The emergence of the Yellow Vests showed the absence of the left and labor from large parts of France. Trade unions are still essential to protect workers. But a theoretical need for unions doesn't guarantee that they will be effective.
A provision nestled in the year-end federal government's spending deal guaranteed pension and health care benefits to more than 100,000 coal miners and their families.
An estimated quarter of a billion workers in India went on strike today, protesting the government of Narendra Modi’s racist and “anti-people,” “anti-worker” policies.
Employment-based Health Care Has Become an Anchor Around the Neck of the U.S. Working Class
In order to fully confront the complexities of how to actually have a just transition away from fossil fuels, workers in those industries need to be at the front of those conversations.
"I grew up in a union town that lost everything. I've met with neighbours who have experienced setbacks that last a generation. I've seen how important it is for struggling workers to see the hope that comes from our movement."
The labor movement shows signs of reviving. Helping to build a militant minority in the workplace is in many ways even more important than electoral work, if dealing a death blow to capital is the goal, though the two needn’t be counterpoised.
Farmers and workers plan a mass strike in India this Wednesday, January 8, in protest of the agrarian crisis, attacks on labor rights, and the new Citizenship Amendment Act. They will be joined by student groups and citizenship rights groups.
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