Portside

It was the first year since 2011 that saw the number of major work stoppages increased in the US.

In 900 schools in 30 cities—from Houston to Miami, Patterson to Pittsburgh—teacher unions participated in “walk-ins” to “reclaim our schools.”

Union President Laura Glading stepped down in October—under pressure from angry members, who were pushing for a special recall election. American Airlines announced in January that it had hired her as a consultant.

Senator Bernie Sanders visits United Automobile Workers Local 600 in Dearborn, Michigan. The problem is that the union won't endorse any candidate until after the Michigan primary. AFSCME which has 60,000 to 65,000 in Michigan endorsed Secretary Hillary Clinton will be campaigning for her. Other unions will be campaigning for both candidates.

Migrant workers in the Gulf states have few rights and work in poor conditions, yet they are organizing and protesting, and they need solidarity. True solidarity means forging a coalition of equals—recognizing that migrant workers in the Gulf are far from passive victims—and supporting their struggle for life and dignity.

Many are familiar with the challenges faced by working moms, but the troubles of women with aging parents are unseen and widely ignored.

The implications of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death for the anti-union case known as Friedrichs are a bit uncertain. Some experts say the appellate ruling in favor of the union would be effectively affirmed by an evenly divided court. Others believe the court will ask for re-argument of the same case next term, presumably after it gets back up to full nine-member strength by the appointment and confirmation of successor to Scalia.

Rather than a problem, we wanted to start with a vision. We asked members three questions: What brings you joy in the work you do with students? What sucks the life and joy out of working with students? What can we propose through bargaining that could increase the joy and reduce the stress in your work?

Unions are the most effective force for social equality, writes British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. He recalled that Keir Hardie -- who 120 years ago became the first unionist to enter Parliament -- didn’t just fight for workers, he fought for universal suffrage, a universal pension, free education for children, decent homes for all, against powerful monopolies and for peace.

A Federal Judge strikes down Hardin County's "right to work" ordinance. Bill Londrigan,, President of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, says this was a major victory for Kentucky's working families.