Hong Kong unions and civil society were crushed in 2020, driving countless activists into jail or exile. A coup-from-above by the president of South Korea in 2024 was defeated by general strikes and months of mobilization from below. Japan's right-wing president broke with decades of demilitarized diplomacy. Learn about these profound challenges—not dissimilar to those we face in the U.S.—and how union-led responses are challenging authoritarianism.
This workshop will explore the psychology of bargaining. Participants will learn techniques, then practice them in a brief session of simulated bargaining.
Work where the output is measured poses special challenges for workers. Where did the company get its standard? How can we know if it's accurate? What can we do if we think it’s unreasonable? We'll explore the basis of standards and how to address them, including the most effective ways to investigate and challenge output quotas and inadequate staffing.
Chances are we've all been to a bad meeting, but they don't have to be this way! When run effectively, meetings can help you bring co-workers together to beat the boss. Learn how to make a good agenda and hold a lively yet focused discussion, so people leave fired up with an action plan.
Which sources of information can you trust? How can you involve members? Workers often are, or feel, excluded from investigating incidents, but they shouldn’t be. Avoid traps: “blame the worker" is often used to avoid finding out what actually happened, but that’s the key to preventing future dangers.
Strikes aren't just a great way to terrify the boss. Done right, they also help members develop skills, deepen relationships, and see themselves as leaders. Learn how to bring your co-workers in, find your leverage, and pull off a strike that builds the union for the long haul.
