Labor
Carolyn Fath Ashby
Labor dispute
Negotiations with newly unionized workforce at the Willy Street Co-op is turning contentious. The union is ramping up pressure against the co-op’s management, and does not rule out the possibility of a strike. Read more
Biology was destiny
Jan Silvers has at least one thing in common with Sen. Elizabeth Warren: both lost their teaching jobs in 1971 for being pregnant. Silvers case led to a lawsuit that eventually won women the right to maternity leave. Read more
Can unions save democracy?
Union organizer turned author Jane McAlevey lays out a strong case for how organized labor can save democracy in her forthcoming book, “A Collective Bargain: Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy.” Read more
Carolyn Fath Ashby
“Corporatization” rejected
The Willy Street Co-op becomes one of the largest workforces to unionize in the country this year. It was the second attempt to unionize in five years. Read more
Carolyn Fath Ashby
Willy Street Co-op workers vote to unionize
It was attempted before but this time it stuck. Willy Street Co-op workers vote to unionize. Read more
Kori Feener
“Driver’s licenses for all”
An estimated 10,000 people rallied at the Capitol in support of budget proposals from Gov. Tony Evers: granting driver’s licenses to non-citizens and providing in-state tuition to undocumented students who graduate from Wisconsin high schools. Read more
George Petrovich
Standing tall
Randy Bryce inspired people across the country with his spirited blue collar campaign for Paul Ryan’s seat. Although the effort fell short, he and his supporters vow: “We’re just getting started.” Read more
Emilie Heidemann
Capitalism for the common good
Mark and Perri Barnes worried about what would happen to their company after they retired. But then they found the perfect buyer. Read more
It ain't over till it's over
In May, the Supreme Court rejected a class action suit brought by Epic workers, effectively limiting the collective bargaining rights of 60 million workers. But the case — now back in district court — is far from dead. Read more
Gratuity included
The new cafe and music venue coming to the old Sons of Norway Lodge could become the first restaurant in Madison to do away with tipping. Read more
David Michael Miller
Unionize Epic
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in Epic Systems’ favor, upholding arbitration policies that forbid employees from banding together in class-action lawsuits. The ruling makes it clear that Epic workers need to organize. Read more
David Michael Miller
Staff at The Onion vote to unionize
Seeking to preserve worker protections in an increasingly volatile digital media industry, workers at The Onion on Thursday announced plans to unionize under the Writers Guild of America, East. Read more
David Michael Miller
The surprising survival of WEAC
WEAC has lost more than half of its dues-paying members, and lost clout in its elections. But teachers still value its union and it is far from dead. Read more
Dylan Brogan
Solidarity forever
There are half as many union workers in Madison as there were a decade ago. But support for organized labor hasn’t waned among local elected officials. Read more
Dylan Brogan
Gravedigger says he was fired for blowing whistle
Reymond Blazys says he was terminated for reporting that his co-workers were drunk on the job at Roselawn Memorial Park. In one alleged incident, a concrete grave box and casket were cracked open by a backhoe, exposing a corpse. Read more
Corporate dragon-slayer
Matt Rothschild remembers Ed Garvey, who died last week at 76, as a witty, energetic firebrand who took on powerful interests — and often won. Read more
Todd Hubler
So long, safety net
In the past few years, Wisconsin has made it harder to receive unemployment benefits and is aggressively going after workers who make honest mistakes when filing. Is the state trying to eliminate unemployment benefits? Read more
David Michael Miller
Not dead yet
Wisconsin’s overhauled civil service system went into effect July 1, ending a more than 100-year-old system. Union activists say less government transparency will result, but they aren’t giving up the fight. Read more
The lie that won’t die
The “raw” wage gap ratio between men and women is about 77 cents to the dollar. But that is an aggregate statistic, comparing all female full-time workers to all male full-time workers. It does not even account for variations in profession. Read more
Daniella Echeverria
A burger, with a side of benefits
The 2016 edition of “Just Dining” guide to Madison restaurant employment standards is released. The guide’s range expands this year with restaurants on Atwood Avenue and Monroe Street added. Read more
