Labor Notes
@labornotes.bsky.social
Putting the movement back in the labor movement since 1979. linktr.ee/labornotes
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In our November issue: Tennessee Volkswagen Workers Collect Strike Pledges as Company Stalls at Table, and more
A $30 annual subscription gets you 11 issues each year!
Subscribe by Tuesday, November 11, to get the December issue labornotes.org/subscribe
A $30 annual subscription gets you 11 issues each year!
Subscribe by Tuesday, November 11, to get the December issue labornotes.org/subscribe
"As of October 17, the dealers at the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana, were on strike for union recognition. It's a rare, courageous, throwback tactic. Ninety years ago this was the main way unions were formed," our editor Al Bradbury writes labornotes.org/2025/11/indi...
Indiana Casino Dealers Are Bringing Back the Recognition Strike
There are no clocks in a casino, so the dealers all set their phone alarms for noon. Everyone was a bundle of nerves. Before work, a couple of people threw up. But when the cacophony of alarms sounded...
labornotes.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:28 AM
"As of October 17, the dealers at the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana, were on strike for union recognition. It's a rare, courageous, throwback tactic. Ninety years ago this was the main way unions were formed," our editor Al Bradbury writes labornotes.org/2025/11/indi...
Democrats had been refusing to approve the funding bill until Republicans restored health care funding. But the deal they reached to end the 41-day shutdown extracted just the mere promise of a floor vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits: labornotes.org/2025/11/shut... 1/2
Shutdown Deal: Federal Workers Say No, Not This Way
Senate Democrats had some leverage, but they dropped the crowbar. Seven Democratic senators and an independent caved, spurring a Democratic deal with the Trump administration to end the 41-day governm...
labornotes.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Democrats had been refusing to approve the funding bill until Republicans restored health care funding. But the deal they reached to end the 41-day shutdown extracted just the mere promise of a floor vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits: labornotes.org/2025/11/shut... 1/2
"Our main institutions are bending the knee to Trump, there haven’t been any wildcat strikes from below, and most top union leaders remain exasperatingly risk-averse. Fortunately, general strikes aren't our only powerful tactic," writes
@ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...
@ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...
New on the Labor Notes Pod: @ericblanc.bsky.social on scalable tactics for non-violent disruption that build on the mass mobilization of "No Kings"—walkouts by students and teachers that can go viral, and May 2026 actions to pressure institutions labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
November 10, 2025 at 9:57 PM
"Our main institutions are bending the knee to Trump, there haven’t been any wildcat strikes from below, and most top union leaders remain exasperatingly risk-averse. Fortunately, general strikes aren't our only powerful tactic," writes
@ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...
@ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...
It’s been a year of big protests and walkouts by workers in New Zealand, fueled by rage over decades of underinvestment and privatization that have eroded public services and stretched essential workers to their limit, writes organizer Justine Sachs labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Mega Strike in New Zealand Demands Funding for Public Services, Raises
New Zealand’s streets filled with nurses, doctors, teachers, health care assistants, public workers, and firefighters on October 23 in a massive one-day strike demanding that the government fully fund...
labornotes.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
It’s been a year of big protests and walkouts by workers in New Zealand, fueled by rage over decades of underinvestment and privatization that have eroded public services and stretched essential workers to their limit, writes organizer Justine Sachs labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
🗓️Workshop tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 11): Learn more about the Indianapolis Kroger workers' campaign at the upcoming "What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart" workshop on Tuesday, November 11, at 7.30 p.m. Eastern
Sign up now: labornotes.org/events/2025/... 1/2
Sign up now: labornotes.org/events/2025/... 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
🗓️Workshop tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 11): Learn more about the Indianapolis Kroger workers' campaign at the upcoming "What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart" workshop on Tuesday, November 11, at 7.30 p.m. Eastern
Sign up now: labornotes.org/events/2025/... 1/2
Sign up now: labornotes.org/events/2025/... 1/2
"It’s a good thing that members want more from us. It means they’re hungry for contact, for information, for a relationship with their union. There’s so much misinformation out there, and it’s essential that they hear from their union about what really matters." labornotes.org/2025/10/buil... 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"It’s a good thing that members want more from us. It means they’re hungry for contact, for information, for a relationship with their union. There’s so much misinformation out there, and it’s essential that they hear from their union about what really matters." labornotes.org/2025/10/buil... 1/2
🚨 Tuesday, Nov. 11: What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart, with members of UFCW 700!
