The workplace throws us together regardless of culture, race, gender, and language. We may have little in common besides the need to earn a livelihood. But working shoulder to shoulder, we generate a union culture. Hear how Amazon workers have gone about building a union culture in the early days.
Bullying, conflict, and divisions weaken us. The more united our worksites are, the easier it is to solve problems. In this interactive workshop we'll talk about how discrimination shows up in our workplaces and our unions, and how we can find opportunities to increase respect among co-workers, build unity, and respond collecively to workplace problems.
This session will open with a brief song by: Elise Bryant, Joe Whitesell, and Elizabeth Rosenberg, DC Labor Chorus
What is sexual harassment? How can you create a safe and welcoming work and union environment? Find answers and learn how to engage in active bystander intervention when you witness sexual harassment. Through role-playing exercises, gain hands-on experience using realistic scenarios for the building trades work environment that can be adapted to any workplace.
How does racism show up in our workplaces and our unions? What are some strategies to confront it and build solidarity for a stronger, multiracial labor movement? And what can you say to union siblings who aren’t convinced racial justice has anything to do with union politics?
In these harrowing times, immigrant workers continue to fight for each other—and against the boss. Learn about their campaigns and tactics to overcome a climate of fear and build collective power.
Ever since workers in the U.S. started forming unions, we've had to overcome mistrust between groups and get co-workers with different cultures and languages working together. Hear how workers are making solidarity the norm—and building astonishing collective power—in a Kroger grocery warehouse, on a Minnesota university campus, at Amazon, and in food delivery on the streets of New York City. This panel will inspire you!
How can organizers foster communication between people who speak different languages? Language justice practices can expand participation in union life and strengthen organizing. Learn practical strategies for multilingual facilitation, collaborative translation, and using accessible digital tools. Leave with ideas and tools you can apply in union trainings, campaigns, and leadership programs.
Join Black activists to discuss what unions are doing and could do to address the issues affecting Black workers and our communities. How can we get our unions in gear, and how can we build stronger connections across unions?
Friday June 12, 2026 5:10pm - 6:40pm CDT Rosemont A
Different groups of workers in the same workplace or union are easily pitted against each other, but we're all stronger when we have each other's backs. Hear how drivers and package loaders, teachers and paraeducators, nurses and housekeepers, electricians and factory workers are learning about each other's concerns, overcoming friction and mistrust, and building power together.
In the U.S. and across the world, working-class voters are increasingly being won over by right-wing populist appeals. What are some possible elements of a labor political program that can both win back workers from the forces of reaction, and force elected officials to address the needs of working people? Hear about initiatives including the Maine AFL-CIO’s campaign to develop a Contract with the Working Class and the Grassroots Power Project’s Solidarity Wins member-to-member political education program.
