Friday, November 27, 2020

Organizing Workers

Ellen David Friedman tells David Foote that Marx helps a labor organizer focus on reality. The nature of work is changing worldwide. A workforce constantly switching jobs presents a challenge for organizing. Both Ellen and David are involved with the new Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee. Recorded September 2, 2020.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Teachers Organize

David Foote interviews lifelong labor organizer Ellen David Friedman focusing on teachers’ struggles. A decade ago in Chicago the teachers’ union, led by the rank and file caucus, instead of just bargaining about salaries and working conditions turned to addressing social justice issues as well. The movement has spread around the country. In New York City the rank and file caucus has led the drive to keep schools closed while COVID-19 presents a danger to teachers, staff and pupils and their families alike. Ellen has also been working with workers locally, who are trying to organize in many sectors. Recorded September 2, 2020.