“There Are No Illegal Strikes—Only Unsuccessful Ones”: A Conversation With Sara Nelson “There Are No Illegal Strikes—Only Unsuccessful Ones”: A Conversation With Sara Nelson
The international president of the Association of Flight Attendants explains how labor solidarity can “set the agenda and make things better.”
Sep 1, 2025 / Q&A / Laura Flanders
William Spriggs Was the Economist Who Fought for the Entire Working Class William Spriggs Was the Economist Who Fought for the Entire Working Class
From his days as a graduate student union leader, he championed an intersectional vision of economic, social, and racial justice.
Jun 15, 2023 / John Nichols
Richard Trumka, 1949–2021 Richard Trumka, 1949–2021
The labor leader practiced “true solidarity”—from his days as an anti-apartheid activist to his bold embrace of immigrant rights and Black Lives Matter.
Aug 5, 2021 / John Nichols
Here’s Why Labor Should Resist Trump’s Tariff Here’s Why Labor Should Resist Trump’s Tariff
It will have little economic effect but will add more bellicosity to a world already overdosing on it.
Mar 14, 2018 / Doug Henwood
The Resistance Prevented Puzder From Becoming Labor Secretary The Resistance Prevented Puzder From Becoming Labor Secretary
Puzder’s withdrawal shows that the resistance movement is building—and beating the odds.
Feb 15, 2017 / John Nichols
Dopey Donald Trump Can’t Figure Out Why AFL-CIO Members Aren’t Showing Up at His Rallies Dopey Donald Trump Can’t Figure Out Why AFL-CIO Members Aren’t Showing Up at His Rallies
The Republican nominee is discovering that running on “the most anti-worker, anti-union platform of any party in the history of the United States” might turn off union members...
Oct 3, 2016 / John Nichols
The AFL-CIO Is to Remain Neutral in the Democratic Primary The AFL-CIO Is to Remain Neutral in the Democratic Primary
The labor federation’s decision opens the door for local activists to campaign for Sanders.
Feb 18, 2016 / John Nichols
A Reboot for the AFL-CIO? A Reboot for the AFL-CIO?
At its LA convention, organized labor vowed to reinvigorate organizing and strengthen progressive alliances. And not a moment too soon.
Sep 25, 2013 / Josh Eidelson
Bhairavi Desai of Taxi Workers Alliance Elected to AFL-CIO Executive Council Bhairavi Desai of Taxi Workers Alliance Elected to AFL-CIO Executive Council
Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the Taxi Workers Alliance, makes history as a newly-elected member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.
Sep 16, 2013 / Laura Flanders
AFL-CIO Pledges Prison Reform, Partnerships and Accountable Organizing Plans AFL-CIO Pledges Prison Reform, Partnerships and Accountable Organizing Plans
At its quadrennial convention, the nation’s top labor federation pledged to combat mass incarceration.
Sep 10, 2013 / Josh Eidelson