The American labor movement is experiencing an exciting revival. Low wages, exploitative practices, poor conditions, and lack of support are motivating workers to unionize and, when necessary, to strike. Organizing and unionizing are sweeping through both new and traditional workplaces, including online media, magazines, newsrooms, retail stores, and diners. At this event, folks involved in the contemporary labor movement will discuss recent successful rebellions across the country—from teachers to graduate students, museum staff to fast-food workers—the causes for this wave of strikes, how social media interacts with unionizing and strike efforts, and what lessons can be taken for workers, organizers, and activists. With: -- Eric Blanc, writer for Jacobin and author of Red State Revolt: The Teachers’ Strike Wave and Working-Class Politics -- Kim Kelly, writer, labor activist, columnist for Teen Vogue’s “No Class” and council member of the Writers Guild of America East -- Bianca Cunningham, writer and organizer at Labor Notes, co-chair of NYC DSA, and former Communications Workers District 1 -- LeNair Xavier, worker and organizer at The Pleasure Chest, represented by RWDSU.
New York City, NY; NYC