Stories by Mike Elk

Mike Elk is a third-generation union organizer who has worked for the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers, the Campaign for America's Future, and the Obama-Biden campaign. Based in Washington, D.C., he has appeared as a commentator on CNN, Fox News, and NPR, and writes frequently for In These Times as well as Alternet, The Nation, The Atlantic and The American Prospect. subscribe to Mike Elk's feed

Workers Now Have Right to Class-Action Lawsuits Against Bosses

Posted on: Jan 11, 2012, Source: In These Times

The NLRB ruled that the right of employees to join collectively together to take action against their employees was a protected activity.

$40 a Week? Guest Workers Paid Near-Slave Wages in Hershey Warehouse Stage Sit-Down Strike

Posted on: Aug 19, 2011, Source: In These Times

J-1 visas, supposedly for cultural exchange trips, are being exploited by corporations looking for cheap temporary labor.

What Can the Labor Movement Do About Workers Who Are Afraid to Join Unions?

Posted on: Jul 6, 2011, Source: In These Times

Many workers do not try to join unions because they are afraid. So how does the labor movement convince people to take the risks associated with unionizing?

Major Union Victory for Rite Aid Workers Offers Roadmap for Labor Movement

Posted on: May 4, 2011, Source: AlterNet

Workers get affordable health care, protections against outsourcing, and wage increases -- a success model in a very tough environment for unionization.

Defense Contractors Using Prison Labor to Build High-Tech Weapons Systems

Posted on: Apr 28, 2011, Source: AlterNet

Prison labor seems like a win-win to many, but a closer look reveals a race to the bottom for skilled workers.

How the Koch Brothers Indoctrinate Their Employees with Right-Wing Anti-Worker Propaganda

Posted on: Apr 22, 2011, Source: The Nation

Before the landmark Citizens' United ruling, the kind of corporate propaganda Koch Industries is using wouldn't have been legal.

Why Glenn Beck Is Shaking in His Boots About a Union Leader's Plan to Go After the Banks

Posted on: Mar 29, 2011, Source: In These Times

Threatening a strategic default on mortgages could force banks to negotiate better interest rates on predatory loans.

The Wisconsin Uprising Is a Bottom-Up Movement -- Should We Hope DC Leaders Don't Get in the Way?

Posted on: Mar 4, 2011, Source: AlterNet

Labor struggles can't be won with TV ads, mouse-clicks or press releases.

How Obama's Organizing Election Efforts Influenced the Wisconsin Protests

Posted on: Feb 22, 2011, Source: AlterNet

Organizers have created a harmonious community inside the capitol that's part Paris commune and part Midwestern union hall -- and many got their start with Obama.

Wisc. Governor Makes a Threat to Sic the National Guard on Union Workers

Posted on: Feb 15, 2011, Source: AlterNet

If the National Guard is called out in Wisconsin, workers across the country should take a page from Egypt and go out on a general strike.

Why Is a Corruption Watchdog Doing Corporations' Dirty Work Going After an Obscure USDA Official?

Posted on: Jan 12, 2011, Source: The American Prospect

CREW has an admirable record on exposing corrupt politicians, but it has also intervened in a high-stakes fight on the side of corporations.

One of Obama's Social Security Slasher Wannabes Threatens Small Town with Nuclear Annihilation

Posted on: Aug 31, 2010, Source: AlterNet

David Cote is so dangerous he's willing to risk nuclear fallout in order to force uranium workers to cut their retiree health care and pension plans.

Despite Fresh Rhetoric About Saving U.S. Manufacturing, Obama Is Quietly Pushing Failed Bush Trade Policies

Posted on: Aug 25, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Obama is talking up a plan to boost U.S. manufacturing. Too bad he's also pushing Bush's offshoring agenda behind the scenes.

Labor Unions May Have To Abandon Obama to Beat Corporate America

Posted on: May 12, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Labor unions need to start fighting their battles in the workplace, not on Capitol Hill.

Meet the Workers That the Free Market Forgot

Posted on: Apr 16, 2010, Source: Blog for Our Future

The poor economy has hit a few demographics especially hard, including people of color, young people and non-college grads.

The Wall Street-Health Care Connection: Fat Cats Want to Tax Your Benefits

Posted on: Jul 22, 2009, Source: AlterNet

The conservative Democrats who want to tax your health-care benefits have friends in deep-pocketed places.

Honoring Paul Wellstone: Fighting Like Hell for Health Care Reform

Posted on: Jul 15, 2009, Source: AlterNet

Its about time that we ask ourselves, What Would Wellstone Do?

Worker Uprising Against Wells Fargo Spreads After Major Victory to Keep Factories Open

Posted on: Jul 1, 2009, Source: AlterNet

Workers fight back against Wells Fargo for closing their factory and they win! Now other workers take on the fight.

Union Busting Ended My Love Affair with a Beer

Posted on: Jun 17, 2009, Source: AlterNet

Women had come and gone, dogs had died, but Yuengling had always been there for me - until now.

We Need to Make Good Jobs Out of "Green Jobs"

Posted on: Apr 29, 2009, Source: Campaign for America's Future

Giving workers a level playing field is key.