With a union election less than a month away at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, the state’s GOP politicians are moving to dissuade employers from voluntarily recognizing unions. NBC affiliate WVTM reports: “Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday advanced legislation that would withhold economic incentive dollars from companies that voluntarily recognize a union without holding a secret… Source ..read more

Autoworkers have secured a landslide victory at the Chattanooga Volkswagen plant, voting yes to joining the United Automobile Workers. The South has historically been extremely difficult for unions, especially the UAW. Today’s victory marks a watershed moment for the union and perhaps the labor movement as a whole. “This election is big,” said Kelcey Smith,… Source ..read more

It’s Girl Scout cookies season! And the good news is that the dollars that you spend on them not only help the Girl Scouts, they also go to union companies. The two factories that make these cookies are manned by workers who belong to the Teamsters. Local 554 represents workers at the Interbake Foods bakery… Source ..read more

Beginning in the fall of 1971, a group of California high school students would meet regularly at 4:20 after school to partake in some cannabis. And that eventually led to 4/20 becoming a day dedicated to enjoying the leafy plant. Or the story goes. If you are looking to participate on this popular day, choose… Source ..read more

Tesla’s mass layoffs will Buffalo especially hard. Reuters reports: “Tesla will lay off 285 employees in Buffalo, New York, as part of its plans to trim 10% of its global workforce, the electric-vehicle maker said in a legally mandated notice on Wednesday. Under pressure from falling sales and an intensifying price war for EVs, Tesla… Source ..read more

A historic vote is underway in Chattanooga. NPR reports: “Over the next three days, Volkswagen workers in Tennessee could change the trajectory of unions in the South. On Wednesday morning, hourly employees at the company’s Chattanooga plant started casting ballots over whether they want to join the United Auto Workers union. The vote, which closes… Source ..read more

The workers who dress up as Mickey, Minnie, Goofie, and more are pushing for a union. CNN reports: “Disneyland employees who perform as many of the theme park’s beloved characters have filed to have a vote on whether to join the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents live performers all over the country, from actors on… Source ..read more

The following piece by Harold Meyerson appeared in The American Prospect. Can Republicans keep building their support among working-class voters? Not if the Republicans have anything to say about it. Earlier today, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) released its recommendations for the fiscal 2025 budget. Among its particulars was a real working-class winner: raising the retirement age… Source ..read more

The following piece by Harold Meyerson appeared in The American Prospect. In Seattle, in 1999, Lefts Old and New converged to mount what is arguably the most far-reaching protest against the corporate domination of the planet. The protests extended well beyond the young enragés’ sit-down strike in the city’s streets, which made it impossible for the… Source ..read more

The following piece by Harold Meyerson appeared in The American Prospect.  Last Friday, D. Taylor stepped down as president of UNITE HERE—the union of hotel and casino employees. His nearly dozen years at the helm of one of America’s most member-involved unions saw it become an improbable political powerhouse in a host of swing states… Source ..read more