The hottest Labor Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Watch me Speak at the Workers Strike Back Conference LIVE Now!

The Chris Hedges Report • 147 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Political parties Government Policy Social movements Economic Inequality
  1. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the interests of the rich, not working people. We need to stand up for workers' rights against both parties.
  2. Major billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg are harming workers and are anti-union. Their actions show they don’t care about the rights of everyday people.
  3. It's crucial to create a new working-class movement that is independent of the current political parties. This movement should aim for better healthcare, housing, and an end to military funding.

Only Socialism Can Fix This (Gestures to The American Hellscape)

JoeWrote • 139 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Economic Policy Labor Rights Socialism Capitalism
  1. America needs more than just minor repairs; it needs a complete rethink of how power and wealth are distributed. Simple fixes won't stop the rise of aggressive capitalism.
  2. The New Deal helped many but didn't end the dangers of capitalism, which still threaten social programs like Medicare and Social Security.
  3. We must not only push for useful social policies but also ensure that the systems allowing wealth concentration are dismantled to protect those policies for the future.

Labor Laundering

Doomberg • 6490 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Supply Chain Global Trade Regulation Labor Rights Corporate ethics
  1. Many electronic devices use cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor is often involved in mining. This makes it hard for companies to claim their supply chains are free from issues.
  2. China plays a major role in the solar panel supply chain, often using polysilicon that comes from regions known for forced labor. This creates challenges in ensuring products are ethically sourced.
  3. The EU has introduced a law aimed at holding companies accountable for labor and environmental standards, but this could lead to conflicts, such as threats from Qatar to stop gas exports if they face penalties.

How minimum prices for ride-sharing can be counterproductive

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 937 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Rights Government intervention
  1. When minimum prices are set for things like rides, it can actually make drivers wait around more without getting paid, which ends up lowering how often they drive.
  2. Even if the pay seems higher, drivers may not earn more overall because they spend less time actually working when demand drops due to higher prices.
  3. In the end, customers often pay more and get fewer rides, which doesn't help anyone in the long run; it's like paying drivers to do nothing while traffic increases.

The fleecing of America's hourly workers

Popular Information • 10947 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Enforcement
  1. More than 200,000 hourly workers in the US are owed $163.3 million in back pay due to wage theft violations.
  2. Industries with high instances of wage theft include food services, health care, and construction.
  3. Many workers cannot recover their lost wages due to binding arbitration agreements that prevent them from filing claims or participating in class action lawsuits.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Getting serious about wage theft

Popular Information • 6918 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Labor Rights Oversight
  1. Over $203 million in wages were stolen from workers in New York between 2017 and 2021, with the most theft happening in industries like restaurants, health care, and construction.
  2. New York lawmakers are introducing bills to combat wage theft by suspending licenses, certificates, and issuing stop-work orders for businesses that violate wage laws.
  3. States like California and Colorado are also taking action against wage theft by holding accountable large companies and subcontractors who exploit workers by stealing wages.

The Coming Labor War

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 99 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Economic Policy Workplace Issues Unions Social justice
  1. Workers in many fields, including tech, are facing pay cuts and longer workdays due to changes like returning to the office. This shift can feel like a 20% decrease in salary when you consider added costs and time.
  2. Many employers believe they don't need the human workforce because of advancements in AI and automation. But this belief ignores the reality that people are essential for gathering data and driving the economy.
  3. There is a growing movement among workers, including office employees, to demand better wages and working conditions. As more people realize they are part of the labor force, we might see significant changes in workers' rights in the near future.

Put your Kid to Work Day

New Means • 2771 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Legislation Capitalism Inequality
  1. Child labor violations have increased by 50% in 2023, resulting in tragic accidents and deaths of young workers.
  2. Multiple state legislatures are working to weaken child labor laws, allowing kids to work longer hours in dangerous jobs.
  3. The push for child labor is tied to capitalist interests seeking to further exploit and profit off of vulnerable populations, including children.

Leaked docs reveal extensive noncompete agreements at Epic Systems

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Health care Regulatory Policy Market Competition
  1. Epic Systems uses strict noncompete agreements that limit former employees from working with many companies, affecting their job prospects.
  2. These agreements can also hurt companies trying to hire Epic alumni, as they may face increased costs or lose software access.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is looking to ban noncompete clauses, which could improve job opportunities and wages for millions of workers.

Why Bidenism Failed

JoeWrote • 44 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign Policy Elections Social Issues Labor Rights
  1. Biden promised that nothing would fundamentally change, which led to many Americans feeling that he didn't deliver the change they wanted. They were looking for something different from the status quo.
  2. Biden did have some successes, like creating jobs through the American Rescue Plan and appointing Lina Khan for antitrust actions. These moves showed a connection to progressive values but were seen as not enough.
  3. His foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, upset many people and overshadowed his domestic achievements. This led to frustrations that contributed to the Democratic party's losses in elections.

