The editors of Labor Notes asked several activists to contribute articles for a special 400th issue of the magazine. They requested we address what happened to labor—and what we should do given the spot we're in. I wrote an article … [Read more...]
Study: Construction Unions Strengthen Mass. Economy
They found that union workers earn an average of $13 dollars more per hour than nonunion workers in the Bay State's construction industry. When benefits are included, they average $28.35 more per hour than their nonunion counterparts. … [Read more...]
Rep. Stephen Lynch: “Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege”
Massachusetts Congressman -- and former union ironworker -- Stephen Lynch recently sat down with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to talk about the labor movement and the status of vital pro-worker legislation -- like the … [Read more...]
Hyatt Firings Aren’t Just about Hyatt
That's what just happened to Hyatt workers in Boston, as not only people in Massachusetts but around the country know by now. The governor has called the Hyatt CEO to register his concern, there's been a rally of hundreds of people and Rep. … [Read more...]
What’s at Stake For Labor-And Us
In 1952, John Kenneth Galbraith, Harvard professor with a specialty in agricultural economics, had his hands full. Namely, a best selling book. It was called American Capitalism, the Concept of Countervailing Power. In it Galbraith made a … [Read more...]
Hundreds in Mass kick off campaign for passage of Employee Free Choice Act
"Management constantly threatened our livelihood and our retirement security if we were to form a union," said Kevin Simoneau, a former Comcast field technician who experienced employer intimidation. "Giving us a choice about how to … [Read more...]
For Labor Day: Boston-area workers finding new paths to rights and respect
The Employee Free Choice Act would remedy the problem by giving workers a simple one step process to freely choose a union. It would also strengthen penalties for companies that intimidate employees from trying to form unions and provide … [Read more...]
Ever wonder how unions get started? Most people have no idea.
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote Thursday on the Employee Free Choice Act - the most important legislation in 70 years to ensure workers' freedom to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.Most people have no … [Read more...]