Thankfully, both the WGA and the SAG-AFTRA strikes were recently resolved (though a deal following the latter is technically still pending until early December). That means better terms for writers and performers related to streaming revenue, artificial intelligence, health care and more. But there’s an added bonus: More people are paying attention to organized labor and how that benefits the average worker — and not just in the entertainment industry.
Right here in Nashville, workers have organized to improve pay and working conditions across an array of fields. From baristas and kitchen workers to construction workers and beyond, employees have joined ranks in recent months to stand up to management and demand more for themselves and their colleagues. Even when unions aren’t striking, their leaders are working behind the scenes to make sure members aren’t being taken advantage of, to raise awareness and to raise funds for members who need a hand.
Nashville is home to a number of labor unions and worker centers, Nashville Musicians Association Local 257, Central Labor Council and Workers’ Dignity among them. To these and all the other groups doing the brave and honest work of standing up for the little guy, we say thank you.Â
—D. Patrick Rodgers
Editor-in-Chief, Nashville Scene
Our notes of gratitude to the teachers, workers, nonprofits and institutions who make Nashville special
