Thanks for urging people to join DSA, even if they are not in a position right now to be active.
Great list. I have made the same sort of lists many times for unionists (I am a retired labor educator by profession), freinds, relatives and acquaintances.
I would suggest 2 additions to list V.2:
Read Michael Yates book (2nd edition) Why Unions? (Monthly Review Press).
And emphasize more that while (very legitimate) fear of being fired or otherwise retaliated against is the main reason more folks don't do as you suggest, the best protection is doing stuff with others. The law (NLRA and various state laws for public sector) protecting folks is very poorly enforced ("concerted activity for mutual aid or protection") but the best protection is having a group. The first thing to do is to get a partner. Then another one.
Great post. Since you'll be in Boston at some point tomorrow, my own union, Boston University graduate workers, are on strike right now. We have a rally tomorrow at noon at the medical campus (72 E Concord St) if you (or anyone else reading this) wants to check it out and show some support.
This was a great post (and I'm thrilled you are potentially coming to Minnesota; the book is AWESOME). A slight tangent on how to help the labor movement... How can I find /support /connect with artists who are foccusing on the labor movement? Writers, I think I have a decent handle on, non-fiction anyway. You and Kim Kelly top my list. But musicians (besides Tom Morello/Night Watchmen or Little Red Songbook oldies)? Or people in the TV/movie world? They just kicked ass--except directors--on the strike line, but are they creating labor CONTENT? The next Matewan or Norma Rae? As a consumer, I want to put my dollars towards these folks, and as a creative, I'd like to pitch in. Thanks ~~ Joel
Still think reaching out to The Poor People’s Campaign could be a massive win/win. They are organized in most every state and have as members many poor Black and White people working to register and get out the vote for Democrats.
It all ties together, as you have shared here.
Not wanting to come from fear but instead reality: if Dems don’t win in November, there will be a rush “Day One” to shut down any resistance to malignant capitalism.
Love the book. Have recommended it highly and to many.
Planning a virtual conference (June 2024) on solutions to toxic workplaces. Would love to have you share.
New here. Unable to resist that appellation: How Things Work. Struck a heart-rending chord, as the final post of the best journalist endeavor that ever was, Gawker. For years, the archive was still up. but now? Even that final post is gone into the ether... @HamNo 4evah!
I have always been and remain a strong supporter of unions and I have lately begun to think that we need a new labor movement that focuses on the need to make essential goods like food, water, housing, education, and healthcare available to everyone regardless of employment status. 🌼
Thanks for this. A timely reminder I need to give my local DSA chapter another go. Especially since I no longer have the benefit of a progressive and labor friendly alderperson in my new ward in Chicago. One question-- for the book event in Chicago, do we need to reserve a spot or purchase a ticket in advance, or just show up on time?
TDU is no longer a reform caucus in the eyes of the rank and file for backing O'Brien and his shameless meeting with Donald Trump and the weak contract that was rammed down . They have been fully co-opted by the business union. A new group has formed called Teamsters Mobilize please go and follow them.
Thanks. I've heard so much bellyaching about the DSA, but I joined before finishing reading your article. Cheers.
Thanks for urging people to join DSA, even if they are not in a position right now to be active.
Great list. I have made the same sort of lists many times for unionists (I am a retired labor educator by profession), freinds, relatives and acquaintances.
I would suggest 2 additions to list V.2:
Read Michael Yates book (2nd edition) Why Unions? (Monthly Review Press).
And emphasize more that while (very legitimate) fear of being fired or otherwise retaliated against is the main reason more folks don't do as you suggest, the best protection is doing stuff with others. The law (NLRA and various state laws for public sector) protecting folks is very poorly enforced ("concerted activity for mutual aid or protection") but the best protection is having a group. The first thing to do is to get a partner. Then another one.
Thanks for your good work.
Joe Berry
Great post. Since you'll be in Boston at some point tomorrow, my own union, Boston University graduate workers, are on strike right now. We have a rally tomorrow at noon at the medical campus (72 E Concord St) if you (or anyone else reading this) wants to check it out and show some support.
This was a great post (and I'm thrilled you are potentially coming to Minnesota; the book is AWESOME). A slight tangent on how to help the labor movement... How can I find /support /connect with artists who are foccusing on the labor movement? Writers, I think I have a decent handle on, non-fiction anyway. You and Kim Kelly top my list. But musicians (besides Tom Morello/Night Watchmen or Little Red Songbook oldies)? Or people in the TV/movie world? They just kicked ass--except directors--on the strike line, but are they creating labor CONTENT? The next Matewan or Norma Rae? As a consumer, I want to put my dollars towards these folks, and as a creative, I'd like to pitch in. Thanks ~~ Joel
Still think reaching out to The Poor People’s Campaign could be a massive win/win. They are organized in most every state and have as members many poor Black and White people working to register and get out the vote for Democrats.
It all ties together, as you have shared here.
Not wanting to come from fear but instead reality: if Dems don’t win in November, there will be a rush “Day One” to shut down any resistance to malignant capitalism.
Love the book. Have recommended it highly and to many.
Planning a virtual conference (June 2024) on solutions to toxic workplaces. Would love to have you share.
New here. Unable to resist that appellation: How Things Work. Struck a heart-rending chord, as the final post of the best journalist endeavor that ever was, Gawker. For years, the archive was still up. but now? Even that final post is gone into the ether... @HamNo 4evah!
https://gawker.com/tag/how-things-work
I have always been and remain a strong supporter of unions and I have lately begun to think that we need a new labor movement that focuses on the need to make essential goods like food, water, housing, education, and healthcare available to everyone regardless of employment status. 🌼
Thank you for your work.
Jane McAlevey covers strike support in 1min flat:
https://youtu.be/y20GEwDJ9R8?feature=shared&t=69
Thanks for the list, really helpful!
THANK YOU HAMILTON!
Thanks for this. A timely reminder I need to give my local DSA chapter another go. Especially since I no longer have the benefit of a progressive and labor friendly alderperson in my new ward in Chicago. One question-- for the book event in Chicago, do we need to reserve a spot or purchase a ticket in advance, or just show up on time?
What if workers took the lead in building an economy that works for everyone regardless of employment status?
TDU is no longer a reform caucus in the eyes of the rank and file for backing O'Brien and his shameless meeting with Donald Trump and the weak contract that was rammed down . They have been fully co-opted by the business union. A new group has formed called Teamsters Mobilize please go and follow them.
TDU is no longer a reform caucus .They have been co-opted by Sean O'Brien. Please follow a new formation inside the Teamsters, Teamsters Mobilize.