Podcast appearances and mentions of jon melrod

In OVERTIME we talk to Jon Melrod about his time organizing in the auto industry. CALL IN: 844-899-TVLR (8857)✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org  256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services,  and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself?   Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure.  Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We talk to Gabriella Spielberg about her recent More Perfect Union video about McKinsey, update yall on the latest at Mercedes, and break down some dumb BS about California's minimum wage. In OVERTIME we talk to Jon Melrod about his time organizing in the auto industry. CALL IN: 844-899-TVLR (8857)✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org  256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services,  and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself?   Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure.  Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Who is Jon Melrod? College students mobilize; “We don't have time to wait”; No Fakes Today's labor quote: Donna Reed Today's labor history: 400 immigrant workers arrested @wpfwdc #1u #unions #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO Proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.

The Resolved podcast profiles the radical political activist, labor organizer, and human rights lawyer Today's labor history: Black tobacco workers walk out Today's labor quote: Ethiopian proverb @wpfwdc @AFLCIO #1u #UnionStrong #LaborRadioPod Proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network

The Resolved podcast profiles the radical political activist, labor organizer, and human rights lawyer Today's labor history: Black tobacco workers walk out Today's labor quote: Ethiopian proverb @wpfwdc @AFLCIO #1u #UnionStrong #LaborRadioPod Proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network

In this episode of Guerrilla History, we mark an era change in the show's history as we bid farewell to cohost Breht and Producer Dave.  After almost three and a half years of working together on the show, we amicably part ways as Breht and Dave take on new endeavors in their lives and renew their focus on Rev Left Radio and Red Menace.  From the bottom of our hearts, Adnan and Henry thank the Breht and Dave for their tireless pursuit of justice and for the effort they have put in alongside us from the inception of this show.  While we are officially parting ways for now, we will remain lifelong friends, and are looking forward to continuing to collaborate periodically going forward (including on an upcoming miniseries that you will be hearing soon on the History of Modern China, which Breht is guest hosting!).  Be sure to keep up with everything that they continue to do at revolutionaryleftradio.com. Also, special thanks to Comrade Booker Omole, Manny Ness, Brandon Wolfe-Hunnicutt, Ken Hammond, Jon Melrod, and Alex Aviña for coming through on short notice to make an audio contribution to this episode, we deeply appreciate it!  Further thanks to all of the other guests we have had since the show's inception, we know that Breht has appreciated working with each of you! Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory 

In this episode, Donzel welcomes Jon Melrod, activist and best-selling author of the new book, FIGHTING TIMES: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War. Jon shares why and how he gave up his privilege and even risked his life to be a soldier over the last 60 years on the front lines of the war to fight against racism, classism, and sexism and become one of the very few people to have done all of the following - confront the KKK in Mississippi, Volunteer for SNCC and the Black Panther Party and even serve as a body guard for a senior Black Panther official, while also being investigated by the FBI for his actions. Jon shares his incredible and inspiring story and provides our most powerful example yet of H.O.P.E. - How Optimist People Endure.

In this outstanding episode of Guerrilla History, we bring on Jon Melrod to discuss his new book Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War (use code FIGHTING to get 40% off)!  In this episode, we discuss the life and times of Jon, who in many ways is a real working class hero.  We talk about his early embrace of radical political ideology, his radical campus organizing, his 13 years fighting in and organizing within industrial factories in Wisconsin, his rise within the UAW, and his post-factory work as a lawyer representing political refugees and victims of police violence.  This conversation is really inspiring, and we cannot recommend enough that you pick up the book, read it with fellow workers, and share this episode with those you think would benefit! Jon Melrod is a journalist, activist, and lawyer that left the campus for the factory in 1973. For thirteen years, he immersed himself in the day-to-day struggles of Milwaukee's working class, both on the factory floor and in the political arena. Despite FBI surveillance and interference, Jon organized a militant rank-and-file caucus and rose through union ranks to a top leadership position in UAW Local 72. After this part of his career, he opened a law firm in San Francisco, successfully representing hundreds of political refugees.  You can follow Jon on twitter @JonathanMelrod, and keep up with his latest work and read more about his story on his website jonathanmelrod.com. Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory 

