Unions
What the Rise in Mutual Aid Foreshadows for the Progressive Movement
Whether based in neighborhoods or around identity groups, mutual aid networks are evidence of the growing push toward interdependence and away from individualism. Read more
Mar 16, 2021
Progressives Warn Unions: Sectoral Bargaining May Be a Trap
Big tech and major unions are both in favor of sectoral bargaining for ambiguously defined "gig workers." But a group of progressive academics and activists are warning against that. Read more
Mar 5, 2021
What Labor Advocates Want From Biden to Protect Workers From COVID
Biden wants to revive the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was gutted by Trump. Worker allies praise that effort, but they’re still waiting for a crucial pandemic standard. Read more
Mar 4, 2021
Five Things You Should Know About Biden's Labor Nominee Marty Walsh
The Boston Mayor has been championed by labor unions and he's sailing toward confirmation. But not everyone is a fan, starting with progressive activists in his home city. Read more
Feb 23, 2021
"There Is No Other Way To Do Our Work." Jane McAlevey on Relational Organizing
Jane McAlevey recently sat down with Blue Tent to talk about how organizers can build the deeper relationships that are needed to win power—both in the workplace and in the electoral arena. Read more
Feb 18, 2021
Jonathan Schleifer on Winning on Healthcare and Wages with Ballots Initiatives
Blue Tent founder David Callahan talks with the executive director of the Fairness Project, an organization that's compiled an impressive record of winning ballot initiatives—including in red states. Read more
Feb 5, 2021
How the SEIU Has Become a Political Powerhouse
With two million members and a readiness to spend big on political fights, SEIU is one of the most influential players in the Democratic Party. Its rise underscores the vibrancy of the new labor movement. Read more
Jan 17, 2021
The Big 4: The SEIU's Most Powerful Locals
It's no secret that the SEIU has become a political powerhouse. Less well known is that nearly half of its four million members belong to just four local unions, providing a huge portion of the organization's worker power. Read more
Jan 13, 2021
Follow These Journalists to Understand the Labor Movement
Many newspapers have divested from the labor beat even as worker organizing has been gaining steam. But a crop of upstart young labor reporters based in online progressive media are re-inventing it. Read more
Jan 11, 2021
The Biggest Union Donors in 2020
America's biggest labor organizations spent big in 2020, looking to support Democratic candidates and influence ballot initiatives. Here's a quick rundown of the heavy-hitters. Read more
Jan 8, 2021
When Progressive Nonprofit Staff Join Unions, What Changes?
Progressive organizations are unionizing. But do these efforts really benefit workers and ensure that organizations on the left live up to their values? We take a look at the record. Read more
Jan 7, 2021
How the SEIU Deployed Its Campaign War Chest in 2020
The SEIU was one of the biggest union spenders in the 2020 elections, reflecting its steadily growing political clout. Where did it focus its spending? And what was the result? Read more
Jan 4, 2021
Here's a List of Progressive Nonprofits That Have Unionized
In recent years, an increasing number of nonprofit organizations have unionized as their workforces demand that they practice what they preach. That includes a who's who of groups on the left. Read more
Dec 29, 2020
How the National Nurses United Became a Force for Medicare for All
It is one of the nation's most outspoken left-wing labor groups. And its organizing muscle provides the firepower for much of the movement for universal health care. We unpack the back story. Read more
Dec 28, 2020
How Teachers Unions Deployed Campaign Cash in 2020
Teachers unions have long been a force in Democratic politics, making millions in campaign donations. Their political giving in 2020 shows they continue to be major players. Read more
Dec 23, 2020
Confused by the AFL-CIO? Here's What You Need to Know About America's Largest Labor Group
The AFL-CIO, America's largest federation of unions, remains one of the most influential labor organizations in the country. In the 21st century, it faces new challenges. Read more
Dec 17, 2020
Who's Who at the SEIU
The SEIU is one of the nation's largest labor organizations. These six officers help the organization's over 2 million members navigate the challenges of workers in the 21st century. Read more
Dec 15, 2020
Labor Advocates Press Biden for 'Day One' Action
The Trump administration’s disregard for essential workers during the pandemic demands a rapid response from the Biden administration, argue advocates. What exactly are they proposing? Read more
Dec 10, 2020
Transit Future Uncertain Amid Concerns Over Biden Appointments
Transit advocates have high hopes for the Biden administration, but the potential nomination of Rahm Emanuel as DOT secretary has many worried. Read more
Dec 7, 2020
Labor Reporting is Back in a Big Way
As union membership shrank in America over the last several decades, so too did the number of journalists reporting on the lives of working people. Now, amid a resurgence of worker organizing, that's changing. Read more
Dec 1, 2020