8,000 workers at the Indianapolis Kroger, members of Local 700, won a better contract just last month after two "no" votes
labornotes.org/events/2025/workshop-what-do-when-your-union-breaks-your-heart-0
8,000 workers at the Indianapolis Kroger, members of Local 700, won a better contract just last month after two "no" votes
labornotes.org/events/2025/workshop-what-do-when-your-union-breaks-your-heart-0
November 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
🚨 Tuesday, Nov. 11: What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart, with members of UFCW 700!
8,000 workers at the Indianapolis Kroger, members of Local 700, won a better contract just last month after two "no" votes
labornotes.org/events/2025/workshop-what-do-when-your-union-breaks-your-heart-0
8,000 workers at the Indianapolis Kroger, members of Local 700, won a better contract just last month after two "no" votes
labornotes.org/events/2025/workshop-what-do-when-your-union-breaks-your-heart-0
“A number of my co-workers are parents, and food for their family is supplemented with SNAP benefits,” said Caleb Stewart, a clerk at Ralphs in L.A. and UFCW 770 member. “Without that extra $100 at the end of the month, they won't be able to get by.” labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1... 1/2
42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as “food stamps,” are set to go without benefits. Among them are union members in underpaid industries like grocery and retail labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
SNAP Axe Could Fall on Grocery Shoppers and Workers Alike
Beginning November 1, 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as “food stamps,” are set to go without benefits. Among them are union members...
labornotes.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:55 PM
“A number of my co-workers are parents, and food for their family is supplemented with SNAP benefits,” said Caleb Stewart, a clerk at Ralphs in L.A. and UFCW 770 member. “Without that extra $100 at the end of the month, they won't be able to get by.” labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1... 1/2
"Rank-and-file activists pushed for a different approach this time that would get members involved and let them take ownership of their contract fight." 1/2 labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Transparency isn't a goal in itself, but a means to an end—in this case, getting members ready for a boss fight, writes Paul Steiner, an inside wire journeyworker in IBEW Local 520 and a member of the Caucus of Rank-and-File Electrical Workers labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1... 1/4
Texas Electricians Open Up Negotiations and Win Big
The building trades can be a tough place for union reformers. Union business is typically conducted behind the scenes, with little involvement from members, while the bosses stall and derail negotiati...
labornotes.org
November 9, 2025 at 4:54 PM
"Rank-and-file activists pushed for a different approach this time that would get members involved and let them take ownership of their contract fight." 1/2 labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
The protests are fueled by rage over decades of government underinvestment and privatization—policies that have eroded public services and stretched essential workers to their limit labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Mega Strike in New Zealand Demands Funding for Public Services, Raises
New Zealand’s streets filled with nurses, doctors, teachers, health care assistants, public workers, and firefighters on October 23 in a massive one-day strike demanding that the government fully fund...
labornotes.org
November 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The protests are fueled by rage over decades of government underinvestment and privatization—policies that have eroded public services and stretched essential workers to their limit labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
"With 'No Kings' protests, you go there and you're like, 'It's not clear what this does. We don't think Trump is just going to listen to us.'
We need to articulate a campaign where ordinary people see how their participation can move the needle." 1/3
labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
We need to articulate a campaign where ordinary people see how their participation can move the needle." 1/3
labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
New on the Labor Notes Pod: @ericblanc.bsky.social on scalable tactics for non-violent disruption that build on the mass mobilization of "No Kings"—walkouts by students and teachers that can go viral, and May 2026 actions to pressure institutions labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
November 8, 2025 at 3:17 PM
"With 'No Kings' protests, you go there and you're like, 'It's not clear what this does. We don't think Trump is just going to listen to us.'
