EP 139: How to Reform Your Union!

This episode explores the dynamics of union reform caucuses and strategies for empowering workers within healthcare unions, with insights from Lisa Xu of Labor Notes. It covers how members can organize, challenge leadership, and build stronger, more democratic unions. The discussion includes labor activism and reform strategies to strengthen worker power. If you are a rank and file union member who is concerned and frustrated with a lack of transparency within your union or you've considered decertification, this may be the episode for you.   Thank you to Nurses Uncorked Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit https://happybumco.com/  and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 20% off your first bundle.   Advertise on the show! Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: [email protected]   Become a Patron! Gain early access to episodes, ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast ETSY Shop:  Stop Healthcare Worker Violence! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNurseErica   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  05:45 What is a Union Reform Caucus  08:30 Case Studies: Successful Reform Movements 17:20 Current Climate of Union Disillusionment 18:30 Historical Context of Reform Caucuses 27:55 Building a Reform Caucus: Steps and Considerations 31:55 Legal Protections in Union Reform 35:30 Strategies for Effective Reform Organizing 39:24 Enema Award of the Week 42:05 Common Mistakes in Reform Caucuses 44:15 Overcoming Fear in Organizing 46:10 Understanding Decertification and Its Risks 50:35 Taking Action: First Steps for Workers 52:57 Resources for Union Reform and Engagement 56:00 Summary Wrap Up   Guest: Lisa Xu Resources: Labor Notes - https://labornotes.org/ Guide to Building a Union Reform Caucus - https://labornotes.org/caucus  Union Democracy Lawyers - Association for Union Democracy - https://uniondemocracy.org/ Labor Notes Conference 2026 -https://labornotes.org/2026 Help the podcast grow by giving episodes a like, download, follow and a 5 ️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: tiktok.com/nurses-uncorked https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL   You can listen to the podcast at: podcasts.apple/nursesuncorked spotify.com/nursesuncorked podbean.com/nursesuncorked iheart.com/nurses-uncorked   Follow Nurse Erica:  @TheNurseErica on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@thenurseerica9094 https://www.instagram.com/the.nurse.erica/   DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.