Solidarity Collective action

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A Lula Moment for South Africa?

Neil Coleman traces the idea of a “Lula Moment for South Africa”, first advanced by the South African labour movement in 2012. Drawing on his experience, he examines lessons from Brazil for economic policy, wages, social protection and progressive political strategy.

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30 Oct 2026

Analysis

A Lula Moment for South Africa?

Author: Neil Coleman Source: neilcoleman509427.substack.com

23 Oct 2026

Analysis

A reminder: the vote has an address and a class.

Erick Omena examines how class and territory shape voting in Brazil. Data from all 5,570 municipalities reveal patterns of economic dependence, vulnerability and employment, changes between 2022 and 2026, and the role of turnout and other candidates’ voters in the runoff.

Author: Erick Omena Source: brasildefato.com.br

Erick Omena Brazil Elections Urban Policy

25 Oct 2026

Analysis

A cover that captures the whole book

Aziz Çelik reviews Mine Dilan Kıran’s study of trade unions and politics under Turkey’s AKP. The cover photograph introduces an analysis of dependence on the state and employers, male dominance and “trade unionism without strikes”.

Author: Aziz Çelik Source: birgun.net

Aziz Çelik Turkey Labor history Politics and labor

26 Oct 2026

Analysis

The Workers’ Councils of 1956

“What is our foremost task today? For the workers’ councils to take actual power in every factory and workplace, because, in social terms, the workers’ council is entitled to all the rights of an owner. Only now have the factories, banks, and land truly become theirs. Let us take great care of them…

Author: Feitl István Source: merce.hu

István Feitl Hungary Labor history Cooperatives and worker self-management

20 Oct 2026

Analysis

“Online activism was a mistake”

Vitya Ershov reflects on the limits of online activism and the decline of parties and trade unions. Drawing on Anton Jäger’s idea of hyperpolitics, he asks how fleeting outrage can become lasting collective action.

Author: Vitya Ershov Source: doxa.team

Vitya Ershov Organizing Politics and labor Trade Union Infrastructure

16 Oct 2026

Analysis

Shawn Fain and Abdul El-Sayed: workers and the 2026 midterms

An hour-long UAW video conversation on healthcare, retirement, trade and technology ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms. Shawn Fain leads the United Auto Workers; Abdul El-Sayed is a physician and U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan.

Author: UAW Source: youtube.com

United States UAW Elections Politics and labor

22 Oct 2026

Analysis

The polder model and the welfare state

Sjarrel Massop questions renewed talks between the Dutch government, employers and unions. Comparing the Wagner and Wennink reports, he argues for public services and a broader, more democratic labour movement.

Author: Sjarrel Massop Source: solidariteit.nl

Sjarrel Massop Netherlands FNV Politics and labor

20 Oct 2026

Analysis

The Worker and the Profiteer

Dmitry Petrov explores the conflict between labor and the pursuit of profit, from the Homestead strike to today’s global workforce, and argues for solidarity, direct action and collective self-government.

Author: Дмитрий Петров Source: gli-rp.org

Dmitry Petrov Class Politics and labor Labor movement strategies

05 Oct 2026

Analysis

An interview with Dan La Botz about RadioActive Radicals: A Novel of Labor and the LEFT.

An interview with Dan La Botz about RadioActive Radicals: A Novel of Labor and the LEFT. are pleased to be joined by Dan Labots at Bread and Roses 2 and Dan is the author of many books and writings and you can actually go to his website at dan da n l a b- b o tz writing w r i t i n g-s.com and you…

Author: Dan La Botz Source: youtube.com

Dan La Botz Politics and labor Working-class culture

04 Oct 2026

Analysis

Kjell Östberg Criticizes Social Democracy | Dagens Arena

Photo: Ordfront/Anna Drvnik Literature: Kjell Östberg’s book on social democracy deserves to be taken seriously. That is the view of Mats Wingborg, who has read “Between Power and the Movement: Social Democracy’s Path from Palm to Andersson.” During my high school years, I had friends who spoke …

Source: dagensarena.se

Sweden Politics and labor

04 Oct 2026

Analysis

‘The lumber business’: the Nordic dimension of AFL-FTUC’s network and operations, 1944–57

ABSTRACT When the Free Trade Union Committee of the American Federation of Labor (AFL-FTUC) introduced their anti-communist cause to Europe, they quickly discovered that their earliest and most trusted partners resided in the north. This article explores how the Nordic region formed a cohesive and…

Author: Eirik Wig Sundvall, Byron Z. Rom-Jensen Source: tandfonline.com

Byron Z. Rom-Jensen Eirik Wig Sundvall Norway United States

30 Sep 2026

Analysis

Brazil at a crossroads: the extreme right is not invincible

On October 4, Brazil goes to the polls. Nearly 159 million voters will decide who becomes president in Latin America's largest country. The election takes place at the same time as Donald Trump's USA is once again trying to advance its positions in the region and international far-right groups are …

Author: Internationalen Source: internationalen.se

Brazil Elections Politics and labor Right-wing

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Upcoming events

03 Nov

Future Skills: How Trade Unions Shape Vocational Education

01:00 · Pacific Time (PT) · Online

Who determines the knowledge and skills the labour market will need tomorrow? Should vocational education be the sole responsibility of the state and employers? What role can trade unions play in shaping the future of work and professions? Join our webinar, “Future Skills: How Trade Unions Shape Vocational Education.” The webinar will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Ukrainian. Vocational education is not only about preparing young people for their first jobs. It also gives workers opportunities to gain new skills, improve their qualifications and adapt to changes in the labour market. In Norway, trade unions actively take part in shaping vocational education and skills development policy. Cooperation between the state, employers and trade unions helps align the needs of the economy with workers’ interests. We will discuss: • How Norway’s vocational education and workforce training system is organised • The role of trade unions in shaping skills and competence development policy • How tripartite cooperation between the state, employers and trade unions works in vocational education • How to ensure that vocational training meets the real needs of the labour market • Why lifelong learning and upskilling matter for protecting workers’ interests • How trade unions can influence access to and the quality of vocational education This topic is especially important for Ukraine. The war has significantly changed the labour market: some sectors face severe skills shortages, others need new competencies, and thousands of workers have had to change occupations or adapt to new conditions. At the same time, Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic modernisation and European integration will require new approaches to vocational education and workforce training. But who will decide which skills are needed? And will workers and their trade unions have a voice in shaping this policy? Vocational education is not only a response to employers’ needs. It is also an investment in people, their opportunities, professional development and future. That is why trade unions must be full participants in shaping policy in this field. Join the discussion on how cooperation between trade unions, employers and the state can help build a vocational education system that meets today’s challenges and prepares workers for the future. Time: 12:00–13:30 MSK (UTC+3), November 3, 2026. Working language: English

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A Lula Moment for South Africa?

Publications

Upcoming events

Future Skills: How Trade Unions Shape Vocational Education

Defending rights.Building power together.

Contribute to the School of Collective Action

Defending rights.
Building power together.