Troublemakers Blog

South Korea: Labor Union Leader Sets Himself Afire in Protest of Racketeering Charges

A man, Yang Hoe-dong, walks along a sidewalk wearing a resolute expression. His right arm is in the air, holding a green flag. In his left hand he holds a microphone to his lips. He wears a red headbank with printing on it in Korean, and a vest and badge that also have printed text in Korean. It seems likely he is speaking or leading chants at a union protest.
May 08, 2023 / Kap Seol
A South Korean union leader has ended his life, enraged in anger and humiliation as the government attempted to bring racketeering charges against him over union activity. »

Knights on Strike in California

Strikers stand in front of Medieval Times holding a banner that reads "Knights on Strike."
May 05, 2023 / Ericka Wills
Shocking video of Medieval Times strikers in Buena Park, California, run down by a car and then physically assaulted while picketing in a crosswalk had hundreds of thousands of views on social media in April. »

A Union Busting Chatbot? Eating Disorders Nonprofit Puts the 'AI' in Retaliation

Four members of Helpline Associates United on Zoom.
May 04, 2023 / Abbie Harper
Is artificial intelligence a new union-busting tool? For the leadership at the National Eating Disorders Association, it would seem the answer is yes. »

Whose Green Transition? Ours!

April 25, 2023 / Keith Brower Brown
Huge changes are coming for our workplaces, quick as a heat wave. This month Joe Biden inked new rules to make all-electrics the majority of new cars sold in America within a decade. »

Starved of Funds, Famous Bilingual Program Is Failing—And Teachers May Strike

People stand on grass with signs. A red banner says "Seven months without a contract, OMG!" with stylized images of Edward Munch's painting "The Scream." Another sign says "More sick leave" in English, Spanish, and Russian. Another says, in Spanish,"Provide money for the future of students." Another says "Woodburn teachers don't want to strike, but we will."
April 13, 2023 / Tom Anderson
Twenty years ago, the small school district of Woodburn piloted Oregon’s first K-12 district-wide dual-language program. It became a model for schools nationwide. Yet while the district continues to proudly present itself as bilingual, in reality this program—along with the rest of the system—is failing. »

Honduran Melon Workers March on Transnational Boss

Around 50 people stand outside in a warm, sunny spot, holding homemade signs that are either facing away from us or too far to read. Behind them is a cement wall and a tree against blue sky; the ground looks dusty. In the foreground is a white truck.
April 11, 2023 / John Walsh
For years, workers in the Fyffes/Sol melon plantations of southern Honduras have persisted in organizing the independent Agro-industrial and Similar Workers Union (STAS, Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Agroindustria y Similares). »

Slingshot: Take the High Road

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. »

VIDEOS: Mighty Gay Unions! Queer and Trans Labor Histories and Futures

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 / Alexandra Bradbury
Queer and trans workers have long been at the frontlines of solidarity, bridging identities and social movements. »

A Four-Day Workweek Trojan Horse

Workers with flags gather outside the glass-doored offices of Frontline in Cleveland
March 30, 2023 / Adam Barrington
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. »

How We’re Fighting for a Union at Amazon’s Biggest Air Hub

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 / Griffin Ritze
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. »

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