We need to articulate a campaign where ordinary people see how their participation can move the needle." 1/3
labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
We need to articulate a campaign where ordinary people see how their participation can move the needle." 1/3
labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
Today, (Saturday, 11/8, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern): There's still time to sign up! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
🚨Workshop Tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 8): Talk to other rank-and-file members about strategies to bring your co-workers closer to the center of the bullseye—the core of your union—and build power around issues resonating across the shop floor
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
November 8, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Today, (Saturday, 11/8, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern): There's still time to sign up! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
🚨Workshop Tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 8): Talk to other rank-and-file members about strategies to bring your co-workers closer to the center of the bullseye—the core of your union—and build power around issues resonating across the shop floor
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
November 7, 2025 at 6:29 PM
🚨Workshop Tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 8): Talk to other rank-and-file members about strategies to bring your co-workers closer to the center of the bullseye—the core of your union—and build power around issues resonating across the shop floor
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
Sign up here! labornotes.org/events/2025/...
Transparency isn't a goal in itself, but a means to an end—in this case, getting members ready for a boss fight, writes Paul Steiner, an inside wire journeyworker in IBEW Local 520 and a member of the Caucus of Rank-and-File Electrical Workers labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1... 1/4
Texas Electricians Open Up Negotiations and Win Big
The building trades can be a tough place for union reformers. Union business is typically conducted behind the scenes, with little involvement from members, while the bosses stall and derail negotiati...
labornotes.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Transparency isn't a goal in itself, but a means to an end—in this case, getting members ready for a boss fight, writes Paul Steiner, an inside wire journeyworker in IBEW Local 520 and a member of the Caucus of Rank-and-File Electrical Workers labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1... 1/4
"Over 12,000 workers are members of @sbworkersunited.org, part of Workers United/SEIU, at 650 U.S. stores. But Starbucks operates 10,000 stores in the U.S., so asking the public to shun all stores in a strike is an important escalation." Our editor Jenny Brown reports labornotes.org/2025/10/stri...
Strike Captains and Practice Pickets: Starbucks Workers Aim to Bring a Contract Home
Unionized Starbucks workers are electing strike captains and getting customers to pledge they won't cross picket lines. They’re amassing in front of stores with picket signs, borrowing a slogan that U...
labornotes.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:48 PM
"Over 12,000 workers are members of @sbworkersunited.org, part of Workers United/SEIU, at 650 U.S. stores. But Starbucks operates 10,000 stores in the U.S., so asking the public to shun all stores in a strike is an important escalation." Our editor Jenny Brown reports labornotes.org/2025/10/stri...
New on the Labor Notes Pod: @ericblanc.bsky.social on scalable tactics for non-violent disruption that build on the mass mobilization of "No Kings"—walkouts by students and teachers that can go viral, and May 2026 actions to pressure institutions labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
November 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
New on the Labor Notes Pod: @ericblanc.bsky.social on scalable tactics for non-violent disruption that build on the mass mobilization of "No Kings"—walkouts by students and teachers that can go viral, and May 2026 actions to pressure institutions labornotespodcast.podbean.com/e/how-do-we-...
“You have joined a movement for the rest of your life,” Mamdani told the campaign’s legions of volunteers in his closing message. “Now, however you want to be a part of that movement is your decision, just as long as you continue to be a part of it.” labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
Zohran Mamdani: New York's Working Class Elects a Movement Mayor
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and the Democratic nominee, will be New York City’s next mayor, after trouncing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a primary and general election double whamm...
labornotes.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:53 AM
“You have joined a movement for the rest of your life,” Mamdani told the campaign’s legions of volunteers in his closing message. “Now, however you want to be a part of that movement is your decision, just as long as you continue to be a part of it.” labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
"Our Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520 got members active like never before—through unprecedented outreach and actions that brought members in to confront the bosses, we won a contract that put decades of closed-off negotiations to shame." labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Texas Electricians Open Up Negotiations and Win Big
The building trades can be a tough place for union reformers. Union business is typically conducted behind the scenes, with little involvement from members, while the bosses stall and derail negotiati...
labornotes.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:03 PM
"Our Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520 got members active like never before—through unprecedented outreach and actions that brought members in to confront the bosses, we won a contract that put decades of closed-off negotiations to shame." labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Join rank-and-file members at the next Labor Notes 'Secrets of a Successful Organizer' online workshop series in November!
