THE LATEST

Blog

Blog

Check out updates from Coworker below. We regularly post campaign updates, new resources, and other stories, so check back here for the latest.

Rising from the Rank-and-File: Welcoming Coworker’s New Executive Director

May 1, 2024

Rising from the Rank-and-File: Welcoming Coworker’s New Executive Director MAY 01, 2024 | TEAM COWORKER On the cusp of Coworker’s 10th anniversary, and on International Workers’ Day, we are thrilled to announce Nur’s appointment as Executive Director! Since 2019, Nur has been a huge part of what makes Coworker great. They embody the strategic vision, …

Report: The Changing Landscape of Temporary Work

February 14, 2024

Report: The Changing Landscape of Temporary Work FEB 14, 2024 | TEAM COWORKER Coworker’s report examines the changing landscape of temporary work, highlighting the evolution from traditional staffing agencies to app-based gig platforms, as well as the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, a Coworker national survey conducted to understand how Black women are …

Response to the White House OSTP’s Request for Information on Automated Worker Surveillance and Management

June 18, 2023

Response to the White House OSTP’s Request for Information on Automated Worker Surveillance and Management JUNE 18, 2023 | TEAM COWORKER To Whom It May Concern: We write to offer public comment on the request for information published on May 2, 2023 (Document 2023-09353). Coworker welcomes this public consultation by the White House Office of …

Response to the CFPB’s Request for Information on Data Brokers

June 8, 2023

A pattern that ad brokers normalized with the broad collection and aggregation of consumer data in the late 1990s and 2000s, is now happening with labor and employment data.

Meet our new Interim Executive Director

May 9, 2023

We chose to move forward with an Interim role to create the spaciousness needed to move the most impactful, sustainable and transformative work possible during this transitional period.

Meeting the Moment: Announcing Leadership Transitions at Coworker.org

March 14, 2023

At the end of March, our beloved Co-Founders will be transitioning out of their roles and we’ll be making some major changes to how we do our work in order to support workers in the ways they need us now.

Dreaming of a Better Workplace

December 19, 2022

As an organization supporting workers to fight for dignity and respect at work, it’s vital that we’re applying that lens to our own workplace and fighting to make it better every day.

“This surcharge is an insult”: What Uber and Lyft Drivers are Saying about Rising Gas Prices and Companies’ Paltry Plans for Relief

March 16, 2022

90% of drivers surveyed said Uber and Lyft’s per-trip fuel surcharge “is not sufficient to help with gas prices.”

ID.me is one company out of a booming global market for biometric digital identity verification products

February 17, 2022

While global civil society and privacy advocates have been documenting the use of biometric identity identification software the past four years, their use is becoming more prevalent in the US and globally.

Bossware and Employment Tech Database

November 17, 2021

Coworker.org’s Bossware and Employment Tech database compiles more than 550 labor-focused technology products that are changing our relationship to work.

Health and safety at Starbucks: Experts answer barista’s questions

March 11, 2021

Coworker.org is hosting a series of virtual discussions with experts in the field of workplace safety and health to answer questions from Starbucks baristas.

“It’s the best time for us to have a union!”- A Conversation with Worker Leader Celeste Orlosky from the Newly Unionized Bookshop Santa Cruz

March 10, 2021

We sat down with Eric Dirnbach from EWOC, Tim Newman from coworker.org, and Celeste Orlosky from Bookshop Santa Cruz as they hear her experience as a worker organizer inside the shop and how they won their union election.

Working While Black: The Past, Present and Future of Black Labor

March 9, 2021

A panel discussion about the history of Black labor justice, the urgency to fight the challenges Black people are currently facing at work, and the need to visualize and build a future where Black labor and leadership are centered, valued, and respected.

How these restaurant workers won their campaign for COVID-19 protocols

February 18, 2021

Restaurant workers at Hops Burger Bar in Greensboro, North Carolina spoke out about their concerns with the company’s coronavirus-related protocols — and it paid off.

