What State Lawmakers Could Do for Working-Class Americans In the NewsFebruary 5, 2025 What State Lawmakers Could Do for Working-Class Americans In an op-ed published by Governing, Karla Walter and David Madland describe tangible, proven strategies state policymakers can use to strengthen the power of the working class in their communities this year. Feb 5, 2025 Governing Karla Walter, David Madland
8 Ways States Can Build Worker Power ReportJanuary 15, 2025 8 Ways States Can Build Worker Power State lawmakers should act to strengthen workers’ power in the economy. Jan 15, 2025 the Center for American Progress Sachin Shiva, Karla Walter, David Madland
7 Ways State Lawmakers Can Build Public Sector Union Power ReportJanuary 14, 2025 7 Ways State Lawmakers Can Build Public Sector Union Power State lawmakers can adopt new policies to empower workers across the public sector to come together in strong unions, negotiate for fair pay and working conditions, and train the next generation for public service. Jan 14, 2025 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, Karla Walter
Too Many Airport Service Workers Earn Low Wages and Benefits ArticleJanuary 13, 2025 Too Many Airport Service Workers Earn Low Wages and Benefits New CAP analysis shows many essential airport service workers earn less than $15 per hour. Here’s how policymakers can fix that. Jan 13, 2025 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, Karla Walter
While Other Voters Moved Away From the Democrats, Union Members Shifted Toward Harris in 2024 ArticleDecember 2, 2024 While Other Voters Moved Away From the Democrats, Union Members Shifted Toward Harris in 2024 Although many demographic groups shifted their votes to favor Donald Trump in 2024 compared to 2020, Kamala Harris increased Democratic support among union voters. Dec 2, 2024 Aurelia Glass, David Madland
Industry Standards Boards Are Delivering Results for Workers, Employers, and Their Communities ReportNovember 21, 2024 Industry Standards Boards Are Delivering Results for Workers, Employers, and Their Communities State accomplishments demonstrate that boards work best when they have the necessary legal authority and resources. Nov 21, 2024 the Center for American Progress David Madland, Sachin Shiva
5 Ways Donald Trump’s Plans Are Even More Extreme Than Project 2025 ReportOctober 31, 2024 5 Ways Donald Trump’s Plans Are Even More Extreme Than Project 2025 Donald Trump and JD Vance are trying to hide their connections to Project 2025 but are not running away from the playbook’s far-right policies. In fact, some of their proposals and statements are even more extreme than those advanced in Project 2025. Oct 31, 2024 Kelly McCoy, Will Ragland
Explaining Young Workers’ Support for Unions In the NewsOctober 29, 2024 Explaining Young Workers’ Support for Unions Young workers today feel like they're starting from behind. For them, unions may be the answer to getting ahead. Oct 29, 2024 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
Community Navigators Can Increase Access to Unemployment Benefits and New Jobs While Building Worker Power In the NewsOctober 22, 2024 Community Navigators Can Increase Access to Unemployment Benefits and New Jobs While Building Worker Power Evidence from the Maine Peer Workforce Navigator program shows that workers and government can benefit from well-designed community partnerships. Oct 22, 2024 the Center for American Progress Michele Evermore, Alexander Hertel-Fernandez, David Madland
Randi Weingarten on Labor Day and Threats to Public Education PodcastAugust 29, 2024 Randi Weingarten on Labor Day and Threats to Public Education Randi Weingarten discusses the significance of Labor Day and how Project 2025 and MAGA extremists are threatening U.S. public schools. Aug 29, 2024 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Kelly McCoy, 7 More Erin Phillips, Mishka Espey, Muggs Leone, Hai-Lam Phan, Matthew Gossage, Olivia Mowry, Toni Pandolfo
Harris’ Plan To Raise the Minimum Wage and Eliminate Tax on Tips Would Benefit Service and Hospitality Workers ArticleAugust 14, 2024 Harris’ Plan To Raise the Minimum Wage and Eliminate Tax on Tips Would Benefit Service and Hospitality Workers Crucially, the vice president’s proposal would provide guardrails to keep the policy aimed at low-paid workers, in contrast to Trump’s plan, which would allow the wealthy to skirt taxes. Aug 14, 2024 Marc Jarsulic, Brendan Duke, Emily Gee, 1 More Kennedy Andara
Opinion: Republican politicians chant ‘drill, baby, drill’ while hundreds die of extreme heat Personal StoryAugust 12, 2024 Opinion: Republican politicians chant ‘drill, baby, drill’ while hundreds die of extreme heat Christofer Kimes, a union carpenter and drywall finisher from Nevada, writes about how extreme heat increasingly affects blue collar workers, underscoring the importance of addressing climate change. Aug 12, 2024 The Nevadan Christofer Kimes
