Disabled Union Members Are Strengthening the Labor Movement
Briefly

Katie Murphy, an administrative analyst at San Francisco State University, shared that livestreaming the picket allowed participation from disabled union members unable to attend in person. 'We had it so that people could participate in them on YouTube... those who were not able to actually come to the pickets because of their health concerns... were able to participate and comment and keep momentum going online,' Murphy said, highlighting a new approach to activism.
The Covid-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for unions, reminding them of the importance of inclusivity and adaptability. 'Disabled workers historically left out by the demands of in-person picketing were suddenly able to participate,' the article states, illustrating how crisis can lead to innovative strategies that include historically marginalized groups in labor movements.
Many disabled workers have emphasized the increased roles within their unions since the pandemic began, stating that unions' collaboration with disabled members is key for supporting all workers. 'A union's willingness to collaborate with disabled members is crucial to determining how effective it can be in helping all of its members,' underscoring the importance of intersectionality within labor rights.
Read at The Nation
[
]
[
|
]