These workers led successful campaigns to improve COVID-19 policies

December 3, 2020

Worried about your health on the job? These workers fought for and won higher pay and protections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What private equity and bankruptcy means for workers

November 10, 2020

Is your employer backed by private equity or facing bankruptcy? From potential job losses to lower wages and more, keep reading about what to watch for and how to protect yourself and your coworkers.

Data Shows Shipt’s “Black-Box” Algorithm Reduces Pay of 40% of Workers

October 15, 2020

Through collective pay transparency, workers are exposing pay disparities and fighting back against information asymmetry.

The Importance of Creative Expression in Workplace Organizing

September 24, 2020

Art, creativity, expression—no matter the form or medium—is a critical to healing and transformative organizing.

Racial Justice Is Workers’ Rights

June 9, 2020

Our team at Coworker.org is committed to using our resources, networks, and power in support of dismantling white supremacy and systemic racism in our workplaces and across our economy.

“If we are so essential we should be treated as such”: Postal workers speak out during a global pandemic

March 24, 2020

“If we are so essential we should be treated as such”: Postal workers speak out during a global pandemic MARCH 24, 2020 | COWORKER.ORG On March 17th, USPS employees started a campaign on Coworker.org demanding the implementation of safety protocols, paid leave for at risk employees, hazard pay, and other protections as the threat of …

How unemployment benefits could help keep you afloat if your job is impacted by coronavirus

March 12, 2020

How unemployment benefits could help keep you afloat if your job is impacted by coronavirus MARCH 12, 2020 | COWORKER.ORG As the threat of the novel coronavirus looms over the workforce, many working people are concerned about balancing their financial stability and the need to stay home from work in order to prevent the spread …

From coronavirus to the flu, public health issues impact our workplaces

February 12, 2020

From coronavirus to the flu, public health issues impact our workplaces Workers are speaking out to protect their health FEBRUARY 12, 2020 | COWORKER.ORG The spread of coronavirus has impacted numerous workplaces — and workers are speaking out, too. The virus has disrupted many workplaces around the world. Factories have been shut down impacting everything …

How workers are confronting the climate crisis inside their companies

January 29, 2020

How workers are confronting the climate crisis inside their companies Employees are using workplace organizing to encourage companies to address their impacts on the environment JANUARY 29, 2020 | COWORKER.ORG Over the past few years, people have been organizing with coworkers to call on their employers to adhere to higher ethical standards. From Google engineers speaking …

Working in California or New York? Find out how your boss is tracking you

January 28, 2020

Working in California or New York? Find out how your boss is tracking you Some privacy protections have arrived for workers certain states UPDATED: MAY 5, 2022 | COWORKER.ORG Employers collect an enormous amount of data from workers and are using new technologies to monitor us at work. Here are some examples: Teachers in West …

Are you being watched at work?

January 28, 2020

Are you being watched at work? JANUARY 28, 2020 | COWORKER.ORG gif: Jacqueline Jing Lin When surveillance increases, low-wage workers and Black and brown communities suffer. In today’s growing gig economy, workers have less rights and more restrictions. On top of that, companies are increasingly using technology to watch their workers’ every move, managing them …

Real Talk: Top 5 Struggles of Working Retail During The Holidays

December 9, 2019

Real Talk: Top 5 Struggles of Working Retail During The Holidays “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” …right? DECEMBER 9, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG “Retail Holiday Horror” by BagoGames, Flickr Hot chocolate, holiday cheer and time with family: it’s the holiday season we all hope for. Unfortunately, for the millions of people working in …

Crowdsourced wage transparency spreadsheets are going ‘viral’. Are you ready to get involved?

