Michelle Chen

Contributing Writer

@meeshellchen

Michelle Chen is a contributing writer for The Nation.

home health aide Maria Fernandez, left, pours cereal for Herminia Vega, 83.

Why We Need to Take Care of the Workers Behind Home Health Care Why We Need to Take Care of the Workers Behind Home Health Care

Turnover in the home-based health-care industry is as high as 60 percent. We need to change that.

Oct 19, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Workers protest outside a B&H store in New York.

Workers Fight Back Against Racism, Wage Theft, Toxic Hazards, and Chronic Overwork at Brooklyn B&H Warehouse Workers Fight Back Against Racism, Wage Theft, Toxic Hazards, and Chronic Overwork at Brooklyn B&H Warehouse

The vintage retailer’s mom-and-pop branding doesn’t immunize it from the structural bias and exploitation pervading low-wage logistics work.

Oct 16, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Car wash workers and allies protest in Brooklyn in 2014.

The Unionization Tool Management Will Never Expect The Unionization Tool Management Will Never Expect

Members-only unions might not be as strong as regular unions, but they’re a lot easier to create in a hostile labor environment.

Oct 14, 2015 / Michelle Chen

The Secret Weapon for Cutting Costs at Chinese Factories? Interns

The Secret Weapon for Cutting Costs at Chinese Factories? Interns The Secret Weapon for Cutting Costs at Chinese Factories? Interns

And you thought American interns had it rough…

Oct 12, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Commuters on the DC Metro.

Is DC About to Pass the Best Sick Leave in the Country? Is DC About to Pass the Best Sick Leave in the Country?

A new proposal in the DC City Council would boost the district’s paid medical leave up to 16 weeks.

Oct 9, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Grace Lee Boggs Was a True Radical

Grace Lee Boggs Was a True Radical Grace Lee Boggs Was a True Radical

The philosopher and activist knew there is still much work to be done to make life on this planet just.

Oct 7, 2015 / Michelle Chen

A farm worker picks avocados from Hoja Redonda plantation in Chincha, Peru, September 3, 2015.

Why the TPP Won’t Work for Workers Why the TPP Won’t Work for Workers

The trade deal’s soft stance on labor protections is what makes it so attractive to both business and governments.

Oct 7, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Journalists in the newsroom at Al Jazeera America.

This Is What It Takes to Unionize a Newsroom This Is What It Takes to Unionize a Newsroom

On Tuesday, we’ll find out if Al Jazeera America’s digital editorial staff will become the latest new media workers to unionize.

Oct 5, 2015 / Michelle Chen

These Guestworkers Just Won $20 Million Back From the Company That Trafficked Them

These Guestworkers Just Won $20 Million Back From the Company That Trafficked Them These Guestworkers Just Won $20 Million Back From the Company That Trafficked Them

An unprecedented win highlights just how exploitative this country’s guestworker program really is.

Oct 2, 2015 / Michelle Chen

Can Community Land Trusts Solve Baltimore’s Homelessness Problem?

Can Community Land Trusts Solve Baltimore’s Homelessness Problem? Can Community Land Trusts Solve Baltimore’s Homelessness Problem?

Vast numbers of Baltimore’s buildings are uninhabited. Could a new model of ownership put them in the hands of communities?

Oct 2, 2015 / Michelle Chen

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