Solidarity Collective action

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Analysis

The Aoliwei union dispute (XIII): the higher-level union obstructs it at every turn

In autumn 2006, the Aoliwei union presses for employment contracts, insurance contributions and the reinstatement of six dismissed women workers. The district federation refuses training and help with an official seal, then attacks the activists for challenging management.

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25 Oct 2026

Analysis

The Aoliwei union dispute (XIII): the higher-level union obstructs it at every turn

Author: Zhang Jun Source: search.laborinfocn2.com

16 Oct 2026

Analysis

Where Italy’s unions are growing

Union membership is growing in Italy’s public sector, led by education and healthcare. Stefano Poggi examines the figures, the rise of occupation-specific unions and the role of elected workplace representatives.

Author: Stefano Poggi Source: jacobinitalia.it

Stefano Poggi Italy Public services Healthcare

19 Oct 2026

Analysis

Danish painters’ union congress: “Without the strike weapon, we are powerless”

Three Danish building painters oppose proposals to dismantle their union’s independent strike fund and centralise power. They call for member democracy, stronger workplace organising and a union ready to fight.

Author: Rune Eltard-Sørensen Source: solidaritet.dk

Rune Eltard-Sørensen Denmark Construction Strikes

17 Oct 2026

Analysis

Interview with Fred Bailhau on mobilization in France. Part 2: Trade unions, wages and strike committees

Fred Bailhau discusses the unions’ response to the September 29 strike in France, wage demands, elected strike committees and the role of class struggle in confronting the far right.

Author: Gazete Nisan Source: gazetenisan.net

Gazete Nisan France Strikes Wages and inequality

29 Sep 2026

Analysis

The Battle for the Soul of the UAW: Union Democracy and the Seductions of Power

After years of struggling in relative obscurity, democratic socialists were jubilant to have elected one of their own to high-profile office. With bold rhetoric and meme-friendly soundbites, their candidate captured the hearts and minds of a working-class base eager for an alternative to the establ…

Author: admin Source: newpol.org

Abe Walker Auto industry UAW Union democracy

23 Sep 2026

Analysis

Cesar Alarcón Dismantles Unions — Why Is He Now Creating Them?

The prospect of a new union was a welcome development for some workers at the Golden Krust manufacturing plant in the Bronx. Beginning in July, Cesar Alarcón, a representative for Progressive Workers of the World Local 311, started showing up to the plant and meeting with workers. He treated them …

Author: Amir Khafagy Source: documentedny.com

Amir Khafagy United States Food Industry IBEW

17 Sep 2026

Analysis

Why COSATU’s congress collapsed

For the first time in its 40 year history, SA’s biggest union gathering did not reach quorum COSATU’s 15th National Congress failed to get underway as a leadership battle led to unresolved disputes over delegate credentials. Photos: Greg Dor • COSATU was unable to reach a quorum at its 15th Natio…

Author: Greg Dor Source: groundup.org.za

Greg Dor South Africa COSATU Union democracy

28 Aug 2026

Analysis

Shawn Fain’s UAW Is Facing Strong Headwinds

OPEN IN VIEWER Two men holding signs at a union rally on August 16, 2024, as UAW Local 2300 was in the middle of contract negotiations with Cornell University. Daniel Goldhorn, Wikimedia Commons The strength of a union and its leadership can be gauged most accurately when the headwinds are stron…

Author: Nelson Lichtenstein Source: journals.sagepub.com

Nelson Lichtenstein United States Auto industry Union democracy

26 Aug 2026

Analysis

UAW Members Voting for International Officers

United Auto Workers members are voting by mail ballot for their top officers, for the second time in the union’s 91 years. Ballots went out August 21 and are due back by October 5. The contest will decide whether President Shawn Fain, who became famous for leading 2023’s Stand-Up Strike against th…

Author: Luis Feliz Leon, Jane Slaughter Source: labornotes.org

Jane Slaughter Luis Feliz Leon United States Auto industry

24 Aug 2026

Analysis

Deere Workers Reject Contract Extension: We’ll Meet You at the Table in 2027

This article has been updated from the version originally published August 11. –Editors The agricultural machinery maker John Deere tested the mettle of the United Auto Workers this summer, probing for softness as the union heads into a leadership election. Voting ‘no’ on August 23, members essent…

Author: Jane Slaughter Source: labornotes.org

Jane Slaughter United States Auto industry Strikes

21 Aug 2026

Analysis

New Voices Gain Ground at Letter Carriers Convention

“The number one takeaway is that the times in the NALC, they are a-changing,” said Margo O’Neill of Branch 352 in Des Moines, Iowa, who attended her first Letter Carriers convention August 3-7 in Los Angeles. “It was quite different than any convention that I’ve been to,” said retiree activist Jam…

Author: Alexandra Bradbury Source: labornotes.org

Alexandra Bradbury United States Postal services and delivery NALC

15 May 2026

Analysis

Shawn Fain’s UAW Is Facing Strong Headwinds

Official White House portrait of UAW President Shawn Fain. Editor’s Note: This article appears as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union prepares for its 39th UAW Constitutional Convention, scheduled for June 15-18, 2026. A version of this article will appear in the Fall 2026 issue of New Labor Fo…

Source: newlaborforum.cuny.edu

Auto industry UAW Union democracy

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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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The Aoliwei union dispute (XIII): the higher-level union obstructs it at every turn

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.