First of two sessions starts this Saturday, Nov. 8, Noon to 3 p.m. Eastern.
Second session is on Saturday, Nov. 22
Sign up: labornotes.org/events/2025/...
First of two sessions starts this Saturday, Nov. 8, Noon to 3 p.m. Eastern.
Second session is on Saturday, Nov. 22
Sign up: labornotes.org/events/2025/...
November 6, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Join rank-and-file members at the next Labor Notes 'Secrets of a Successful Organizer' online workshop series in November!
First of two sessions starts this Saturday, Nov. 8, Noon to 3 p.m. Eastern.
Second session is on Saturday, Nov. 22
Sign up: labornotes.org/events/2025/...
First of two sessions starts this Saturday, Nov. 8, Noon to 3 p.m. Eastern.
Second session is on Saturday, Nov. 22
Sign up: labornotes.org/events/2025/...
New Zealand’s streets filled with nurses, doctors, teachers, healthcare assistants, public workers, and firefighters last month in a massive one-day strike demanding that the government fully fund public services labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Mega Strike in New Zealand Demands Funding for Public Services, Raises
New Zealand’s streets filled with nurses, doctors, teachers, healthcare assistants, public workers, and firefighters on October 23 in a massive one-day strike demanding that the government fully fund ...
labornotes.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:13 PM
New Zealand’s streets filled with nurses, doctors, teachers, healthcare assistants, public workers, and firefighters last month in a massive one-day strike demanding that the government fully fund public services labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
“A politician can’t save us, so as great as Mamdani is, we will need to keep organizing to win his bold agenda,” said labor scholar Stephanie Luce, a PSC-CUNY member labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr... 1/3
Zohran Mamdani: New York's Working Class Elects a Movement Mayor
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and the Democratic nominee, will be New York City’s next mayor, after trouncing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a primary and general election double whamm...
labornotes.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:28 PM
“A politician can’t save us, so as great as Mamdani is, we will need to keep organizing to win his bold agenda,” said labor scholar Stephanie Luce, a PSC-CUNY member labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr... 1/3
Good: Wearing your union T-shirt to the protest. Better: Bringing a whole group in union shirts, with your union banner. Even Better: Getting your union to publicize the protest and turn members out
labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Bring Your Union Banner to the Protest
Nearly 7 million people hit the streets October 18 to oppose Trump’s authoritarian actions. Demonstrators waved American flags and donned whimsical animal costumes. One sight we were especially glad t...
labornotes.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Good: Wearing your union T-shirt to the protest. Better: Bringing a whole group in union shirts, with your union banner. Even Better: Getting your union to publicize the protest and turn members out
labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
labornotes.org/blogs/2025/1...
Unions can’t afford to wait for friendly labor law. labornotes.org/2025/10/we-c...
We Can’t Rebuild the Labor Movement Without Taking on Big Targets
[This article is part of a Labor Notes roundtable series: How Can Unions Defend Worker Power Against Trump 2.0? We will be publishing more contributions here and in our magazine in the months ahead. C...
labornotes.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Unions can’t afford to wait for friendly labor law. labornotes.org/2025/10/we-c...
“The working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well-connected that power does not belong in their hands,” Mamdani told a roaring crowd at his victory party in Brooklyn.
labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
November 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM
“The working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well-connected that power does not belong in their hands,” Mamdani told a roaring crowd at his victory party in Brooklyn.
labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
labornotes.org/2025/11/zohr...
To turn around the sense of fear and powerlessness among the working class, we should experiment with disruptive, nonviolent, attention-grabbing campaigns that are easily replicable and can go viral nationwide, writes @ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...
November 5, 2025 at 5:16 PM
To turn around the sense of fear and powerlessness among the working class, we should experiment with disruptive, nonviolent, attention-grabbing campaigns that are easily replicable and can go viral nationwide, writes @ericblanc.bsky.social labornotes.org/2025/10/afte...