In this outstanding episode of Guerrilla History, we bring on Jon Melrod to discuss his new book Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War (use code FIGHTING to get 40% off)!  In this episode, we discuss the life and times of Jon, who in many ways is a real working class hero.  We talk about his early embrace of radical political ideology, his radical campus organizing, his 13 years fighting in and organizing within industrial factories in Wisconsin, his rise within the UAW, and his post-factory work as a lawyer representing political refugees and victims of police violence.  This conversation is really inspiring, and we cannot recommend enough that you pick up the book, read it with fellow workers, and share this episode with those you think would benefit! Jon Melrod is a journalist, activist, and lawyer that left the campus for the factory in 1973. For thirteen years, he immersed himself in the day-to-day struggles of Milwaukee's working class, both on the factory floor and in the political arena. Despite FBI surveillance and interference, Jon organized a militant rank-and-file caucus and rose through union ranks to a top leadership position in UAW Local 72. After this part of his career, he opened a law firm in San Francisco, successfully representing hundreds of political refugees.  You can follow Jon on twitter @JonathanMelrod, and keep up with his latest work and read more about his story on his website jonathanmelrod.com. Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory                               

This week on Madison Book Beat, host David Ahrens speaks with Jonathan Melrod, a prominent radical, political activist, labor organizer, human rights lawyer and pancreatic cancer survivor, now out with a memoir: "Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War" (September 2022, PM Press).Melrod's memoir highlights his time as a student radical on the UW-Madison campus, during the peak of anti-war upheaval in the 1960s. But unlike the vast majority of protesters, after the demonstrations ended, Melrod committed himself to organizing the industrial working class for revolution.What follows is an account of his thirteen years organizing workers in Milwaukee, and then Kenosha, where he takes on the managers of the AMC plant -- while at the same time challenging the sclerotic UAW local to focus on the interests of its members, and fending off attacks from the FBI and local police "red squads."Melrod describes a balancing of beliefs and interests, short-term and long-term strategies as he deals with the day-to-day problems of speed-ups on the line, discrimination and sex and race harassment, while also focusing on his long-term goals of building a working-class capable of fighting for revolution.Madison Book Beat host David Ahrens talks with Jon Melrod about his evolution as an organizer and revolutionary, prior to several appearances in Madison: On Wednesday, September 27, Melrod will return to the UW-Madison campus for a talk through the Havens Wright Center for Social Justice. The talk, titled "A Radical's Journey from Campus to the Shop Floor in 1970s Wisconsin," will take place at 12:30 at the Havens Wright Center Seminar Room in the Sewell Social Science Building at 1180 Observatory Drive. Registration is required, but a virtual option is available. Register here. On Thursday, September 28, Melrod will speak at A Room of One's Own Bookstore at 6pm, in conversation with local labor leader Bill Franks. Find more information here. Find more about Jonathan Melrod at his website, jonathanmelrod.com, or follow him on Twitter @JonathanMelrod.

We continue our conversation with activist Jon Melrod about his efforts in opposing racism, organizing rallies against the Vietnam War and activism in favor of unions.

How often does a veteran white revolutionary author a book in which he describes a lifetime committed to waging war on white supremacy and misogyny? These two political struggles have been the focus of Jon Melrod's organizing efforts since the 1960s. In his recently released book, Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War, Jon traces in a lively and humorous fashion his often dangerous life of political activism and the brutal realities of sexism and racism in the American workplace. Listen to our conversation with Jon.

In this week's episode, Raquel and Jennifer speak with union organizer, activist, and author Jon Melrod. In his book Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War, Jon chronicles his life and experience as part of the Black Liberation Movement, the Labor Movement, and the Feminist Movement. This is conversation that reaches back to the past and applies lessons learned to situations in the present. Tune in!Where to find Jon Melrod:Website: www.jonathanmelrod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmelrod/Let Raquel and Jennifer know what you think about this and other episodes of Madness Cafe on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks for listening and responding!

Activist, lawyer, author, and former autoworker Jon Melrod joins us this week to discuss his new book Fighting Times, and the militant union movement in the 1970s Buy Jon's book here: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1289 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/trillbillyworkersparty Outro music: https://hollybodyhollybody.bandcamp.com/track/positive-pressure Intro music: in-house

Meet Author, Activist, Union leader, Attorney, Political Revolutionary, Jonathan Melrod. This show is almost 90 minutes. We cover several stories from this amazing, easy and inspiring read. We talk about some UAW history and you're gonna learn about the work a Union leader should be doing with thier membership to inspire the next generation of leaders. Follow the link here to his website JonathanMelrod.com and the publishers web site PMPress.org to purchase the book at a 40% discount. To get the discount use the word FIGHTING (all caps) at checkout. You can find Jonathan on Twitter, IG and more @JonathanMelrod  You can also purchase the book from a Union Shop at Powell's Books in Portland ILWU Local 5 As always you can find us at My Labor Radio.org and on Twitter we are @mgevaart Thanks for listening. 

