The “Labor Question” Is About Life During and After Capitalism
Throughout American history, no matter the oscillations in politics, the economy, or class struggle, the “labor question” refuses to die.
19250 Articles by: Julia Goodman
In Congress, War Hawks Trade War Stocks
Multiple politicians hold significant stocks in the very defense corporations whose federal contracts they vote to increase each year. The solution to this blatant intrusion of defense money into politics is simple: ban all congressional stock trading.
Now Do the Much Better, Real-Life Version of My Policeman
The new movie My Policeman, starring Harry Styles, is inspired by novelist E. M. Forster’s 40-year relationship with policeman Robert Buckingham that began in 1930. The details of that romance are stirring — much more so than what we get in the film.
The Left Won Big on Ballot Initiatives. That’s Why They’re Under Attack.
In the midterms, ballot initiatives cut through partisan polarization to reveal majorities for higher wages, expanded health care access, and abortion rights. That’s why many state-level Republicans are attempting to undermine the ballot initiative process.
Cornel West: There Is No Progressive Politics Without Internationalism
As wars ratchet up across the globe and the ecological crisis wreaks widespread havoc, internationalist politics is more necessary than ever. Cornel West explains why the fight for climate justice must join with an anti-militarist movement now.
In Melbourne’s North, Residents Are Up Against Billionaire Developers
A David and Goliath battle is taking shape over the future of the Preston Market in Melbourne. Billionaire property developers want to demolish the lively community market — and local residents want to stop them.
Trump Always Seems to Bounce Back From Adversity. This Time, It’s Hard to See How.
Donald Trump’s lackluster speech announcing his 2024 presidential campaign epitomized the state of Trumpism since last Tuesday’s “red tide” failed to materialize: exhausted, petty, and obsessed with the past. Don’t count him out yet, though.
Automation Doesn’t Have to Mean Unemployment and Misery
Automation won’t necessarily lead to either mass unemployment or a utopian workless future. Power and politics impact how automation affects work — which means that automation can create dignified jobs through class struggle.
Even Workers at Small, Independent Coffee Shops Are Unionizing. We Spoke to Some.
No one expected a union organizing upsurge at Starbucks, but a year ago, one started. That union interest is spreading, including to small coffee shops like Brooklyn’s Daily Press. We talked to several workers there who recently voted unanimously to unionize.
Keir Starmer Is Shamelessly Fixing the Selection Process for Labour Candidates
During his tenure as Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer has waged an aggressive war against the party’s left flank. Now, his leadership is blatantly and undemocratically blocking left-wingers from becoming party candidates for Parliament.
“Human Capital” Is Not the Answer to Inequality
In the neoliberal era, Democrats adopted an elitist approach that emphasized education as the key to individual success. Only the revival of an inclusive social democratic politics can reverse economic inequality and defeat reactionary populism.
Harold Washington’s Legacy Still Hangs Over Chicago
A new documentary shows how Mayor Harold Washington upended politics as usual in 1980s Chicago. What goes unsaid is how quickly Washington’s legacy was undone after his untimely death.
The Biggest Academic Strike in US History Is Underway at the University of California
Yesterday, unions representing 48,000 graduate student workers in the University of California system went on strike. Jacobin spoke with striking workers at UC Berkeley about their demands and the organizing leading up to the strike.
Even Diabetes Supplies Companies Realize the Need for Universal Health Care
Tandem Diabetes Care’s stock has fallen as diabetic Americans are dangerously foregoing expensive medical supplies. Its CEO says this drop-off isn’t happening in countries with universal health care. He’s inadvertently making the case for Medicare for All.
Triangle of Sadness Is as Absurd as 21st-Century Capitalism Is
Triangle of Sadness is more than a little over the top at times. But so what? Unlike every other movie at the theaters, it’s over the top in its scathing portrayal of the ugly realities of contemporary inequality.
The Cold War Made It Harder for the Left to Win Social Democratic Reforms
Across the political spectrum, many believe the threat of communist revolution made the 20th century’s social democratic reforms possible. In fact, the Cold War’s hostile environment divided the Left and excluded communist parties from government.
The 2022 Midterms Were One of the Best Elections the Left Has Had in Memory
Put the mainstream Democrats aside. After the midterms, more left-wing insurgents are going to the House, Bernie Sanders has two strong allies in the Senate, and progressive ballot measures passed everywhere. Election night was a good night for the Left.
Philadelphia Baristas Are Trying to Unionize the City’s Coffee Shop Workers
Starbucks baristas have made headlines for unionizing across the country. But smaller coffee shop workers have organized, too. And in Philadelphia, baristas are looking to unionize the entire city.
Mexico’s Struggle to Build an Independent Labor Movement
Throughout most of the last century, the Mexican labor movement has largely seen its unions become corrupt instruments of state control. That’s slowly beginning to change, but the road to independent, democratic Mexican unionism remains a steep one.
Climate Reparations Could Be Based on Post-Nazi Germany’s Payouts
Wealthy countries don’t want to pay climate reparations, but they’re going to have to. COP27 officials are currently grappling with who will pay for climate-related catastrophe and how. They could look to postwar Germany for a model.