This episode explores the dynamics of union reform caucuses and strategies for empowering workers within healthcare unions, with insights from Lisa Xu of Labor Notes. It covers how members can organize, challenge leadership, and build stronger, more democratic unions. The discussion includes labor activism and reform strategies to strengthen worker power. If you are a rank and file union member who is concerned and frustrated with a lack of transparency within your union or you've considered decertification, this may be the episode for you.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
05:45 What is a Union Reform Caucus
08:30 Case Studies: Successful Reform Movements
17:20 Current Climate of Union Disillusionment
18:30 Historical Context of Reform Caucuses
27:55 Building a Reform Caucus: Steps and Considerations
31:55 Legal Protections in Union Reform
35:30 Strategies for Effective Reform Organizing
39:24 Enema Award of the Week
42:05 Common Mistakes in Reform Caucuses
44:15 Overcoming Fear in Organizing
46:10 Understanding Decertification and Its Risks
50:35 Taking Action: First Steps for Workers
52:57 Resources for Union Reform and Engagement
56:00 Summary Wrap Up
Guest:
Lisa Xu
Resources:
Labor Notes - https://labornotes.org/
Guide to Building a Union Reform Caucus - https://labornotes.org/caucus
Union Democracy Lawyers - Association for Union Democracy - https://uniondemocracy.org/
Labor Notes Conference 2026 -https://labornotes.org/2026
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