Since 2020, Union Member Support for Democrats Has Increased ReportJuly 30, 2024 Since 2020, Union Member Support for Democrats Has Increased New Center for American Progress Action Fund analysis shows that support for Democrats among union voters grew in 2020 and 2022 after decreasing in 2016 and 2018; whether this trend continues could have major effects on the election in 2024. Jul 30, 2024 Aurelia Glass, David Madland
Public Officials Should Use Their Bully Pulpit To Support Worker Organizing and Bargaining ReportJuly 22, 2024 Public Officials Should Use Their Bully Pulpit To Support Worker Organizing and Bargaining Pro-worker policymakers should use public and private rhetoric to support organizing campaigns and ensure government spending creates high-quality union jobs. Jul 22, 2024 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter, Sachin Shiva
Op-ed: Airport service workers demand better support in the workplace. It’s time we listen In the NewsJuly 1, 2024 Op-ed: Airport service workers demand better support in the workplace. It’s time we listen Karla Walter published an op-ed in Crain’s New York Business arguing for why airport service workers under the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey deserve better workplace standards. Jul 1, 2024 Crain's New York Business Karla Walter
Raquel Willis on Juneteenth, Pride, and Collective Liberation PodcastJune 20, 2024 Raquel Willis on Juneteenth, Pride, and Collective Liberation Activist and journalist Raquel Willis discusses intersectional activism and MAGA attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jun 20, 2024 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Kelly McCoy, 7 More Erin Phillips, Mishka Espey, Muggs Leone, Hai-Lam Phan, Matthew Gossage, Olivia Mowry, Toni Pandolfo
Project 2025 Would Undo the NLRB’s Progress on Protecting Workers’ Right To Organize ArticleJune 20, 2024 Project 2025 Would Undo the NLRB’s Progress on Protecting Workers’ Right To Organize Workers are winning a greater percentage of NLRB-overseen union elections than at any point in the past 15 years as Biden administration appointees help protect workers' right to organize—but a conservative policy plan offers a blueprint for eroding the NLRB's ability to protect organizing workers. Jun 20, 2024 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
Investing in infrastructure helps everybody Personal StoryMay 22, 2024 Investing in infrastructure helps everybody Cristian Cespedes, a union member from Las Vegas, shares how federal infrastructure investments and regulations help create jobs and drive up wages for both union and nonunion workers alike. May 22, 2024 The Las Vegas Sun News Cristian Cespedes
Opinion: Wisconsin’s workforce is experiencing a rebirth that will ensure a brighter future Personal StoryMay 16, 2024 Opinion: Wisconsin’s workforce is experiencing a rebirth that will ensure a brighter future Bridget Glover, a union worker from Wisconsin, shares how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is creating sustainable career opportunities and opening doors for new workers in the trades. May 16, 2024 UpNorthNews Bridget Glover
Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs ReportMay 16, 2024 Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs Collective bargaining is a powerful tool workers can use to ensure artificial intelligence and algorithmic technology improve their jobs instead of make working conditions worse, and workers have won several recent contracts that give them power over how AI will affect their working lives. May 16, 2024 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
A Closer Look at How Unions Change Workers’ Lives for the Better In the NewsMay 15, 2024 A Closer Look at How Unions Change Workers’ Lives for the Better Aurelia Glass explains in InsideSources why the nation's broken labor laws must be addressed amid the increasing popularity and diversification of workers’ unions in America. May 15, 2024 InsideSources Aurelia Glass
Your view: Why 2024 is such a critical year for Pennsylvania workers Personal StoryMay 2, 2024 Your view: Why 2024 is such a critical year for Pennsylvania workers Buddy Maxwell, an organizer for the United Auto Workers union, writes about the importance of holding elected officials accountable for passing policies that support working people. May 2, 2024 The Morning Call Buddy Maxwell
8 Ways the Biden Administration Is Improving the Lives of Service Workers ArticleApril 9, 2024 8 Ways the Biden Administration Is Improving the Lives of Service Workers The Biden administration is raising pay, building power, and improving living standards for service workers across the economy—including fast-food cooks, call center workers, teachers, home care workers, and federal employees. Apr 9, 2024 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter
