Labor and the Future of Work

Across the country, many folks enjoyed a three-day weekend, celebrating a holiday that was established federally in 1894 — which pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Yet it comes at a time when so much of the American worker experience has been in flux amid the Great Resignation, year three of a global pandemic, and at a time when labor organizing has seen big wins across the country.

As an organization dedicated to building a future where all people — no matter their race and class — have power, choice, and ownership over the economy, how we work truly is an essential part of shifting power and wealth.

This month, we’re honoring Labor Day by examining workplace themes around labor and the future of work. 

In partnership with Reimagine Main Street, we examined small business data and how business performance shapes job quality. We’ve reflected on a full year of four-day work week data, and are sharing applicable lessons for folks interested in embarking on a 4DW of their own. We are sharing our learnings and vision behind our recently completed compensation audit. In the wake of Dobbs, and the corporations being praised for stepping forward to support abortion care, we asked what do we give up by entrusting these actors with our care and if these benefits are even enough. And finally, we examined the recent trends in labor organizing, and how they support economic justice.

• Want Good Jobs? Support Small Employers
• Lessons Learned from a Year of Four-Day Work Weeks
• Equitable Pay is Economic Justice
• What We Lose When Our Jobs are the Only Safety Net
• More than A Trend: Hot Labor Summer

With love,
Cristina Díaz Borda

We hope you’ll take this time to reflect with us and share what we’re doing to create a more inclusive economy. Like the stories you read? Share them with your network on social and be sure to tag @commonfutureco.

Upcoming Events

September 14, 1 pm ET — How The City Of Evanston Is Paying Reparations

Next City and Robin Rue Simmons will share how Evanston, Illinois created a restorative housing fund that enabled 16 Black seniors to make home improvements or mortgage payments. Hosted by Policy Entrepreneur Trevor Smith.
Register here.

September 14, 2 pm ET — Remaking the Economy: Owning Our Future

How can nonprofits help create a more democratic economy? Join the conversation with NPQ’s Senior Editor Steve Dubb, University of Hawai’i’s Kamuela Enos, Common Future CEO Rodney Foxworth, U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives Esteban Kelly, and Wellspring Cooperative’s Emily Kawano.
Register here.

September 15, 9:30 PT — What Policies and Programs Will Result in the Just Transfer of Wealth?

Join Common Future COO Jennifer Njuguna, Policy Entrepreneur Keneshia Raymond, and Chuck Collins for the next episode of Possibility Project, for a discussion on wealth, wealth hoarding, and what local and national economic development and policy strategies we need for shared prosperity.
Register here.

September 27, 12 pm PT — Policy Entrepreneurship: Charting a New Path Forward For Inclusive Economic Policy

Join Common Future’s CEO, Rodney Foxworth, and Pacific Community Ventures President and CEO, Bulbul Gupta, for a lively interview with each of these leaders, followed by a reflective panel discussion, and learn how each of these leaders is modeling a better way forward for economic policy.”
Register here.