Troublemakers Blog

Two teachers holding signs. Tiffany's sign says "You can't put students first if you put teachers last."
September 25, 2019 / Samantha Winslow
Joining a wave of reformers, high school teacher Tiffany Choi of the Caucus of Today’s Teachers just got elected president of the Denver teachers union—again. In a re-vote, Choi cemented her May defeat of a 10-year incumbent. She ran on a platform that the union should partner with parents, involve members more in decision-making, and fight back against »
Strikers shown from behind, waving at cars, fists in air, signs read "UAW On Strike"
September 20, 2019 /
This week 49,000 auto workers are walking the picket lines at General Motors factories across the U.S. in the biggest private sector strike in more than a decade. And you can help! »
huge crowd of people, front row carries "global strike for the climate" banner
September 20, 2019 /
Humans have created an existential crisis. It’s up for grabs who will live, how and where, which species will survive, and how the big decisions are made. No exaggeration—we are in the eleventh hour. Fossil fuel companies, banks, and all those who profit from these industries have exacerbated the warming of our planet, creating a climate disaster. »
September 13, 2019 /
More than 120 years ago the American Federationist, the newspaper of the American Federation of Labor, printed an editorial denouncing the entry of women into the trades. One of its many nuggets of misogyny was this: “The wholesale employment of women in the various handicrafts must gradually unsex them.” »
Labor Notes magazine covers
September 10, 2019 /
To mark our 40th anniversary year, Labor Notes is reprinting occasional selections from our archives. This story was published in issue # 22 in November 1980. --Editors »
September 06, 2019 /
You’ve probably noticed that Hollywood doesn’t turn out many movies about unions. But, says film buff and labor historian Toni Gilpin, there are some overlooked movies out there that depict working people and their lives on the job even though they might lack scenes with picket lines. This is her first installment in an occasional series.—Eds. »
Handshake
August 28, 2019 / Barbara Madeloni
“Hey, Barbara. This is Arne Duncan. I just wanted to congratulate you on your election victory.” »
August 22, 2019 /
The following are excerpts from Facebook comments in response to Barbara Madeloni's Slingshot, “Less Messaging, More Action” from the June issue of Labor Notes. »
August 21, 2019 /
A recent decision by the Trump National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) addresses intermittent or “hit-and-run” strikes. Employers are jubilant and unions are distressed. Both reactions are largely off the mark. »

Pages