Portside

The median salary for women of color was $15,727 less than the median salary for white men.

Prisoners have made furniture, license plates and government uniforms during the pandemic. In a factory, social distancing is almost impossible. At some factories still operating, workers did not get paper face masks until this Monday.

The European country hit hardest by coronavirus, Italy has announced a near-total shutdown of shops and public venues, but many nonessential workplaces are still running. Refusing to let bosses risk their safety, workers are now going on strike.

If Kickstarter became a union company, it would be the first of the major tech companies to do so. The company has a chance to show which side it’s really on.

Labor unions see an opportunity to organize one of the fastest-growing industries.

IUPAT has launched a national “Free Hugo” campaign, calling on ICE to release one of thei rmembers from detention so he can be with his family while his asylum petition is heard.

Indigenous Oaxacan farm workers win themselves a union in the Pacific Northwest. Members are filled with ideals, starting with their own organization. Its principles for organization sound like those of radical unions throughout U.S. history. Union leaders should be workers, and the rank and file should make all decisions. No leader or staff member should have a salary higher than a worker in the fields. The union shouldn't accumulate property and large bank accounts.

Democrats and coal-country Republicans say miners are uniquely deserving because of an agreement in 1946, when the government seized mines and ended a strike by agreeing to provide health and pension benefits. Legislative leaders have agreed to the provisions as part of a $1 trillion government funding bill, and rank-and-file members are expected to approve it later this week.

Unlike a traditional union, which contractors typically cannot form, the new Independent Drivers Guild will not be able to bargain over a contract with Uber. The drivers will be able to appeal decisions by Uber to bar them from its platform, and can have guild officials represent them in their appeals. Also, they will be able to buy discounted legal services, discounted life and disability insurance and discounted roadside help for problems they encounter while driving.