Joining Mike this morning is Jon Melrod, author of Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.

Unchecked, the US juggernaut is headed for catastrophe, either a new and friendly-looking American fascism, or some other form of extreme social disintegration. Another world is surely coming—greater equality, socialism, participatory democracy, and peace are all within our reach, but nuclear war, complete capitalist climate collapse, work camps and slavery are also looming possibilities. There are choices and options before us—where do we go from here, chaos or community? I'm joined by Jon Melrod at Pilsen Community Books in conversation about his life as a student and labor organizer, and his memoir Fighting Times.

About this Episode Joining the show today is Jon Melrod. Jon is the author of Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War. He is also a lawyer, activist, survivor, and advocate for the unheard.   Call to Action: Get involved locally with causes, community and/or politics. 5 Words: Ethical, Moral, Inspired, dedicated to change, dedicated to equity. Connect with Us: Website:  https://diversityonfire.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/diversityonfire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversityonfire/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/diversityonfire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diversityfire Heather: https://www.instagram.com/hponfire/ Guest Links: https://www.jonathanmelrod.com/jon-melrod https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.melrod https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmelrod/   Podcast: Subscribe: https://anchor.fm/diversityonfire - All Platforms Voicemail: ‪(617) 468-8981 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diversityonfire/message

Jon Melrod, a Milwaukee organizer in the 70s and 80s, finishes his saga of organizing with the Black Panthers, encounters with the FBI, and in the end, winning a $4 million lawsuit against him and his fellow editors of the factory newsletter The Fighting Times. See Jon in person at his FREE April 19th book reading at Milwaukee's favorite independent bookstore Boswell Books. Links to his reading on April 19th and his book are in the show links below: Show Links: Jon's FBI File: https://www.jonathanmelrod.com/fbi Jon's April 19th Book Reading at Boswell Books: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jon-melrod-author-of-fighting-times-an-in-person-boswell-event-tickets-549436929647 Jon's Book The Fighting Times: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1289

Born into the political and cultural quiescence of the 1950's, Jon Melrod grew up in apartheid-like Washington D.C. Active in the student movement that opposed the Vietnam War and a supporter of Black liberation, Jon embraced the ideology that the working class held the power to radically transform society. He left the campus for the factory in 1972. For thirteen years he immersed himself in the day- to-day struggles of Milwaukee's working class, both on the factory floor and in the political arena.Despite FBI and Milwaukee Police "Red Squad" interference, Jon organized a militant rank-and-file caucus and rose through the union ranks to a top leadership position in UAW local 72. After a mass workforce cutback imposed by AMC's joint venture partner French automaker Renault, he left to attend Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco in 1985. Graduating cum laude with a JD, he opened a law firm in San Francisco successfully representing hundreds of political refugees.In 2004, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only six months to a year to live. Determined to overcome the illness, he marshalled both western and alternative treatments and, despite the odds, survived the deadly disease. After 13-year-old Andy Lopez was gunned down by a Sonoma County deputy sheriff, he reupped his bar membership and jumped back into the struggle against police violence.In 2019, he married Filipina actress and human rights activist Maria Isabel Lopez and became politically active in the movement to defend the ancestral lands of the persecuted indigenous peoples of the Philippine archipelago who are under attack by the army at the behest of foreign logging and mining interests. He has also become active in the human rights struggle defending imprisoned Filipino political prisoners.Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy service, and it's 100% online. With BetterHelp, you can tap into a network of over 30,000 licensed and experienced therapists who can help you with a wide range of issues.Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/howtosurvivesociety Support the showThank you for listening to another episode of How To Survive Society.Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode.BetterHelp is the world's largest therapy service, and it's 100% online.With BetterHelp, you can tap into a network of over 30,000 licensed and experienced therapists who can help you with a wide range of issues.To get started, you just answer a few questions about your needs and preferences intherapy. That way, BetterHelp can match you with the right therapist from their network, Then you can talk to your therapist however you feel comfortable, whether it's via text, chat, phone or video call. You can message your therapist at any time, and schedule live sessions when it's convenient for you. If your therapist isn't the right fit for any reason, you can switch to a new therapist at no additional charge.With BetterHelp, you get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with a therapist who is custom-picked for you, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affordable price.Get 10% off your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/howtosurvivesociety

