Author: Ken Green

Cannabis workers are turning to unions to help them gain those health and safety protections as well as win better wages and benefits. While there have been some successes, the industry overall has been slow to unionize. 

In terms of labor, President Biden’s tenure has been a roller coaster. His administration has hit some highs, like expanding penalties for companies that illegally fire unionizing workers and assigning labor advisors to supervise federal contractors. It’s also had some significant lows, including forcing railroad workers to accept a subpar contract and weakening workers’ right to strike.

Unions and workers, beware. Employers have a new tool at their disposal in their union busting campaigns — artificial intelligence. Anti-labor organizations are finding ways to harness the technology to profile, spy on, and retaliate against union sympathizers and workers who attempt to form a union. 

It’s been a busy fall for the DOL in its efforts to support workers and strengthen union power. These four initiatives demonstrate that commitment.

Thousands of workers across the country have taken to the picket lines this summer and early fall to vent their frustrations and demand better from employers. The organizing victories and high-profile strikes over the last few years have shown them the power of standing in solidarity and the possibilities for change if they stand up for themselves, and they are embracing their voice. 

Construction workers are safer at work than ever before, but are still not as protected as they should be. Unions can help obtain better workplace protection.

UPS workers won significant concessions in their newly-ratified contract after threatening to strike if a deal couldn’t be reached before the deadline.

Workers continued to win union elections in the summer of 2023, demonstrating their determination to exercise their rights to organize and collectively bargain.