It’s time for local policymakers to cement the Biden administration’s workforce gains In the NewsMarch 25, 2024 It’s time for local policymakers to cement the Biden administration’s workforce gains Karla Walter writes in Route Fifty about the need for policymakers to build on the Biden administration’s historic federal infrastructure investments, arguing that one of the best ways to cement these workforce gains is for local jurisdictions to strengthen their job quality standards. Mar 25, 2024 Route Fifty Karla Walter
Unions Continue To Build Wealth for All Americans ArticleMarch 20, 2024 Unions Continue To Build Wealth for All Americans New data show unions increase wealth across education levels and close racial wealth gaps. Mar 20, 2024 the Center for American Progress David Madland, Christian E. Weller, Sachin Shiva
UAW’s David Green on Championing Labor PodcastMarch 1, 2024 UAW’s David Green on Championing Labor United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 2B Director David Green joins the show to talk about the Trump and Biden administrations' approaches to labor. Mar 1, 2024 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Kelly McCoy, 3 More Erin Phillips, Mishka Espey, Muggs Leone
President Biden Should Veto Anti-Worker Lawmakers’ Attack on Union Rights ArticleFebruary 8, 2024 President Biden Should Veto Anti-Worker Lawmakers’ Attack on Union Rights The Biden administration is fighting to protect fast food and outsourced workers’ right to come together in unions—and shouldn’t let anti-worker lawmakers undermine these efforts. Feb 8, 2024 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter
Government on Workers’ Side ReportJanuary 31, 2024 Government on Workers’ Side State and local policymakers can raise standards for workers and the public through prevailing wages, project labor agreements, and several other best practices. Jan 31, 2024 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter
Melinda Maerker on ‘We Live Here’ and LGBTQI+ Equality PodcastJanuary 18, 2024 Melinda Maerker on ‘We Live Here’ and LGBTQI+ Equality This week on “The Tent,” Melinda Maerker joins to discuss her new documentary, “We Live Here: The Midwest.” Jan 18, 2024 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Erin Phillips, 3 More Kelly McCoy, Mishka Espey, Devon Ombres
What It Will Take To Increase Union Membership and Collective Bargaining Coverage ArticleJanuary 17, 2024 What It Will Take To Increase Union Membership and Collective Bargaining Coverage Continued worker action and major policy reforms are needed for union membership and collective bargaining to significantly increase. Jan 17, 2024 the Center for American Progress David Madland
8 Ways the Biden Administration Has Fought for Working People by Strengthening Unions ArticleDecember 19, 2023 8 Ways the Biden Administration Has Fought for Working People by Strengthening Unions At a time when Americans are at their most pro-union, President Joe Biden and his administration are using all the levers of government to support working people and unions. Dec 19, 2023 Karla Walter, David Madland
How Labor Unions Help Reduce the Pay Gap for Disabled Workers ArticleDecember 6, 2023 How Labor Unions Help Reduce the Pay Gap for Disabled Workers Disabled workers are underpaid, but union membership helps ensure they earn the same wages as their nondisabled peers. Dec 6, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
Workers Want Unions: How States Have Strengthened Worker Power in 2023 ArticleNovember 1, 2023 Workers Want Unions: How States Have Strengthened Worker Power in 2023 States are taking action to strengthen workers’ ability to unionize and collectively bargain as well as raise job standards. Nov 1, 2023 the Center for American Progress Isabela Salas-Betsch, Karla Walter
Point: Strong Prevailing Wage Standards Help Grow the Economy In the NewsOctober 19, 2023 Point: Strong Prevailing Wage Standards Help Grow the Economy In an InsideSources op-ed, Karla Walter argues why the Biden administration’s support of prevailing wage standards will help grow the middle class. Oct 19, 2023 InsideSources Karla Walter
CAP Action’s Mike Williams on the UAW Strike and the Labor Movement PodcastSeptember 21, 2023 CAP Action’s Mike Williams on the UAW Strike and the Labor Movement Mike Williams, senior fellow at CAP Action, talks about the UAW strike and the current labor movement. Sep 21, 2023 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Erin Phillips, 3 More Kelly McCoy, Sam Signorelli, Mike Williams
5 Reasons Automakers Must Provide Good Jobs and Lower Vehicle Emissions ArticleSeptember 12, 2023 5 Reasons Automakers Must Provide Good Jobs and Lower Vehicle Emissions In the face of demands for better jobs and stronger health protections, some automakers claim they can’t improve job quality and lower vehicle emissions—but they have the resources to support middle-class-led economic growth and clean up their vehicle fleets. Sep 12, 2023 the Center for American Progress Leo Banks, Karla Walter, Anona Neal