October 10, 2019

Crowdsourced wage transparency spreadsheets are going ‘viral’. Are you ready to get involved? OCTOBER 10, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Across industries, and across the country, workers are embracing the power of salary transparency using crowdsourced spreadsheets to share information about their compensation. Inspired by a spreadsheet created by adjunct professors at US universities, Art + Museum Transparency launched their own spreadsheet in …

So you want to stage a workplace walkout. Here are a few things to consider:

September 19, 2019

So you want to stage a workplace walkout. Here are a few things to consider: SEP 19, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG #GoogleWalkout in San Francisco, California on November 1, 2018 via Google Walkout for Real Change (https://medium.com/@GoogleWalkout/googlewalkout-update-collective-action-works-but-we-need-to-keep-working-b17f673ad513) From Wayfair to Google, employees have recently organized workplace walkouts to call for changes at their companies — building …

How to crowdsource employee data to promote salary transparency

September 6, 2019

How to crowdsource employee data to promote salary transparency Lessons from Art + Museum Transparency SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG A standing-room only crowd for an event organized by Art + Museum Transparency titled “Art and Labor: What’s Next After a Summer of Struggle?” in Philadelphia on August 29, 2019. In May 2019, a group …

5 Things You Need to Know About the SF Campaign for Drag Equity

July 9, 2019

5 Things You Need to Know About the SF Campaign for Drag Equity JULY 9, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Drag has always been there for our community, and we are the best version of ourselves when the community is there for us, too. (This piece contains instead the ideas, opinions, and personal judgements of a Coworker.org …

What to do if your boss won’t fix the air conditioning

July 8, 2019

What to do if your boss won’t fix the air conditioning JULY 8, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Lots of folks love the warm summer weather, but it can be less enjoyable — and even dangerous — for workers when temperatures increase in their workplaces. For example, what happens if the air conditioning breaks in your workplace …

When ‘Teamworks’ Isn’t Working, Starbucks Baristas Pay a Price

June 25, 2019

When ‘Teamworks’ Isn’t Working, Starbucks Baristas Pay a Price How a new app at the coffee chain is impacting workers JUNE 25, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Source: Kārlis Dambrāns, https://www.flickr.com/photos/janitors/30925026600 Earlier this year, Starbucks rolled out a new scheduling app called Teamworks. Starbucks baristas can access their work schedules by downloading the Teamworks app to their …

Think you may have missing wages? Here’s what you can do

June 3, 2019

Think you may have missing wages? Here’s what you can do What to do if you suspect you’ve experienced wage theft JUNE 3, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG When someone mentions “theft,” a specific crime probably comes to mind, but many people are losing money to theft that comes in the form of a range of wage …

What every REI Co-Op member should know

May 3, 2019

What every REI Co-Op member should know There’s a grassroots movement of REI employees pushing for better schedules and higher wages at the outdoor retailer MAY 3, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG In November 2015, an REI employee — unhappy with the wage levels and scheduling practices for store workers — created a Facebook page called “REI …

Tech subcontractors left behind: How to come together against arbitration

April 3, 2019

Tech subcontractors left behind: How to come together against arbitration APRIL 3, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Find out what you’ve signed & do something about it together The employees of staffing, temp, contracting and vendor agencies who work at tech companies have been left behind in the wave of changes to arbitration clauses of employment contracts …

Here’s what workers are saying about app-based food delivery

March 28, 2019

Here’s what workers are saying about app-based food delivery MARCH 28, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/155237687@N06/34719224782 More and more consumers are getting food delivered to their homes through app-based companies. The ease with which consumers can summon a fully-cooked meal to their front door can obscure the role a range of workers play behind-the-scenes. From …

#ShutdownStories and the Federal Employee Takeover of Social Media

February 14, 2019

#ShutdownStories and the Federal Employee Takeover of Social Media FEBRUARY 14, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) During the longest-ever federal government shutdown that began in December 2018, an unprecedented number of federal employees used social media to share their stories with the public, and pressure elected leaders to take action. These stories — …

So you’ve just been let go…

February 6, 2019

So you’ve just been let go… FEB 6, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG If you’ve been asked to resign, were recently laid off, or were fired, chances are you’re not exactly feeling like you’re leaving your job on your own terms. As an organization dedicated to empowering employees, we’re sorry to hear that. Whatever the reason you’re …

So you’re a federal employee who wants to speak to the media…

January 24, 2019

So you’re a federal employee who wants to speak to the media… JAN 24, 2019 | COWORKER.ORG We did some research and peppered lawyers with questions about what federal employees are allowed to do in protesting the government shutdown. Here’s what we found. We’re in the midst of the longest federal government shutdown in United …

Do’s and Don’ts for Engaging Colleagues and Supporters on a Workplace Issue

December 13, 2018

Some quick tips for engaging coworkers and outsiders on issues related to workplace organizing and collective action.

