Unions Are Going to Die Unless Something Big Changes Soon
The labor movement isn’t just the weakest it’s been in a century. Without a radical and aggressive shift in organizing, US unions could effectively cease to matter in the very near future.
27 Article(s) by: Chris Brooks
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Chris Brooks is a veteran labor organizer and strategist focused on building militant, member-led unions. He is a columnist at Jacobin.
The UAW Volkswagen Contract Is a Win for Unions in the South
After over 500 days of bargaining, the United Auto Workers have reached a first contract with Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee — a major breakthrough for unions in the South that lays the ground for further inroads at other employers across the region.
Four Lessons From the UAW’s Turn Toward Class Struggle
Chris Brooks, former chief of staff to United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain, was key to an attempt to transform a once mighty union hobbled by corruption and lethargy. Here’s what he learned from that process.
We Are in a Unique Moment of Labor Upsurge That Requires Rethinking the Old Organizing Rules
Amazon and Starbucks workers have upended the old common sense for how to organize unions. Union leaders need to retool their organizing tactics to fit a moment when workers are leading the way.
Reopening Our Economy Right Now Will Result in Mass Death
Many states are racing to reopen their economies, even though the daily number of new confirmed coronavirus cases is holding steady nationwide. Without a comprehensive nationwide plan, if workers go back to their jobs now, we will likely see more cases — and more deaths.
Noam Chomsky: In Response to Coronavirus, “You Can Do Something”
In a new interview, Noam Chomsky gives his thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic, the depravities of capitalism, and the urgent need for a new era of solidarity and labor struggle.
Democratizing the UAW
The United Auto Workers has devolved into a stagnant, often corrupt union. It’s in desperate need of a democratic rejuvenation.
Why Did the UAW Agree to Let Ford Expand Its Surveillance Technology for Assembly Workers?
In their new contract with automaker Ford, the United Auto Workers agreed to new surveillance measures that could be used to exert greater management control over workers, drilling them on how they spend every second. No union should let the boss play Big Brother this way.
The GM Strike Is Heating Up
As the GM strike enters its second week, workers are upping the pressure on the company and its scabs — and the costs to GM are mounting.
GM Strikers Are Waging a Battle on Two Fronts
Almost 50,000 UAW workers are on strike against GM and a two-tier labor system that undermines worker solidarity. But members may need to wage a battle on two fronts — against the company, but also against their own union leadership.
Labor and Management Have Nothing in Common
The UAW based its campaign to unionize Volkswagen around the German labor movement’s “social partnership” model. It was the wrong approach — and ended in disaster.
Why the UAW Lost Again in Chattanooga
The UAW’s continued defeats in the South are not a reflection of the workers who live there — but the result of anti-union smear campaigns and the union’s shallow organizing approach.
How Massachusetts Health Care Companies Defeated Question 1
The nurses union-backed Question 1 would have established safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Massachusetts — which is exactly why a hospital lobby group spent more than $30 million against it.
To Hell With “Innovation Specialists”
SEIU is looking for a new Silicon Valley-style innovation guru. But TED Talk wisdom is the last thing labor needs.
Boss Fight
Leslie Smith is one of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world. Now, as she explains in an interview with Jacobin, she is working with other fighters to bring the fight to her UFC boss.
Uber’s Big Lie
Uber has been given free rein to violate basic employment laws with impunity. We have to stop them.
How to Beat Uber
A scrappy New York taxi drivers union is taking on Uber’s exploitative business model — and winning.
Beware the Quick Fix
In the wake of Janus, some union leaders are looking for a technical fix or a way to partner with the boss. It’s a trap.
The Danger of Members-Only Unionism
Tennessee unions’ recent experiences show that writing off nonmembers rather than winning them over will not make the labor movement any more militant or successful.
After the Wave
If teachers’ unions want to build off the momentum of the recent strikes, they cannot simply return to business as usual.