Capitalists Do Not Take Risks.

JoeWrote • 130 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Labor Rights Economic Theory Wealth Inequality Political Economy
  1. Capitalists often claim they take risks when starting businesses, but the reality is they just risk losing money, while workers create the real value.
  2. The idea that financial risk deserves the biggest reward is flawed. Labor plays a crucial role in producing wealth and should be valued more than just money at stake.
  3. Ultimately, capitalists face the possibility of becoming workers themselves if their businesses fail, but this isn't much of a risk compared to the actual physical and personal risks that workers take daily.

Why I'm on strike

Read Max • 2502 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Entertainment industry Artificial Intelligence Media industry Labor Movement
  1. The author is on strike from their writing work due to concerns about changing compensation structures and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
  2. The strike aims to protect writers from exploitation by studios and streaming platforms, ensuring fair compensation and job stability.
  3. The Writers Guild of America is specifically addressing the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the writing profession during the negotiations.

Worker Autonomy: A Natural Law of Labor

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Rights Workplace culture Management Practices Corporate Governance
  1. Workers should have the freedom to choose how they do their tasks. This independence is important for their dignity and should be respected by employers.
  2. The relationship between workers and management should be based on trust and mutual benefit, not fear. Workers are not property and should not be treated as such.
  3. Economic dependence makes it hard for workers to stand up for themselves. To create a better workplace, we need to help workers feel more secure and empowered.

The Capitalist is Useless.

JoeWrote • 92 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Socialism Economic Theory Labor Rights Wealth Inequality
  1. Capitalists were once important for society by helping to build industries and trade. Now, they are seen as less useful because most work is done by the people, while capitalists take the profits without doing much themselves.
  2. Modern technology comes a lot from public funding and resources, showing that capitalists often profit off ideas created by the public. So, people can question what actual role capitalists play in today's economy.
  3. Instead of relying on capitalists, society could benefit more from worker-owned businesses and government-managed industries. This would allow everyone to get fair value for their work and reduce exploitation.

Immigration and the Gig Economy: The Hands Behind Your Holiday Cheer

Gad’s Newsletter • 35 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Rights Gig Economy Policy Reform
  1. Many immigrant workers play a crucial role in the gig economy, especially during the holiday season, often working in tough conditions for low pay and little protection.
  2. While gig work offers flexibility and some income opportunities, migrants face significant challenges, including exploitation and barriers to formal employment that leave them vulnerable.
  3. Policy changes are needed to support immigrant gig workers better, ensuring they receive fair treatment, protection, and potential pathways to legal status.

Nearest Neighbors

Reboot • 25 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Unions Political Activism Tech industry
  1. Building a union starts with courage; it's about workers coming together to discuss their working conditions. It's important to voice the need for change and solidarity among coworkers.
  2. A union is not just about having one clear goal; it's a collection of shared concerns and values. The process of creating and maintaining a union is continuous and involves the collective effort of its members.
  3. Convenience often gets in the way of organization; the work of building a union can be inconvenient but is necessary for creating meaningful change in the workplace.

Tariffs: The Good, The Bad, and The Trump Kind.

JoeWrote • 38 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Tariffs Trade policy Labor Rights Political strategy
  1. Tariffs can protect American jobs by making foreign products more expensive, which helps local businesses compete. However, if not used carefully, they can also hurt workers in industries that rely on those imports.
  2. Trump's current tariff strategy is broad and could lead to negative consequences for the economy. A one-size-fits-all approach may raise prices for consumers and could lead to job losses in certain sectors.
  3. Understanding tariffs is important for effective economic policy. Trump's misunderstanding of how tariffs work could result in more harm than good, making it essential to have a clear approach that balances worker needs and economic growth.

Inoculate Yourself Against Anti-Worker Media Attacks

JoeWrote • 49 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Media Critique Corporate Influence
  1. Workers often face media attacks that label them as greedy when they strike for better pay. This narrative ignores the profits the companies make and the hard work employees do.
  2. Demands for protections against automation are important to workers. As technology advances, workers worry about being replaced, so unions fight for rules to protect their jobs.
  3. Media claims that striking workers are hurting everyday Americans create division among workers. It's crucial for all workers to support each other to combat these misleading narratives.

New Exhibition: The People's Cathedral

Labor Intensive Art • 216 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Craft Labor Rights Museum
  1. Tabitha Arnold's first solo exhibition titled 'The People's Cathedral' is opening at the Workers Art and Heritage Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
  2. The exhibition focuses on labor history as portrayed in art and craft objects, aligning with Arnold's textile practice that gained popularity during the 2020 lockdown.
  3. Arnold will be engaging with diverse worker's rights movements in Hamilton, including leading workshops and discussions with various groups.

