Note: This post builds on a series launched in December on how states and cities can expand worker power in the United States. The series is grounded in a set of working papers and policy briefs that offer creative approaches for state and local action in a time when the federal labor law framework is increasingly unreliable. You can find the working papers compiled on the Center for Labor and a Just Economy’s website.

Labor unions and other worker organizations serve vital roles in our economy, protecting workers and fighting for their voice in the workplace and in politics. But despite skyrocketing public support for labor unions and surveys suggesting that large percentages of workers would join a union if they could, too many worker organizations lack adequate and stable funding needed to effectively achieve their missions of organizing workers, advocating for stronger labor protections, and facilitating strong implementation and enforcement of existing laws. Funding sources such as worker dues or contributions are often inadequate and difficult to collect, especially from workers struggling in low-wage jobs. Other funding sources, such as philanthropic support, are too limited and unstable from year to year.

We’ve been exploring this capacity gap with a number of professors, lawyers, organizers, and other advocates. Today, we’re releasing two new papers outlining exciting strategies for how states and cities can pass legislation that help labor organizations build...

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