Join us for discussion of Jon Melrod's new book, Fighting Times, and the class war on the shop floor in the 1970s. Amidst a rekindled interest in the efforts of student radicals of the 1960s to industrialize in workers' movement as part of a larger social transformation, Jon Melrod's Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War could not be more timely. Fighting Times recounts the thirteen-year journey of Jon Melrod to harness working-class militancy and jump start a revolution on the shop floor of American Motors. Melrod faces termination, dodges the FBI, outwits collaborators in the UAW, and becomes a central figure in a lawsuit against the rank-and-file newsletter Fighting Times, as he strives to build a class-conscious workers' movement from the bottom up. “An eloquent voice from the frontlines of the hard, bitter, exhilarating struggles for freedom and justice that have made the world a better place, and an inspiring guide for carrying the crucial struggle forward.”—Noam Chomsky A radical to the core, Melrod was a key part of campus insurrection at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He left campus for the factory in 1972, hired along with hundreds of youthful job seekers onto the mind-numbing assembly line. Fighting Times paints a portrait of these rebellious and alienated young hires, many of whom were Black Vietnam vets. Join Melrod and Barry Eidlin, author of Labor and the Class Idea, for a discussion about Fighting Times, the politics and strategies of the era, and the legacies still shaping today's social movements. Get Fighting Times from PM Press: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1289 ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Speakers: Jon Melrod is a former student radical and rank and file militant, as well as a lawyer in San Francisco representing political refugees. He is the author of Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War. Barry Eidlin is an associate professor of sociology at McGill University and the author of Labor and the Class Idea in the United States and Canada. This event is sponsored by PM Press and Haymarket Books. Watch the live event recording: https://youtube.com/live/AvMW0MwyUz0 Buy books from Haymarket: www.haymarketbooks.org Follow us on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/haymarketbooks

Jon Melrod, a Milwaukee organizer in the 70s and 80s, takes us back to a time when labor organizing brought with it the perils of the FBI, association with the Black Panthers, and ultimately a $4 million lawsuit. Come talk to Jon in person at his FREE April 19th book reading at Milwaukee's favorite independent bookstore Boswell Books. The links to his reading on April 19th and his book are in the show links below. Show Links: Jon's April 19th Book Reading at Boswell Books: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jon-melrod-author-of-fighting-times-an-in-person-boswell-event-tickets-549436929647 Jon's Book The Fighting Times: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1289

Today we are joined by Jon Melrod and  Tyler DaguerreJon Melrod was born into the political and cultural quiescence of the 1950's and grew up in apartheid-like Washington DC. Active in the student movement that opposed the Vietnam War and a supporter of black liberation, Jon embraced the ideology that the working class held the power to radically transform society. He left the campus for the factory in 1973. For thirteen years, he immersed himself in the day-to-day struggles of Milwaukee's working class, both on the factory floor and in the political arena. Despite FBI surveillance and interference, Jon organized a militant rank-and-file caucus and rose through union ranks to a top leadership position in UAW Local 72. After a mass workforce cutback imposed by AMC's joint venture partner Renault, he left to attend Hastings college of the law in San Francisco in 1985. Graduating cum laude with a JD, he opened a law firm in San Francisco successfully representing hundreds of political refugees. Jon is also the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Fighting Times (September 27, 2022)– PM Press, ISBN 1629639656Tyler Daguerre is a Law School Graduate, barista and Organizer with Starbucks Workers United in Massachusetts.

