This Labor Day, workers in the United States have a lot to celebrate, a lot to lament—and a lot more work to do. This week’s reading list examines recent union victories, enduring obstacles to organizing, the global and domestic forces shaping the world of work, and strategies for winning better jobs, higher wages, and dignity for all.
Three Cheers for the Administrative State
New local labor laws aim to end worker exploitation. Can bureaucrats serve that vision?
Labor’s Militant Minority
How a new class of “salts”—radicals who take jobs to help unionization—is boosting the organizing efforts of long-term workers.
Why Unions Need More Democracy
In Rules to Win By, Jane McAlevey and Abby Lawlor reject backroom dealmaking. Rank-and-file workers are going even further.
Labor and the Bibi-Modi “Bromance”
India’s recruitment drives to send workers to Israel resemble British indenture.
Three Paths for Labor after Amazon
Recent union drives point the way to more effective action against corporate power.
What Would Frances Perkins Do?
FDR’s labor secretary had a vision for forward-looking labor and employment policy.
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