In today’s news and commentary, Stanford Graduate Workers Union authorizes a strike, Massachusetts voters reject One Fair Wage ballot initiative, and UAW Labor for Palestine launches divestment campaign.

On Wednesday, November 6, the Stanford Graduate Workers Union voted to authorize a strike. The membership overwhelmingly opted to authorize the strike, with about 89% of the 2,317 votes in favor. The union rejected Stanford’s proposed contract, calling for higher wages for first-years, improved anti-discrimination protections, and paid parental leave. The strike could begin as early as Tuesday, November 12.

Massachusetts voters rejected a ballot measure that would have eliminated a subminimum wage exclusive to tipped workers. 64.3% of voters voted against the measure after a fierce opposition campaign. Proponents of the measure claim a single minimum wage for all employees, tipped or non tipped, promotes equality across industries and stability for employees, while reducing the possibility for employer wage theft. The opposition claims the ballot measure would have unduly burdened restaurants, reduced tipped workers’ overall wages (through the reduction of tipping), and decreased employment throughout the sector. Those advocating for the measure spent about $1.2 million, mostly funded by the nonprofit One Fair Wage. The opposition spent about $2.5 million, primarily funded by restaurant associations.

On Wednesday, November 6, United Auto Workers (UAW) Labor for Palestine, launched a new campaign called “UAW Divest Now!” calling for the union to divest from Israel bonds. The campaign called for the union to reflect the views of its membership and continue its anti-apartheid legacy. The campaign contrasts itself with Vice President Harris’ campaign, calling themselves an alternative to her campaign’s failed tactic of “bank[ing] on working people voting for concessions to right-wingers and the wealthy[.]”