Julia Kann

Who's Next: Making Space for Young Workers in the Union

As unions try to get young members more involved, young worker programs have popped up in many national unions. We spoke to three young organizers to hear what's working.

Trouble at Airbnb

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Blog
Author(s): 
Julia Kann

In San Francisco, UNITE HERE Local 2 is taking a stand against the fast-growing startup Airbnb, which is threatening members’ work and homes.

Airbnb (pronounced “air b and b,” like “bed and breakfast”) is one of the most popular—and controversial—developments of the “sharing economy.” It connects people who have a spare room, apartment, or house with others who are looking for a place to stay.

The hitch: these amateurs renting out rooms don’t have to follow the stringent regulations governing hotels, so they’re able to undercut hotel prices.

Walmart Workers Fast to Fight Closures

Workers set up camp outside a Los Angeles Walmart this week and held a one-day fast to protest the corporation’s retaliation against their organizing.

Navigating New Immigration Rules—with the Union’s Help

Going beyond contracts and grievances, the United Food and Commercial Workers is serving its members in a new way: helping immigrants prepare to get legal authorization to work, under President Obama’s recent executive order.

Telecom Strikers Win Limits on Outsourcing

FairPoint workers in New England have ratified a new contract, ending the longest U.S. telecom strike in decades. The deal limits subcontracting and averts two-tier wages, but wipes out the pension for new hires.

Interview: What Do The New Immigration Rules Mean?

Responding to years of pressure from immigrant activists, President Obama took executive action on November 20. We interviewed two activists about the executive order and what’s next in the fight for immigrant rights.

Trainings Take Off

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Blog
Author(s): 
Julia Kann

Back-to-school isn't just for kids! At Labor Notes we're jumping into Troublemaker School season. And we've launched a new program that sends experienced labor educators out to local unions for tailored workshops and ongoing coaching.

Everyone On the Bus: Rider-Driver Alliances

Transit cuts put a strain on the community, and the effects are similar on the workers who make public transportation run. With so much common interest, there are plenty of opportunities for solidarity between transit riders and drivers.

McDonald’s Can’t Hide Behind Franchise System

McDonald’s workers demanding “$15 and a union” have reason to cheer. A move by the National Labor Relations Board throws a big wrench in the corporation’s franchise system and could open the door to more worker organizing.

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