 | Dan DiMaggio

There’s only one living member of Congress who’s ever been invited to speak at a Labor Notes Conference (or for that matter, subscribed to this magazine), and he’s currently leading the polls for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Voyant Beauty workers demonstrate in front of a Victoria's Secret store in Chicago, holding signs that read: "Victoria's Secret: Creams and lotions won't cover this injustice. We were fired for complaining about being treated as sexual objects! Voyant Beauty has got to go!" and "Victoria's Secret: More than creams and lotions we want dignity and respect! Cancel Voyant Beauty's contract now!"

Women Confront Ugly Harassment at Beauty Products Plant »

February 21, 2020 | Bianca Cunningham

At a lotion factory outside Chicago, workers endured years of sexual harassment, coercion, gender and racial discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.


Last year the women at Voyant Beauty came together to fight back.
Commercial office janitors, retail janitors, security officers, window cleaners, and airport workers march through the downtown Minneapolis skyway, carrying a banner that reads "Fighting Today for a Better Tomorrow," as part of SEIU Local 26's contract campaign.

Twin Cities Janitors and Guards Feature Climate and Housing in Their Strike Demands »

February 20, 2020 | Steve Payne

Update: Local 26 announced today that it will call a one-day strike next week by its 4,000 members who clean commercial office buildings. Earlier this week, the union reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract covering 2,000 security officers, with raises of 14 percent.—Eds.
Silhouette of a line of people holding hands with rising sun behind them. text: "Join now to help lead the fight for UAW reform. UAWD Unite All Members for Democracy: UAW Member-Led Reform"

Auto Reformers Go for Round Two »

February 17, 2020 | Scott Houldieson

We have good news and bad news.
A cartoon Norma Rae holds up a sign with a broken heart, instead of the "Union" sign she holds up in the movie.

Steward's Corner: What to Do When Your Union Leaders Break Your Heart »

February 14, 2020 | Ellen David Friedman

If you’re a union member, unfortunately the chances are good that you’ve had, or will have, your heart broken at least once by one of your own leaders.

Viewpoint: Employment-Based Health Care Is an Anchor around the Neck of the U.S. Working Class »

February 14, 2020 | Mark Dudzic

Last June at the House Ways and Means Committee Hearing on Medicare for All, Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas lamented, “That great health care plan that your union negotiated for you? It’s gone. Banned under Medicare for All.”
GM strikers picketing on the road holding signs.

Who Corrupted the Auto Union? Criminal Employers Did »

February 13, 2020 | Chris Brooks

Officials in the Auto Workers (UAW) have been working arm in arm with the Big Three automakers since the 1980s to increase productivity. So perhaps it was inevitable that union officials’ hands would find their way into the employers’ deep pockets.

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