Jane McAlevey

Columnist

@rsgexp

Jane McAlevey was a UAW member, a columnist for The Nation, and the magazine’s strikes correspondent from 2019 to 2023. Her books include A Collective Bargain: Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy and Rules to Win By: Power and Participation in Union Negotiations, cowritten with Abby Lawlor.

UAW Mercedes

Learning the Right Lessons From the UAW Loss in Alabama Learning the Right Lessons From the UAW Loss in Alabama

Mercedes put on an “A-level boss fight.”  Which was only to be expected. So how can the union win next time?

May 21, 2024 / Jane McAlevey

Members of the GMB union who work at Amazon picket outside the online retailer's site in Coventry.

Enjoy Labor’s Tailwinds—but Don’t Forget to Keep Rowing! Enjoy Labor’s Tailwinds—but Don’t Forget to Keep Rowing!

The recent upsurge in organizing is worth celebrating, but workers can’t afford to rest.

Feb 19, 2024 / Column / Jane McAlevey

Members of the United Auto Workers Local 230 walk the picket line in front of the Chrysler Corporate Parts Division in Ontario, California, on September 26.

What’s at Stake in the UAW Strike What’s at Stake in the UAW Strike

With so much riding on the outcome, it's time for labor and its supporters—from the White House to the grass roots—to play for keeps.

Sep 28, 2023 / Jane McAlevey for The Nation

Jennifer Abruzzo in Washington, D.C.

The NLRB’s Recent Decisions Are Good News for Workers The NLRB’s Recent Decisions Are Good News for Workers

But while both are worth celebrating, there are still no shortcuts to the hard organizing work needed to win life-changing contracts.

Sep 4, 2023 / Jane McAlevey

UPS workers and Teamsters members practice picket, hold signs

The Teamsters’ Proposed Agreement With UPS Is a Great Victory by and for the Workers The Teamsters’ Proposed Agreement With UPS Is a Great Victory by and for the Workers

But the working class needs much more. And these moments when workers have huge strategic power in a tight labor market are fleeting.

Jul 28, 2023 / Jane McAlevey

Sean O'Brien at a Bernie Sanders ralley

Contract Talks by Teamsters and the UAW Have the Potential to Change Our Politics Contract Talks by Teamsters and the UAW Have the Potential to Change Our Politics

Upcoming negotiations by these two unions could swing the 2024 election—and help rebuild democracy.

Jun 27, 2023 / Column / Jane McAlevey

United States Supreme Court justices

How Should Workers Respond to the Supreme Court’s Ruling in “Glacier Northwest”? How Should Workers Respond to the Supreme Court’s Ruling in “Glacier Northwest”?

The court’s ruling could have been much worse—and soon will be. Workers and unions need to be prepared.

Jun 1, 2023 / Jane McAlevey

WGA strikers on the picket line

These Unions Are on the Front Lines Fighting Against the Uberization of Us All These Unions Are on the Front Lines Fighting Against the Uberization of Us All

Some long established unions are challenging Silicon Valley’s agenda by pushing back on AI, surveillance, and wage theft.

May 12, 2023 / Column / Jane McAlevey

Triumphant ATU members with their signed petition

How Open Bargaining—and Not Letting Management Set the Ground Rules—Led to a Union Victory How Open Bargaining—and Not Letting Management Set the Ground Rules—Led to a Union Victory

In 2017, Kentucky became the most recent “right-to-work” state in the US. Which makes the recent victory by the Amalgamated Transit Union all the more significant.

Apr 19, 2023 / Column / Jane McAlevey

Getting to Contract: Negotiating and Winning Against the Odds

Getting to Contract: Negotiating and Winning Against the Odds Getting to Contract: Negotiating and Winning Against the Odds

Workers learn governing power through high-participation negotiations. That’s also how they can get employers to the table.

Mar 4, 2023 / Column / Jane McAlevey

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