If you work, or enjoy weekends and the 40-hour work week, this story matters to you.
America's biggest labor union, the Service Employees International Union, is suing leaders from one of its top former locals in a bruising federal trial that may well decide the future face of unions in California and perhaps across the nation. The outcome of this historic trial, which I've been covering daily with access to key sources, will shape the future of union democracy--whether unions function to engage and mobilize members, or merely to amass and service dues-payers. As American private-sector union membership has dwindled -- plunging to 7.2 percent last year -- movements to re-energize unions have emphasized democracy and member involvement. This trial will help decide which model of organizing and representing workers takes hold--a fate that will affect millions.
My story examines the larger significance and context of this trial, which ended with a jury verdict April 9. It also looks at the war between SEIU and an emerging rival, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, over who will represent the voices of some 400,000 health care workers in California.
I am a veteran journalist for national outlets such as The Christian Science Monitor, Mother Jones, The Economist, LA Times and Harper's--and have covered American labor stories for more than a decade. I've been covering the trial daily in federal court, and have access to key sources in the story. From my years of award-winning reporting, I also have strong background knowledge and context that will enrich the story. A previous spot.us story of mine, "A Tale of Two Zip Codes," was fully funded and ran in Race, Poverty & the Environment and the Public Press, for which I served as Supervising Editor of last summer's City Budget Watchdog series. For more of my work, visit www.christopherdcook.com. Thank you for your support!
I will produce at least one full-length report of roughly 2,000 words, examing the trial, the case, and the context and larger meaning of the conflict between the two unions involved. I have put in dozens of hours covering the trial and have begun drafting a report that will be ready for publication within the week. Your funding will help me bring this important story to the public, ideally in multiple forms and venues.
