Mike Elk: Labor Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Mike Elk: Labor Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Mike Elk: Labor Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

How are labor activists to negotiate organizing when there are so many practical risks, and often so few tangible rewards associated with the process?

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Flipboard
Pocket

There is plenty of enthusiasm for labor unions in this country—the only problem is that only one in six organizing campaigns results in a contract and many cost the organizers their jobs. How are labor activists to negotiate organization when there are so many practical risks, and often so few tangible rewards associated with the process?

In this conversation with Kevin Gosztola at this year’s Socialism Conference in Chicago, labor activist and In These Times contributing editor Mike Elk comments on the need to invest confidence in the labor organizing movement. According to Elk, organizers need to acknowledge that there are many working solutions rather than one ultimate solution to strengthening the union movement. 

Anna Lekas Miller

Thank you for reading The Nation!

We hope you enjoyed the story you just read. It’s just one of many examples of incisive, deeply-reported journalism we publish—journalism that shifts the needle on important issues, uncovers malfeasance and corruption, and uplifts voices and perspectives that often go unheard in mainstream media. For nearly 160 years, The Nation has spoken truth to power and shone a light on issues that would otherwise be swept under the rug.

In a critical election year as well as a time of media austerity, independent journalism needs your continued support. The best way to do this is with a recurring donation. This month, we are asking readers like you who value truth and democracy to step up and support The Nation with a monthly contribution. We call these monthly donors Sustainers, a small but mighty group of supporters who ensure our team of writers, editors, and fact-checkers have the resources they need to report on breaking news, investigative feature stories that often take weeks or months to report, and much more.

There’s a lot to talk about in the coming months, from the presidential election and Supreme Court battles to the fight for bodily autonomy. We’ll cover all these issues and more, but this is only made possible with support from sustaining donors. Donate today—any amount you can spare each month is appreciated, even just the price of a cup of coffee.

The Nation does not bow to the interests of a corporate owner or advertisers—we answer only to readers like you who make our work possible. Set up a recurring donation today and ensure we can continue to hold the powerful accountable.

Thank you for your generosity.

Ad Policy
x