This episode was a really interesting conversation for a couple of reasons. Firstly and most notably, this was the first episode where I had two guests on at the same time (apologies, at times it caused some minor bandwidth issues you might notice). Jon, my original guest, asked Tyler to join as they are both very committed to the same value and movement to help bring equality to all classes of people. Jon grew up in the 1950's and was instantly attracted to student activism around topics like racism, the Vietnam war, and unions/workers' rights. Among the many things he was involved in, he spent a lot of time trying to jump start a revolution on the shop floor of the American Motors auto company in Wisconsin. His book, Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War (available for a 40% discount on www.jonathanmelrod.com w/ code FIGHTING) describes his journey, including his battle with severe pancreatic cancer (which he believes came from his work in the factory). Tyler, is in many ways the next generation of activists, following Jon, to try to drive the same movement. Tyler is a lawyer by training but has dedicated his time and skills to trying to create a strong labor union at the Starbucks he works at in the Boston area. Tyler has been inspired by people like Jon and has decided to focus his efforts on creating an egalitarian society. The other reason this episode was interesting is because Jon and Tyler are both so committed to their values and the movement, yet they were both completely open to exploring and pressure testing some of their beliefs and underlying assumptions. We explored a lot of the philosophical concepts that underpin their views like, is an egalitarian society even possible, are humans inherently selfish, how much ego is involved in their work, and is it possible there is no "right or wrong" way to live so their issues aren't really valid? A huge thanks to Jon and Tyler both for sharing their perspectives and providing some insight into what it looks like to be an ardent supporter of the working class movement.

Welcome to US with Dr Crystallee Crain. I had the honor to come across a social media post regarding an amazing new book called Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War. Authored by Jon Melrod, a long time activist and attorney for political refugees. What I've learned from this book is that Jon has made amazing contributions to the radical notions of community, shared power, as well as corporate and government accountability. It's an honor for me to sit with him today, as we discuss the connection between labor, dissent, and how the world has and must change. Learn more at www.jonathonmelrod.com. What others are saying about Fighting Times? “Indeed, if one were to explain to a working person interested in organizing a union why they should read this book, the key word would be instructive. The tactics so vividly written down in this text remain useful and appropriate.” Counterpunch | Ron Jacobs “…Melrod is not a theoretician. But his book is now an indispensable chapter in the literature on the history of the American working class movement.” Bulatlat | Prof. Roland Simbulan “Under the capitalist system, we're always at the disadvantage because we don't control the means of production and we don't control the market. That's the ultimate contradiction of capitalism. It's not in business to guarantee employment.” Against The Current | Dianne Feeley Chant read from the book “When the unions inspiration through the workers blood shall run There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one For the Union makes us strong In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold Greater than the might of armies magnified a thousandfold We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old For the Union makes us strong”

That's right! We're talking labor, capital, markets, economical, proletariat v bourgeoisie and Starbucks!Jim and Nathan spoke with Jon Melrod and Tyler Daguerre about labor organizing. What changed from the 1970s through 2020s and what remained the same? Jon's autobiography Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War (2022) recounts his 1960s through early 80s time as a political activist and labor organizer before becoming an immigration lawyer. Tyler discusses organizing with Starbucks United in Massachusetts and speaking with Jon about his experience. What can different generations of labor organizers learn from each other? Jon's Website with book link for 40% off, archive materials, & extended chapters - https://www.jonathanmelrod.com/ You can follow Tyler Daguerre on Twitter @tylerdaguerre.

