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How our blog got its name

Sidney Hillman was a powerful national figure during the Great Depression, a key supporter of the New Deal, and a close ally of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

When the rumor spread that President Roosevelt ordered his party leaders to “clear it with Sidney” before announcing Harry S. Truman as his 1944 running mate, conservative critics turned on the phrase, trumpeting it as proof that the president was under the thumb of “Big Labor.”

Over the years, the phrase lost its sting and became a testament to Hillman's influence.

It's hard to imagine a labor leader wielding that kind clout today, but we like the idea—and we hope Sidney would give thumbs up to our blog.

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Lindsay Beyerstein's blog

Fast Food Forward: Times Square Rally Photos

Some 200 fast food workers walked off the job at restaurants around New York City on Thursday as part of the largest-ever drive to organize this industry. Fast Food Forward, the umbrella group behind yesterday's action, is a joint effort by unions, community groups, religious leaders, and other concerned citizens. Continue reading...

#Sidney's Picks: Fast Food Forward Edition

Today's edition of Sidney's Picks is all about yesterday's fast food walkouts in New York City.Continue reading...

"Can't Survive on $7.25": NYC Fast Food Workers Walk Out

This morning, fast food workers in New York City walked off the job to demand higher wages and the right to unionize, Josh Eidelson reports:Continue reading...

Mismatched Socks Are a Crime and I Am a Criminal

 

In Meridian, Mississippi, kids with juvenile records are getting arrested for wearing the wrong color socks:Continue reading...

New Study Lifts Curtain on Domestic Work

Domestic workers labor behind closed doors, and sometimes off the books. As a result, basic facts about their circumstances are shrouded in mystery. Who are they? How much do they earn? What are their working conditions like? A report released today offers the first detailed statistical profile of America's domestic workforce, Steven Greenhouse reports. Continue reading...

Faded Glory: Walmart Goods Found in Smoldering Ruins of Bangladeshi Factory

A fire in a Bangladeshi clothing factory killed over 100 people on Saturday. The blaze started on the ground floor of a multistory warehouse that lacked adequate fire exits. This is the deadliest factory fire in the nation's history. 

An local pro-labor NGO furnished The Nation with photographs of what they say are Walmart goods amid the smoldering ruins of the factory. Josh Eidelson reports:Continue reading...

#Sidney's Picks: Walmart "Black Friday" Strike Edition

Walmart workers vowed to strike or protest at over 1000 stores nationwide this Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. This week on Sidney's Picks we bring you the coverage of the strike and commentary on this historic action. Continue reading...

Walmart Holds "Captive Audience" Meetings Ahead of Black Friday Strike

As the clock ticks down to Black Friday, Walmart workers allege that management has been subjecting them to captive audience meetings and other forms of intimidation in a bid to discourage them from striking. OUR Walmart, the worker's association organizing the strike, complained to the National Labor Relations Board, Josh Eidelson reports: Continue reading...

Sandy Relief Effort Exposes Class Divisions