Portside

Michigan’s repeal of its “right-to-work” law could be a huge boon to labor — not because a flood of new members will instantly join unions, but because the entire country is hearing the message that the state will not tolerate flagrant union busting.

White-collar cultural workers have been organizing in droves over the last few years, mirroring the country’s growing support of unions, which currently sits at 68% — its highest point since 1965.

If we agree that a revived labor movement—and more worker organizing—is essential to combat the far right or tackle economic inequality, then we can’t wait for union treasuries to open. It’s imperative to unite as much of the labor movement as possible with a broader Left to defend our entire democracy.

Workers at the American Red Cross in Cary, North Carolina have voted – unanimously, to join Teamsters Local 391.

The deal boosts some wages to $31 an hour. It reflects pressure hotels face to raise pay amid inflation and labor shortages. The hike is closing the gap between the 7,000 covered suburban workers and their union counterparts in New York City.

They’d rather import non-union workers who would be paid a subpar wage than even have a conversation with the unions," said Aaron Butler, president of Arizona’s Building and Construction Trades Council.

No stranger to blue-collar work herself, she pushed for equality in male-dominated unions and as a writer chronicled the struggles of “sisters in the brotherhoods.”

Management’s four-day workweek proposal delivers a two-fold blow to workers: It allows them to manipulate our contract without negotiating with us, and it distracts from the question of higher wages.

With the election breakthrough by a rank-and-file caucus, the UAW is set for a landmark test of how union reformers, both at the very top and in the ranks, will be able to turn the course of a major industrial union.

Activists known as “salts” have been a key to recent successful organizing campaigns. And they say they’re just getting started.