Truthout
Economy & Labor
![Farmworkers labor in a strawberry field amid drought conditions on August 5, 2022, near Ventura, California.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0905-Farmworkers-400x300.jpg)
Biden Endorses California Bill That Would Make Unionizing Easier for Farmworkers
While it's been suggested Newsom may veto the bill, Biden's statement increases pressure on the governor.
![A worker packs items at Amazon fulfillment center in Eastvale, California, on August 31, 2021.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0905-Amazon-400x300.jpg)
Our Labor Is Used to Create Wealth for Others. Let’s Reclaim It to Make Life.
How can capitalism be transcended unless the essence of this system -- controlled labor -- is abolished?
![Student loan borrowers gather near The White House to tell President Biden to cancel student debt on May 12, 2020, in Washington, D.C.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0905-Student-debt-400x300.jpg)
Many Child Care Workers Are Blocked From Student Loan Forgiveness
Child care workers employed by for-profit centers or self-employed are not eligible for the PSLF program.
![Chris Smalls, president of Amazon Labor Union, speaks during the Labor Notes conference, in Chicago, Illinois, on June 17, 2022.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1241391232-400x300.jpg)
On Labor Day, Let’s Celebrate 2022 as a Pivotal Year for Independent Unions
The self-organization of workers marks a sea change from the way the labor movement has traditionally operated.
![A mural of Abraham Lincoln is seen in the Eckington neighborhood of Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 22, 2022.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1242824224-1-400x300.jpg)
Railroad Workers Appear Ready to Strike After Rejecting Contract Recommendations
A national rail shutdown, which has not occurred since the early 1990s, would have a major economic impact.
![A 'Now Hiring' sign is displayed on a shopfront on August 5, 2022, in New York City.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0902-now-hiring-400x300.jpg)
Economy Adds 315,000 Jobs in August, But Unemployment Ticks Upward
There are concerns that the Federal Reserve Board will choose to raise rates more aggressively in response to job gains.
![Union organizer Christian Smalls, right, celebrates following the April 1, 2022, vote for the unionization of the Amazon Staten Island warehouse in New York.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0902-amazon-union-400x300.jpg)
Amazon Loses Bid to Overturn Union’s Historic Win in New York
The decision is a win for Amazon Labor Union, which won a vote in April to form the company’s first-ever union.
![Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks during a Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union rally in support of London transport workers, at the Trades Union Congress headquarters in London, on August 31, 2022.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/09/2022_0901-bernie-sanders-rmt-400x300.jpg)
“Tell the Oligarchs They Cannot Have It All” Sanders Tells UK’s Striking Workers
“There is no success, no justice, without struggle. They are never going to give it to you,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said.
![A protester holds a sign reading "HOWARD SHULTZ: STARBUCKS' UNION-BUSTER-IN-CHIEF" during an outdoor demonstration](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/08/2022_0831-howard-schultz-400x300.jpg)
CEO Who Got $940 Million Richer in Pandemic Is Behind Starbucks Union-Busting
Howard Schultz's pandemic wealth gains alone could pay for a $3,847 bonus for every Starbucks worker.
![Rep. Pramila Jayapal and fellow members of the House Progressive Caucus hold a news conference ahead of the vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 outside the U.S. Capitol on August 12, 2022, in Washington, D.C.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2022/08/2022_0830-pramila-jayapal-progressives-400x300.jpg)
“Give Millions of People a Raise”: Progressives Ask Biden to Expand Overtime Law
Currently, only full time salaried workers making less than $35,568 are guaranteed overtime pay by law.