Features related to workers rights

President Barack Obama fist-bumps AbilityOne custodian, Lawrence Lipscomb, in a federal office building following the opening session of the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth. Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza. (PRNewsFoto/AbilityOne, Pete Souza)
The Biggest Creator of Low-Wage Jobs? Uncle Sam
May 9, 2013 | News & Notes

A new Demos study estimates that American taxpayers fund nearly 2 million private-sector jobs that pay workers less than $24,000 a year ($12 an hour or less). That’s more low-wage jobs than Walmart and McDonald’s combined. Continue reading

In this photo taken Oct. 18, 2011, Andrew McLeod, a student from the Colors Hospitality Opportunities Workers (CHOW) Institute, pours a lemon-caper sauce on a plate of monk fish and carrots as he works in the kitchen learning culinary arts skills at Colors Restaurant in New York. The restaurant-cooperative was founded by workers from the Windows of the World Restaurant, located in the World Trade Center, who survived the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Speak Up Every Time You Dine Out
February 23, 2013

Help waiters and kitchen staff in restaurants get the paychecks, health care and sick days they deserve, but often don’t receive. Continue reading

SaruMegaphone_SG2
Saru Jayaraman on Justice for Restaurant Workers
February 22, 2013

Activist Saru Jayaraman marches with restaurant workers struggling to make ends meet, and talks about how we can best support their right to a fair wage. Continue reading

In this photo taken Oct. 18, 2011, Andrew McLeod, a student from the Colors Hospitality Opportunities Workers (CHOW) Institute, pours a lemon-caper sauce on a plate of monk fish and carrots as he works in the kitchen learning culinary arts skills at Colors Restaurant in New York. The restaurant-cooperative was founded by workers from the Windows of the World Restaurant, located in the World Trade Center, who survived the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
“Behind the Kitchen Door” Author Encourages Diners to Speak Out
February 20, 2013 | Take Action

Activist and author Saru Jayaraman urges Americans to support better pay and working conditions for waiters and kitchen staff in restaurants. Continue reading

Students line up to be served lunch at the Thatcher Brook Elementary School in Waterbury, Vt. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
This Week in Poverty: An Antipoverty Contract for 2013?
January 20, 2013 | Perspectives
Could committing to a contract grow and unify the moment against poverty?
Right To Work Michigan
How Michigan’s Right-To-Work Law Came to Be
December 11, 2012 | Money & Politics

Governor Snyder’s surprise announcement that he would sign the controversial bill into law is a blow to unions in the labor movement’s birthplace. Continue reading

About 100 immigrant janitors marched through downtown Houston to protest a local cleaning company accused of withholding paychecks from its employees and not paying them for all hours they worked. The march took place after a federal lawsuit was filed against Houston-based Professional Janitorial Service. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
What is a Living Wage?
August 24, 2012 | Q&A

Economist Robert Pollin explains why it’s important not to sacrifice the welfare of workers in tough economic times. Continue reading

Farmworkers pick tomatoes at Taylor & Fulton Tomatoes in Immokalee, Fla. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
Improve Wages and Working Conditions for Farmworkers
July 20, 2012
Farmworkers are among the lowest paid workers in America. In Immokalee, where most of the country’s winter tomatoes are grown, this backbreaking work is done mostly by immigrants with few rights.
Supporters attending a labor rally hold signs supporting rights to unionize at United Steelworkers union headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Join the Conversation: Are Labor Unions Still Relevant?
July 9, 2012 | Take Action
We asked Moyers & Company fans to share their thoughts about labor unions. They had a lot to say. Join the conversation!
The lobbyists Credit: Freelancers Union
Organizing Workers in the Freelance Economy
July 6, 2012 | Q&A
Freelancers Union founder Sara Horowitz talks about a new model for organizing workers and what it means for organized labor in general.