In this column published by the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Bayard Rustin critiques “runaway shops,” warning that corporate plant closures can devastate communities and disproportionately harm Black workers. He supports federal legislation to require advance notice of closures and provide displaced workers with protections including retraining, severance, and pension benefits.
A Sneak Attack on Black Construction Workers
In this column published by the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Bayard Rustin warns that the growth of nonunion “merit shops” threatens hard-won gains for Black workers in the construction industry. He calls for Black leaders and labor allies to unite in defending union jobs, fair wages, and economic opportunity.
Bayard Rustin Tells It Like It Is: Light Not Heat
This 1968 column finds Bayard Rustin defending due process for teachers amid controversy within the United Federation of Teachers. He argues that justice and fairness must guide the movement, even in the face of internal criticism, and warns against replicating the injustices it seeks to overcome. Rustin ultimately calls for thoughtful debate, principled leadership, and collaboration between educators and communities.