Momentum for Worker Standards Boards Continues To Grow ArticleSeptember 7, 2023 Momentum for Worker Standards Boards Continues To Grow Since 2018, six states and three local governments have enacted laws that bring workers and employers together to recommend standards for sectors of the economy. Sep 7, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, David Madland
Sara Nelson on Why ‘Every Day Should Be Labor Day’ PodcastSeptember 5, 2023 Sara Nelson on Why ‘Every Day Should Be Labor Day’ International President of the Association of Flight Attendants Sara Nelson joins "The Tent" to discuss what aviation workers are fighting for and the labor movement. Sep 5, 2023 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Erin Phillips, 2 More Kelly McCoy, Sam Signorelli
What You Need To Know About Gen Z’s Support for Unions ArticleAugust 9, 2023 What You Need To Know About Gen Z’s Support for Unions Gen Zers are eager to organize and are winning union gains for themselves at workplaces nationwide. Aug 9, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
How Project Labor Agreements and Community Workforce Agreements Are Good for the Biden Administration’s Investment Agenda ReportJuly 21, 2023 How Project Labor Agreements and Community Workforce Agreements Are Good for the Biden Administration’s Investment Agenda Project labor agreements and community workforce agreements are time-tested tools that can support good value and good jobs on projects funded by the new federal economic investments. Jul 21, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, Karla Walter
How Unions Are Crucial for Building Working-Class Economic Power ArticleJune 21, 2023 How Unions Are Crucial for Building Working-Class Economic Power Union membership allows workers without four-year college degrees to earn more and achieve financial security for their families and children. Jun 21, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, David Madland
4 Job Quality Questions All Applicants for New Federal Funds Should Answer ReportJune 20, 2023 4 Job Quality Questions All Applicants for New Federal Funds Should Answer States, cities, and private sector applicants can improve their chances of winning new federal support through the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS and Science Act by demonstrating that their proposals will create good jobs for working people from all walks of life. Jun 20, 2023 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter
Minnesota is transforming its nursing home industry with a model that empowers workers In the NewsJune 15, 2023 Minnesota is transforming its nursing home industry with a model that empowers workers David Madland explains how the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act can improve the nursing home industry by setting minimum workplace standards for the sector. Jun 15, 2023 Minnesota Reformer David Madland
Opinion: Hollywood writers’ strike is about more than money. It’s also about having power over AI. In the NewsJune 14, 2023 Opinion: Hollywood writers’ strike is about more than money. It’s also about having power over AI. David Madland explains why workers need strong tools to bargain with employers over disruptive technology. Jun 14, 2023 MarketWatch David Madland
Arlene Gibbs on the Writers Guild of America Strike and What It Means for American Workers PodcastJune 1, 2023 Arlene Gibbs on the Writers Guild of America Strike and What It Means for American Workers Daniella’s sister, screenwriter and decorator Arlene Gibbs, joins the podcast to discuss the Writers Guild of America strike, trends in screenwriters’ pay and working conditions, and what other industries can learn from these negotiations. Jun 1, 2023 Daniella Gibbs Léger, Colin Seeberger, Erin Phillips, 2 More Kelly McCoy, Sam Signorelli
Beware Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ anti-worker agenda In the NewsApril 18, 2023 Beware Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ anti-worker agenda In a new op-ed, David Madland breaks down why Gov. DeSantis’ anti-worker agenda shouldn’t go unnoticed. Apr 18, 2023 The Pennsylvania Capitol-Star
What Policymakers Need To Know About Today’s Working Class ReportApril 6, 2023 What Policymakers Need To Know About Today’s Working Class The working class works primarily in service-sector jobs and is more racially and ethnically diverse than ever. Apr 6, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
How States and Unions Can Partner To Build the Public Sector Workforce ReportMarch 23, 2023 How States and Unions Can Partner To Build the Public Sector Workforce Partnering with unions to train public sector workers helps states uphold high-quality standards; connect with and recruit from local communities; and address the nation’s public sector hiring challenges. Mar 23, 2023 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter
