Troublemakers Blog

A teacher reads to kindergarteners, one of whom has her chin on her hands and seems to be rapt by the story
April 03, 2023 / Barbara Madeloni
When I ran for president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association I ran headlong into attacks about my character, my competency, and the intentions of our reform caucus. We were accused of being divisive, of being controlled by outside forces, and of cheating. »
Black-and-white line drawing of people on a picket line, holding signs. In the foreground is someone with a big furry hood; words on their sign are not visible. Signs in the background read "Be gay, do strike" and "The union is us!" Background behind the sketch is a purple watercolor oval with subtle pink splatters. Title in rounded black letters: Strike in style. Along the top is the edge of a spiral sketchbook.
March 30, 2023 /
Queer and trans workers have long been at the frontlines of solidarity, bridging identities and social movements. »
Workers with flags gather outside the glass-doored offices of Frontline in Cleveland
March 30, 2023 /
It’s never a bad idea to be suspicious of your boss, especially when they act like they’re doing you a favor. For workers at FrontLine Service, a Cleveland non-profit that serves the unsheltered, distrust of our employer is one of the critical sentiments that binds us. »
16 people stand facing the camera. Most are wearing jeans and neon yellow or orange jackets or hoodies. Several are helping to hold a blue banner: "Rehire Edward Clarke and Alex White, no retaliation or favoritism." Others hold signs: "180 hours paid time off, unionize KCVG" and "Unionize Amazon."
March 14, 2023 /
I work as a tug driver at Amazon’s global air hub in Northern Kentucky (KCVG). My co-workers and I are taking on one of the largest corporations in the world to get what we deserve. Our main demands are for a $30-an-hour starting wage, 180 hours a year of paid time off, and union representation at disciplinary meetings to end favoritism and retaliation. »
Starbucks workers in aprons surround a manager in a white shirt, the manager is leaving and talking on the phone
February 23, 2023 /
A February 13 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) clarifies whether employees can be disciplined for recording conversations with management officials. »
A crowd dressed in light blue T-shirts holds signs saying Save our Social Security and Keep My SSA Office Open.
February 21, 2023 / Jenny Brown
French workers have shut the country down with general strikes three times in the last month to defend their time. They’re protesting a proposal to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. »
February 16, 2023 /
The editing team at Labor Notes has recently doubled in size. Joining longtime Editor Alexandra Bradbury and Assistant Editor Dan DiMaggio are two more assistant editors: Jenny Brown (right) and Luis Feliz Leon. »
February 15, 2023 /
John Womack is well-known in the United States as one of the foremost historians of the Mexican revolution, as the author of the seminal Zapata and the Mexican Revolution. However, his writings on strategic sectors and strategic workers have »
A group of striking garment workers stand in front of their factory in 1958.
February 15, 2023 /
John Womack Jr.’s new book, Labor Power and Strategy (PM Press, 2023), edited by Peter Olney and Glenn Perusek and with responses from 10 organizers, labor activists, and educators, is a timely consideration of some basic strategic principles. »
A person works outside among leafless trees, slicing through the trunk of one with an orange chainsaw. The person is wearing a neon green shirt and protective gear: gloves, a hardhat, sunglasses, a gaiter mask, and thick orange pants or chaps.
February 10, 2023 /
Unionism has seen a resurgence in popularity the past few years. The problem is, it’s very difficult to get our members organizing in their communities when they hate the way our leadership (I use that word loosely) is operating. »

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