"She knew who the leaders were."

October 19, 2023 3:56 PM

How Jane McAlevey Transformed the Labor Movement Jane McAlevey has spent her career helping workers win big. Her books have been an inspiration to a new generation of workers seeking to organize, like the Amazon Workers Union, and existing unions like United Teachers Los Angeles. Now, "the renowned organizer and theorist has a terminal-cancer diagnosis. But she has long been fighting the clock." (archive link)

McAlevey elsewhere, though not comprehensive at all:

Previously, also in the New Yorker, "Jane McAlevey's Vision for the Future of the American Labor." (2020)

"What's at Stake in the UAW Strike," in the Nation. (2023)

"Workers ‘can still win really big.’ How labor can demand more," in the LA Times. (2023)

"Winning Is Only the Start," from In These Times. (2023)

Interviewed on the Ezra Klein podcast (2020)

Interviewed in the Current Affairs podcast. (2019)

"Having the Hard Conversations: Jane McAlevey on Fight for 15, labor's crisis of strategy, and the difference between organizing and mobilizing," in Jacobin. (2015)

There's an archive of several articles and interviews at Jacobin. And, of course, her books. Oh, and a few related MF previouslies where she is referenced.

posted by kensington314 (8 comments total)

Without having much to articulate clearly, organizing is very hard work, and those who do it well are a rare breed. Jane is a rare individual that meets the moment, and her body of work is crucial for anyone in organizing and trying to empower communities. 'No Shortcuts' is a fantastic read, and so important for anyone who may feel powerless in the current moment.
posted by koalaman at 4:53 PM on October 19, 2023 [5 favorites]

I don't think I'd ever heard her name before, and I'm really looking forward to learning all I can from this excellent collection of links.

I'm so encouraged by all the recent successes by and for so many hardworking workers.

Thank you so much for posting this, kensington314!
posted by kristi at 5:33 PM on October 19, 2023 [3 favorites]

Her books "A Collective Bargain" and "No Shortcuts" may have changed the course of my life.
posted by tofu_crouton at 6:15 AM on October 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

You can still watch her teach in some recorded workshops, and she has a number of shorter, punchier videos like You voted to form a union, Now what?. More here.
posted by latkes at 8:20 AM on October 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Yeah and on a personal level she also personally transformed my life. Thanks for posting.
posted by latkes at 8:21 AM on October 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Heard her interviewed on local media last year. Inspired is an understatement
posted by goalyeehah at 11:54 AM on October 20, 2023 [1 favorite]

I learned from a comrade that she's actively co-teaching an online training right now. Truly committed to using every moment she has. <3
posted by latkes at 8:27 AM on October 22, 2023 [1 favorite]

I just came across this. I am currently reading No Shortcuts and the the way she describes ineffective unions describes my union perfectly. I live in Vancouver and work at a massive government run warehouse and my union is the lethargic BCGEU run by self interested careerists.

Also, shocking news about her health and I wish her the very best with what time she has left.

Thank you so much for this post.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 2:07 AM on October 23, 2023 [1 favorite]