It's hard to believe that in this day and age unions representing freight rail workers are having to threaten a strike because they cannot get paid sick days. It took an act of Congress to avert the strike, and still, they were unable to get the sick leave that is only a human right. That's the kind of fight that is in the blood of our Lean to the Left podcast guest today, Jon Melrod, author of “Fighting Times, Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.”Melrod's story is one of a young man who came to unionism through social activism beginning in his teens. His world view was formed in the 1960s when he saw a chain gang of Black prisoners working along-side the road, and couldn't understand why the local amusement park near Washington DC refused to allow Black kids to enjoy the pool and the rides.His is a story of student Vietnam War protests, of fighting racism, and then of working as a laborer at various companies where he helped organize workers and protest injustice. Those jobs, which often involved working with toxic chemicals, resulted in his 2004 diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and given only six months to a year to live. Determined to overcome the illness, he marshalled both western and alternative treatments and, despite the odds, survived the deadly disease.Now in his 70s, Melrod has written a memoir that he hopes will help his sons understand what motivated his choices over the years as a union activist after his cancer diagnosis. It's a fascinating book, filled with personal accounts of his fight to support workers and overcome racism. And it takes us back to the experiences of the 60s and 70s, to violent campus protests against the War and racism.Here are some questions Jon discusses on the show: 1. Tell us about “Fighting Times,” it's origin and what you hope to achieve.2. What were some of the transformative events that resulted in your determination to help working people?3. You went to a boarding school in Vermont as a teen. What happened there that influenced your world view?4. Tell us about your experiences at the University of Wisconsin, the battle for justice for Hispanic farmworkers, and the fight against racial disparities.5. What prompted you to sort of infiltrate companies like American Motors and lead efforts against racism and unfair labor practices?6. You eventually went to law school. To do what?7. What are your thoughts about the revival of union activism that we are seeing at companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Kellogg's, Nabisco, John Deer, and American Airlines?8. Do you see a resurgence of young people working to organize at companies that some might believe are immune from union activity, like Starbucks or Amazon, for example?9. What is your view of the future of organized labor in the U.S. today?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It's hard to believe that in this day and age unions representing freight rail workers are having to threaten a strike because they cannot get paid sick days. It took an act of Congress to avert the strike, and still, they were unable to get the sick leave that is only a human right. That's the kind of fight that is in the blood of our Lean to the Left podcast guest today, Jon Melrod, author of “Fighting Times, Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.”Melrod's story is one of a young man who came to unionism through social activism beginning in his teens. His world view was formed in the 1960s when he saw a chain gang of Black prisoners working along-side the road, and couldn't understand why the local amusement park near Washington DC refused to allow Black kids to enjoy the pool and the rides.His is a story of student Vietnam War protests, of fighting racism, and then of working as a laborer at various companies where he helped organize workers and protest injustice. Those jobs, which often involved working with toxic chemicals, resulted in his 2004 diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and given only six months to a year to live. Determined to overcome the illness, he marshalled both western and alternative treatments and, despite the odds, survived the deadly disease.Now in his 70s, Melrod has written a memoir that he hopes will help his sons understand what motivated his choices over the years as a union activist after his cancer diagnosis. It's a fascinating book, filled with personal accounts of his fight to support workers and overcome racism. And it takes us back to the experiences of the 60s and 70s, to violent campus protests against the War and racism.Here are some questions Jon discusses on the show: 1. Tell us about “Fighting Times,” it's origin and what you hope to achieve.2. What were some of the transformative events that resulted in your determination to help working people?3. You went to a boarding school in Vermont as a teen. What happened there that influenced your world view?4. Tell us about your experiences at the University of Wisconsin, the battle for justice for Hispanic farmworkers, and the fight against racial disparities.5. What prompted you to sort of infiltrate companies like American Motors and lead efforts against racism and unfair labor practices?6. You eventually went to law school. To do what?7. What are your thoughts about the revival of union activism that we are seeing at companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Kellogg's, Nabisco, John Deer, and American Airlines?8. Do you see a resurgence of young people working to organize at companies that some might believe are immune from union activity, like Starbucks or Amazon, for example?9. What is your view of the future of organized labor in the U.S. today?

An anti-war student activist at UW-Madison became a union organizer on Milwaukee area factory floors in the 1970s and ‘80s. Now a retired lawyer and author of “Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War,” Jon Melrod finds common cause with the workers' rights movement of today.

The labour movement is having a moment. Both in the United States and in Canada, unions have won breakthroughs at workplaces including Amazon, Starbucks, Medieval Times, and Blizzard alongside union drives at Staples, Indigo, and WestJet. While union rates in both countries are low, particularly in the private sector, recent momentum offers an opportunity for a resurgence. And while management and owners are pushing back against workers, the terrain on which they do battle is changing. And so on this episode we ask: What is the future of the labour movement?On this episode of Open to Debate, David Moscrop talks with Jon Melrod, activist, human rights lawyer, and author of Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.

The labour movement is having a moment. Both in the United States and in Canada, unions have won breakthroughs at workplaces including Amazon, Starbucks, Medieval Times, and Blizzard alongside union drives at Staples, Indigo, and WestJet. While union rates in both countries are low, particularly in the private sector, recent momentum offers an opportunity for a resurgence. And while management and owners are pushing back against workers, the terrain on which they do battle is changing. And so on this episode we ask: What is the future of the labour movement?On this episode of Open to Debate, David Moscrop talks with Jon Melrod, activist, human rights lawyer, and author of Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.

* Actor William Moseley talks about playing Edgar Allan Poe in Raven's Hollow * Fighting Times: Union activist and hellraiser Jon Melrod on his new memoir about his UAW years and his hope for the new generation