The object of this assignment is to learn something about how contemporary labor movements operate. You should make plans to observe a labor event, either a cultural event, meeting, picket line, or protest. Then submit a 3-page (double spaced) report describing what you have seen and offering observations and analysis of what it reveals about contemporary labor culture. What attitudes and practices do you observe? Do they reflect aspects of labor history and labor culture that we have been discussing in class? By labor culture I mean ideas, values, rituals, symbols, tactics, etc. Grades will be based on the quality of observations and the quality of writing. Deadline: May 7.

A good way to learn about events is to check The Stand, the daily blog of the Washington State Labor Council: http://www.thestand.org

Upcoming events (check back frequently. I post them as I learn about them)

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Thurs, May 9th

UAW 4121, the Academic Student Employee union is holding a rally for a fair contract on the steps of Denny Hall at 11:45am. Some ASEs will arrive early for a joint rally with anti-war groups ro call for divestment from weapons manufacturers like Boeing at 11

Tuesday, May 14th

UAW 4121 will go on strike if a contract is not agreed in by this date. Pickets will be held at most major entrances to campus from 6am to 5pm. Most activity will likely be from 10am to 2pm. If the strike continues, pickets will be held daily until a contract is signed.