From FDR to Coretta Scott King: Economic Rights and the New Poor People's Campaign

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Poverty Civil Rights Labor Rights
  1. In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. initiated the Poor People's March to address economic impoverishment that affected African Americans and people of all ethnicities.
  2. Coretta Scott King highlighted that violence against poor people, neglect, and discrimination are forms of violence that require honest confrontation of institutionalized racism.
  3. Franklin Delano Roosevelt called for a 'Second Bill of Rights,' advocating for economic justice as essential for true individual freedom and security.

Let's Talk About Union Busting Through Media Narratives

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Media influence Unionization
  1. Media often portrays workers fighting for their rights as villains, amplifying employer interests to create negative narratives against unions.
  2. Employers use divisive tactics to pit union members against non-union workers, fostering a false belief that their interests conflict.
  3. Growing union membership among workers is crucial to shifting the narrative, building solidarity, and empowering workers to advocate for fair treatment.

“Superstore” Is A Pro-Labor Classic

JoeWrote • 22 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Labor Rights Social Commentary
  1. Superstore is a show that portrays the struggles and realities of America's minimum wage workers, highlighting issues like low pay and being treated as expendable by corporate bosses.
  2. The character Jonah in Superstore represents the guilty white liberal, contrasting with majority-POC working-class characters who are more accustomed to exploitation. The show tackles themes like union busting and the use of undocumented workers to suppress labor rights.
  3. Superstore goes beyond the typical narrative of workplace sitcoms by delving into serious topics like exploitation, deportation threats, and the harsh realities of capitalism, making it a pro-labor classic.

Strikepost #1: The Kirkby Rent Strikes (1972)

The 21st Century Proletarian • 19 implied HN points • 28 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture History Social movements Labor Rights Activism Community Building
  1. A self-organised women's group initiated a 14-month-long strike in the Kirkby Rent Strikes of 1972, highlighting the importance of worker-tenant collaboration.
  2. The Kirkby Rent Strikes failed due to a lack of national response and support from worker unions, showing the necessity for tenant and worker organizations to work together for impactful class struggle.
  3. Lessons from the Kirkby Rent Strikes emphasize the power of solidarity between tenants and workers, showcasing the need for strong unions to engage in timely initiatives for successful collective action.

What COVID-19 Reveals About the Professional Managerial Class

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Labor Rights Economic Inequality Policy response Political Dynamics
  1. The professional-managerial class heavily relies on low-paid workers for their comfort and convenience, often overlooking the harsh conditions these workers face.
  2. Urban elites benefit from and perpetuate inequality through their reliance on vulnerable and desperate people to fulfill their needs, such as domestic workers, delivery drivers, and sex workers.
  3. Individuals have the power to challenge inequality by examining their own behaviors and relationships with 'disposable labor,' inspiring change in their communities and beyond.

The Dark Side of the Fashion Industry

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Sustainability Labor Rights Consumerism Environmental Impact
  1. Fast fashion creates a lot of waste and pollution. It produces billions of clothing items each year, with most ending up in landfills or polluting the ocean.
  2. The fashion industry uses a huge amount of water and chemicals, harming both people and ecosystems. Growing cotton and dyeing fabrics often uses toxic materials that contaminate water sources.
  3. Many workers in the fast fashion industry face exploitation, including low pay and unsafe working conditions. The industry often relies on the labor of vulnerable populations, leading to serious human rights violations.

I sent an email to Screen Actors Guild suggesting that they get their lawyers to basically de-commercialize any output from generative AI

Top Carbon Chauvinist • 0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Copyright Intellectual Property Labor Rights
  1. Generative AI models don’t create original works because they lack intent and specific referents. This means they can't really be considered creative.
  2. The argument is made that if AI can't create with intent, then what it produces shouldn't be eligible for copyright.
  3. The idea is to push for legal changes to prevent commercial use of content generated by AI since it doesn’t meet the definition of creative work.

The Great Rebellion in The Kingdom of Long Hours

Once Upon A News • 0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Protest Youth Labor Rights
  1. The rulers proposed a 69-hour work week in the Kingdom of Long Hours, causing unrest among the hardworking citizens.
  2. The young generations, including millennials and Gen Z, united to protest against the decree for more work hours.
  3. The rulers, faced with the uprising, vowed to listen to the voices of the younger generations and reconsider their proposal to protect the rights of their workers.

Internecine internet drama

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Labor Rights Music Literature
  1. The aftermath of r/antiwork on Reddit showcased a shift in sentiments towards work, leading to a restructuring of the subreddit with new factions emerging.
  2. Various new subreddits like r/WorkReform and r/WorkersStrikeBack have gained significant traction advocating for workers' rights and strikes.
  3. There is a rise in niche micro-aesthetics across music, design, and fashion, with subcultures like 'bellhopcore' and 'avant apocalypse' shaping trends.