Date:
Location:
Working group meeting of the Rebalancing Economic and Political Power: A Clean Slate for the Future of Labor Law Project
What’s at stake? Historically, labor unions have been the key organization for worker voice and power, and we need legal reforms that enable us to strengthen unions. But we also need to consider legal support for other worker institutions, including organizations that represent workers outside of formal collective bargaining processes.
At this convening, we will explore the features of organizations that can build power for workers. Our exploration will include works councils, members-only unions, worker centers, organizations that address the interests of consumers and communities, and organizations that build workers’ political power.
Key Convening Questions:
- How might we build minority unions that empower workers?
- How might we build mass membership organizations that empower workers?
- How might we build labor/community partnership organizations that empower workers?
- How might we build service providing organizations that empower workers?
- How might we build joint labor-management organizations that empower workers, including works councils?
For each type of organization, assess the following:
- Can it achieve scale?
- Does it create economic and/or political power?
- Does it build solidarity?
- How does membership work? How does the membership model balance inclusivity with making membership meaningful? Does the organization provide benefits to members?
- What should the governance structure be?
- Does it rely on the government to provide status?
8:30am-9:00am |
Registration with Coffee and Snacks
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9:00am-9:10am |
Opening Remarks
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9:15am-9:35am |
Empowering Social Change: the Role for Worker Organizations
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9:40am-10:15am 25’ Discussion 10’ Audience Q&A LWP staff runs mic and takes questions |
Organizations that Empower Workers within the Firm(s)
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10:20am-10:55am 25’ Discussion 10’ Audience Q&A LWP staff runs mic and takes questions |
Organizations that Empower Workers Outside of the Firm
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11:00am-11:35am 25’ Discussion 10’ Audience Q&A LWP staff runs mic and takes questions |
Organizations that Empower Workers through their Communities
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11:45am-1:15pm 40’ per round |
Small Group Discussions (Two Rounds):
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1:15pm-1:45pm |
Lunch |
1:45pm-2:15pm |
Small Group Readouts |
2:15pm-2;20pm |
Closing Remarks
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2:30pm-4:00pm |
Closed Working Group II.A. Session |