Michelle Chen

Contributing Writer

@meeshellchen

Michelle Chen is a contributing writer for The Nation.

#FastFoodGlobal: How the International Struggle Against McDonald’s Could Bring a $15 Minimum Wage to New York City

#FastFoodGlobal: How the International Struggle Against McDonald’s Could Bring a $15 Minimum Wage to New York City #FastFoodGlobal: How the International Struggle Against McDonald’s Could Bring a $15 Minimum Wage to New York City

A year ago, many might have laughed at the idea of paying the plebe behind the counter $15 an hour. But now that workers have raised their voices, a living wage seems like a deeply...

May 9, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

Should New York Teachers Reject de Blasio’s Proposed Contract?

Should New York Teachers Reject de Blasio’s Proposed Contract? Should New York Teachers Reject de Blasio’s Proposed Contract?

Teachers’ contract vote will depend largely on whether they feel they can rely on this administration to steer the education system in a more progressive direction

May 7, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

The GED Is Getting Tougher for Students Who Need it Most

The GED Is Getting Tougher for Students Who Need it Most The GED Is Getting Tougher for Students Who Need it Most

An alternative education that makes sense would go beyond test prep

May 5, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

As New York’s Construction Industry Booms, Workers’ Lives Are Being Put on the Line

As New York’s Construction Industry Booms, Workers’ Lives Are Being Put on the Line As New York’s Construction Industry Booms, Workers’ Lives Are Being Put on the Line

Safety advocates say the government has plenty of tools available to protect workers; it just needs the political will to apply them.

May 2, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

How a Fatal Disaster at Mt. Everest Has Turned Into a Full-Blown Labor Struggle

How a Fatal Disaster at Mt. Everest Has Turned Into a Full-Blown Labor Struggle How a Fatal Disaster at Mt. Everest Has Turned Into a Full-Blown Labor Struggle

The sherpas who perform incredibly dangerous work on the mountain have called off this year’s climbing season.

Apr 30, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

How New York’s Taxi Drivers Lost Their Health Insurance Fund

How New York’s Taxi Drivers Lost Their Health Insurance Fund How New York’s Taxi Drivers Lost Their Health Insurance Fund

The impasse facing the TWA healthcare program stems from the taxi workforce’s structural exclusion from labor protections

Apr 28, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

New York City Now Protects Interns Against Sexual Harassment—but With One Major Loophole

New York City Now Protects Interns Against Sexual Harassment—but With One Major Loophole New York City Now Protects Interns Against Sexual Harassment—but With One Major Loophole

An untold number of interns could be excluded from the new law due to a question of classification.

Apr 25, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

This Is How to Create a Green Economy That Works for All

This Is How to Create a Green Economy That Works for All This Is How to Create a Green Economy That Works for All

When workers gain democratic control over their energy futures, they won’t just be trying to cope with climate change, they’ll be overturning entrenched economic struct...

Apr 23, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

Where Have All the Green Jobs Gone?

Where Have All the Green Jobs Gone? Where Have All the Green Jobs Gone?

Environmentalism could be a populist movement—if its focus shifts from just cutting carbon to cultivating justice on a larger scale.

Apr 22, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

Will the Supreme Court Let Florida Drug-Test All Its Government Employees?

Will the Supreme Court Let Florida Drug-Test All Its Government Employees? Will the Supreme Court Let Florida Drug-Test All Its Government Employees?

What does a positive test mean when your economic fate hinges on the result? What kind of “discipline” is maintained by subjugating bodily privacy in the name of “public safety”?

Apr 18, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen

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