5 Policy Priorities for the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization ArticleMarch 20, 2023 5 Policy Priorities for the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization The reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration programs should provide dedicated funding for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes and airports, an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge, and decent wages and benefits for airport service workers. Mar 20, 2023 the Center for American Progress Kevin DeGood, Karla Walter
Airport Service Workers Deserve Good Jobs ReportMarch 7, 2023 Airport Service Workers Deserve Good Jobs Raising pay and benefits for workers in federally supported airports will stabilize the air industry. Mar 7, 2023 the Center for American Progress Karla Walter, Aurelia Glass
How To Support Good Jobs and Workforce Equity on Federal Infrastructure Projects ReportMarch 6, 2023 How To Support Good Jobs and Workforce Equity on Federal Infrastructure Projects As funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act flow through federal and state project owners, agencies must build long-lasting capacity to provide equitable access to high-quality jobs. Mar 6, 2023 the Center for American Progress Marina Zhavoronkova, Karla Walter
How historic infrastructure investments can benefit women workers In the NewsFebruary 21, 2023 How historic infrastructure investments can benefit women workers Karla Walter partnered with Sharita Gruberg to break down the potential long-lasting benefits for women in manufacturing due to President Joe Biden’s historic economic legislation. Feb 21, 2023 The Hill Sharita Gruberg, Karla Walter
Historic New EU Law Part of Growing Push for Sectoral Bargaining In the NewsJanuary 19, 2023 Historic New EU Law Part of Growing Push for Sectoral Bargaining David Madland explains how the European Union’s new law aims to improve working conditions by increasing minimum wages and dramatically increasing collective bargaining. Jan 19, 2023 OnLabor David Madland
Voluntary Recognition of Unions Is Increasingly Popular Among U.S. Employers ArticleJanuary 18, 2023 Voluntary Recognition of Unions Is Increasingly Popular Among U.S. Employers From minor league baseball to Microsoft, businesses in a range of industries are respecting their workers' right to come together in unions. Jan 18, 2023 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
New Zealand’s New Sectoral Bargaining Law Holds Lessons for the United States In the NewsDecember 22, 2022 New Zealand’s New Sectoral Bargaining Law Holds Lessons for the United States David Madland argues that the United States should take note of New Zealand’s new labor reform law. Dec 22, 2022 OnLabor David Madland
The NLRB Protects Workers’ Rights To Organize, Yet Remains Underfunded ReportDecember 5, 2022 The NLRB Protects Workers’ Rights To Organize, Yet Remains Underfunded Under the Biden administration, the National Labor Relations Board is striving to protect workers' right to form a union and collectively bargain, but the agency remains underfunded and understaffed. Dec 5, 2022 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
Lessons From New Zealand’s New Sectoral Bargaining Law ReportNovember 29, 2022 Lessons From New Zealand’s New Sectoral Bargaining Law Unions and policymakers in New Zealand are seeking a solution to address stagnant wages, rising economic inequality, and low productivity after the failures of worksite-only bargaining—and the United States can learn from their efforts. Nov 29, 2022 the Center for American Progress David Madland
How Biden’s American-Style Industrial Policy Will Create Quality Jobs ArticleOctober 27, 2022 How Biden’s American-Style Industrial Policy Will Create Quality Jobs The Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are key pillars of a transformative industrial policy platform. Oct 27, 2022 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass, Karla Walter
The Closing Gender, Education, and Ideological Divides Behind Gen Z’s Union Movement ReportOctober 5, 2022 The Closing Gender, Education, and Ideological Divides Behind Gen Z’s Union Movement Unions have narrowed class and ideological divides to make Generation Z America's most pro-union generation. Oct 5, 2022 the Center for American Progress Aurelia Glass
Worker Rights Are Getting a Major Shake Up In the NewsSeptember 8, 2022 Worker Rights Are Getting a Major Shake Up David Madland discusses California's FAST Recovery Act, which gives the state's fast-food workers a seat at the negotiating table to help set industrywide standards. Sep 8, 2022 Route Fifty David Madland
Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice IssueNovember 1, 2021 Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Restoring Social Trust in Democracy IssueNovember 1, 2021 Restoring Social Trust in Democracy Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.
Building an Economy for All IssueNovember 1, 2021 Building an Economy for All Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.