The Hidden Costs of Delivering Pizza

November 27, 2018

The Hidden Costs of Delivering Pizza NOV 27, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG From Wayfair to Google, employees have recently organized workplace walkouts to call for changes at their companies — building on the long tradition of strikes and work stoppages. Deemed “one of the most dangerous jobs in America” by a VICE News article, food and pizza delivery …

Harvard Law School Students Speak Out Against ‘Coercive’ Employment Contracts

November 20, 2018

Harvard Law School Students Speak Out Against ‘Coercive’ Employment Contracts NOV 20, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG A group of students, faculty, and alumni are working to make the law profession more equitable — one contract at a time. Earlier this year, Harvard Law students started a petition on Coworker.org calling for an end to the “secrecy on harassment …

Muzak Making You Miserable? Here’s Why In-Store Playlists Deserve Worker Input

November 2, 2018

Muzak Making You Miserable? Here’s Why In-Store Playlists Deserve Worker Input NOV 2, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG Workers are speaking out online about their store’s music playlists, which they say can be repetitive and annoying. While this issue is often seen as trivial to those who don’t work in the retail industry, research shows that music …

Employees are Changing Dress Codes Through Collective Action

September 28, 2018

Employees are Changing Dress Codes Through Collective Action SEP 28, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG From beards to tattoos — thousands of employees have joined successful campaigns on Coworker.org that have changed policies at major employers. Employees often have a lot of opinions about the dress code requirements at their jobs. Having to physically prepare oneself each …

Workers speak out about taking time off to vote

September 25, 2018

Workers speak out about taking time off to vote SEP 25, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG With midterm elections coming up soon in the U.S., some workers are concerned about whether their employers will allow them to take time off to vote. According to online discussions, workers report a variety of different responses when they have approached …

Can You Be Fired From Work During an Extreme Weather Event?

September 13, 2018

Hurricanes and other dangerous weather events raise questions about workers’ rights during a natural disaster.

The Beginning of a 21st Century Labor Movement

August 30, 2018

The Beginning of a 21st Century Labor Movement AUG 30, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG In ancient Roman mythology, Janus is the god of transitions, of beginnings and endings. With the Supreme Court decision on Janus v. AFSCME this past year, the U.S. labor movement as it has existed for a century will never be the same. …

A simple guide to talking about workplace issues with your coworkers

July 13, 2018

A simple guide to talking about workplace issues with your coworkers JUL 13, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG You may hear about how your company supports human rights and seeks to do good in the world; how it values diversity and has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment; how it already has an open-door policy for …

Addressing Workplace Harassment Collectively

June 14, 2018

Addressing Workplace Harassment Collectively JUN 14, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG How everyday, working women are fighting workplace harassment at Comcast On May 2, 2018, Laterrica Perry along with two other former Comcast employees hand delivered their petition to the company’s Philadelphia headquarters in order “to change the way the corporation handles workplace harassment as a whole, starting from …

Women speak out about gender-based harassment in call centers

April 20, 2018

Women speak out about gender-based harassment in call centers APR 20, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG At Coworker.org, conversations with current and former call center workers reveal the prevalence of gender-based harassment in their workplaces. According to information from call center employees, the problem of harassment in call center workplaces spans across the United States and potentially …

Before You Create a Campaign

April 7, 2018

Before You Create a Campaign Thinking about starting a campaign on our petition platform? Here are a few questions you might have before you get started. What is Coworker.org’s petition platform? Coworker.org’s petition platform is a simple but powerful tool that allows you to create your own campaign for changes in the workplace, with the …

Your Rights as a Petition Creator

April 7, 2018

Speaking out against your employer can seem like a daunting task, but your right to speak out about your working conditions is protected by law.

