Erica Leach of the NC APRI points out that reaching young people is the key to bringing in new members: “We can organize and support new hires through…connecting with them early in their career.” Leach also emphasizes that digital platforms are key to this.

Carla Knox of @steelworkers.bsky.social adds: “On top of education, we need to fight for legislation that supports our right to organize.”

When asked about how we can help build the labor movement in North Carolina, Alice Armstrong of @iatse.bsky.social says: “Educate and communicate.” Kiki Williamson of @lettercarriers.bsky.social agrees: “If we’re told what the benefits are of joining from the beginning, more people will join.”

Christine Surrette from AFGE discusses how federal workers are organizing to protect their hard-fought union contracts.

Jemma Superville from @nationalnurses.bsky.social on how nurses are reacting to cuts VA medical centers and attacks on union contracts: “Fear will not lead to paralysis. We have strengthened our resolve to fight back.” She also encouraged attendees to join her for a national day of action Friday.

Noah Jacobs from Duke Grad Union discusses how in the wake of cuts to federal funding for research, Duke U has slashed 1,000 staff positions but not touched bloated admin salary: “Duke has made sweeping cuts across the board, but of course those cuts have not been equal.”

Alvin Warwick from @ibewinternational.bsky.social and the North Carolina Building Trades on Trump’s disastrous budget: “Because of this bill, 10s of 1,000s of good manufacturing jobs will be removed…it’s affecting us here in NC exponentially…the policies are killing good paying jobs we need here.”

When asked why organizing the south is important, panelists agree: “When the south changes, the whole country changes.” #1u