Michelle Chen

Contributing Writer

@meeshellchen

Michelle Chen is a contributing writer for The Nation.

Paul Ryan’s Welfare Reform Ideas Are Even Worse Than You Think

Paul Ryan’s Welfare Reform Ideas Are Even Worse Than You Think Paul Ryan’s Welfare Reform Ideas Are Even Worse Than You Think

Ryan is asking the poor to be more flexible in being oppressed.

Aug 15, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Is New York City Partnering With ICE to Rip Apart Immigrant Communities?

Is New York City Partnering With ICE to Rip Apart Immigrant Communities? Is New York City Partnering With ICE to Rip Apart Immigrant Communities?

According to a new report, the city’s collusion with immigration authorities has led to the unjust detention and deportation of noncitizens. 

Aug 13, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Could Stronger Unions Make China More Democratic?

Could Stronger Unions Make China More Democratic? Could Stronger Unions Make China More Democratic?

Chinese labor activist Han Dongfang thinks that democracy begins in the workplace.

Aug 11, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Why Are Black Workers Relegated to the Lowest-Paying Jobs at Baltimore’s Airport?

Why Are Black Workers Relegated to the Lowest-Paying Jobs at Baltimore’s Airport? Why Are Black Workers Relegated to the Lowest-Paying Jobs at Baltimore’s Airport?

Black workers at Thurgood Marshall Airport are concentrated in the lowest-paying and lowest-status jobs, earning as little as $8.50 per hour. 

Aug 8, 2014 / Michelle Chen

How the Deaths of 75 Workers at a Chinese Factory Could Have Been ‘Easily Prevented’

How the Deaths of 75 Workers at a Chinese Factory Could Have Been ‘Easily Prevented’ How the Deaths of 75 Workers at a Chinese Factory Could Have Been ‘Easily Prevented’

The massive explosion at a subcontracted auto parts supplier was preceded by a slew of blatant safety lapses.

Aug 6, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Why Waiting Your Turn in Line Doesn’t Make Sense for Desperate Immigrant Families

Why Waiting Your Turn in Line Doesn’t Make Sense for Desperate Immigrant Families Why Waiting Your Turn in Line Doesn’t Make Sense for Desperate Immigrant Families

This magical, invisible line encapsulates an enduring myth of immigration policy—the idea that if you play by the rules and make an honest case for yourself and your patience...

Aug 4, 2014 / Michelle Chen

This Ruling Just Gave Workers a Big Boost in Their Fight Against McDonald’s

This Ruling Just Gave Workers a Big Boost in Their Fight Against McDonald’s This Ruling Just Gave Workers a Big Boost in Their Fight Against McDonald’s

The fast-food giant must now admit that it’s responsible for the people it employs.

Aug 1, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Nearly 1 in 3 Restaurant Workers Suffers From Food Insecurity

Nearly 1 in 3 Restaurant Workers Suffers From Food Insecurity Nearly 1 in 3 Restaurant Workers Suffers From Food Insecurity

“It’s sad that when you work in a restaurant, most of the servers are starving.”

Jul 30, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Why Are Postal Workers Boycotting Staples?

Why Are Postal Workers Boycotting Staples? Why Are Postal Workers Boycotting Staples?

Staples is at the center of a highly controversial “public-private partnership” deal to turn its counters into quasi-post offices.

Jul 28, 2014 / Michelle Chen

Poor Parents Need Work-Life Balance Too

Poor Parents Need Work-Life Balance Too Poor Parents Need Work-Life Balance Too

A new bill could ease the tightrope that many low-wage workers walk.

Jul 25, 2014 / Michelle Chen

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