Sustaining Your Campaign

April 6, 2018

Sustaining Your Campaign Creating a petition on Coworker.org is just the first step in your campaign. The information below will help you navigate the rest of the process. I created my petition. What happens next? Congratulations! This is a great first step to changing your workplace. One of the most important things you can do …

Technical Support and Privacy

April 6, 2018

Technical Support and Privacy The Coworker team wants to support you every step of the way as you work towards change on the job. We strive to make sure our platform is easy to use and protects your privacy. Below is some useful information about using our platform. Will you share any of my …

Will your boss read your Slack DMs? (And what are the implications for workplace organizing?)

March 23, 2018

Will your boss read your Slack DMs? (And what are the implications for workplace organizing?) MAR 23, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG By: Jess Kutch and Michelle Miller, co-founders of Coworker.org Slack, a popular platform for workplace collaboration, recently released a new version of its privacy policy and tools that raises real concerns for employee rights and …

Grounds for Change: How Baristas Won Visible Tattoos at Starbucks

February 20, 2018

Grounds for Change: How Baristas Won Visible Tattoos at Starbucks FEB 20, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG This campaign for visible tattoos at Starbucks inspired workers from all over the country to push for similar dress code changes. While tattooed Starbucks baristas may seem commonplace now, that was not always the case. Prior to 2014, Starbucks did …

Starbucks Announces Changes after Baristas Speak Out

January 25, 2018

Starbucks Announces Changes after Baristas Speak Out JAN 25, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG On January 24, 2018, Starbucks announced a range of new offerings for baristas including: wage increases, additional stock options and more hiring, as well as paid sick leave and expanded parental leave for its partners. The improvements at Starbucks come after tens of thousands of …

A Starbucks Barista’s Message to the Company about Tuition Assistance

January 5, 2018

A Starbucks Barista’s Message to the Company about Tuition Assistance JAN 15, 2018 | COWORKER.ORG The following is a post by Joseph Michel, a Starbucks partner, father and aspiring cybersecurity technician from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Joseph started this campaign on Coworker.org asking Starbucks to expand its tuition assistance options for baristas. Recently, Congress passed the Tax Cuts …

Seven Workplace Wins to Celebrate in ‘Seventeen

December 21, 2017

Seven Workplace Wins to Celebrate in ‘Seventeen DEC 21, 2017 | COWORKER.ORG 2017 may have been tumultuous, but that didn’t stop people from speaking out about issues in their workplaces — and winning improvements. Here are some success stories from Coworker.org users this year: Adoptive parent baristas won paid parental leave at Starbucks. Early in …

Lessons From the Real ‘Revolution’ at Etsy

November 30, 2017

Lessons From the Real ‘Revolution’ at Etsy NOV 30, 2017 | COWORKER.ORG Tech Workers’ Lessons in Organizing for Change at Work Kiron Roy is software engineer at Etsy who came together with coworkers after investors installed a new CEO and abruptly cut 240 jobs. Roy and his coworkers began to fear that new management might …

Employees fight for workplaces free of abuse

November 1, 2017

Employees fight for workplaces free of abuse NOV 1, 2017 | COWORKER.ORG Workers have been speaking out (and taking risks by doing so) to expose sexual harassment and abuse in their workplaces for years. For example, a few years ago, women working for a cleaning contractor at the Brisbane Airport in Australia led a successful campaign …

The Rise of Rogue Twitter Accounts

January 31, 2017

The Rise of Rogue Twitter Accounts JAN 31, 2017 | COWORKER.ORG Last week, several federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. National Park Service were ordered into a communications “blackout.” In the age of Twitter, federal agencies count on instant communication with both the public and with lawmakers on matters of policy. Just …

Stay in the loop.

When you share your email address with us, we'll send you news about workers using Coworker.org to make positive change in your industry, resources for improving your workplace, and occasional surveys. (Read the full terms and conditions here.)