labor Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

How NASA nearly took over Kendall Square, pushing out manufacturers before plans fell apart

by Kaliyah Macaraig October 19, 2026

Twenty-nine acres within Kendall Square was committed in 1964 for a $60 million space center. After five years of demolition and displacement, the plan was canceled.

NEWS

Preserving gun controls, legal cannabis and state revenue levels are among the 2026 ballot questions

by Norman Daoust October 11, 2026

Your ballot for this November’s election has nine statewide ballot questions on expanding public records law, collective bargaining for public defenders and much more.

NEWS

Cambridge moves to decriminalize sex work within its borders

by Marc Levy October 7, 2026

Cambridge went as far as it could Monday toward decriminalizing sex work, starting with deprioritizing the arrest of sex workers by city police.

EDUCATION

In exploring ‘Can we meet the moment?’ for immigrants in schools, panelists were only some of the voices

by Felix Shackelford September 30, 2026

A discussion about immigration and education held Sept. 23 had to vie for attention with Cambridge groups linked to the issues.

BUSINESS

MIT labor groups rally, chant and march, raising the idea of a strike if no progress is seen in contract talks

by Marc Levy September 29, 2026

Protesters from MIT labor groups gathered Tuesday at the school’s iconic Building 7 and marched down its Infinite Corridor to deliver a petition.

EDUCATION

Voices of support without votes of support as councillors are confronted with pay for classroom aides

by Marc Levy September 29, 2026

It was separation of powers that was cited by several councillors as cause not to support the order. “We should stay in our own lane,“ E. Denise Simmons said.

BUSINESS

Lamplighter surprises employees with plan to go worker-owned next month (updated)

by Marc Levy September 14, 2026

The founders of the Cambridge brewery Lamplighter are looking to step aside and transform it into an employee-owned company. Meetings were planned for Monday.

DID YOU KNOW

Police raided the ironworks expecting ‘charred, grimy,’ degraded women, but this labor tale is more complicated

by Beth Folsom of History Cambridge September 7, 2026

We mark Labor Day with the anniversary of an industrial raid that challenged notions of “suitable” work for women and the role of government in regulating working conditions.

NEWS

David Solet, who quit the Middlesex DA’s office, has plenty of support in his bid to run it

by Christian Uva July 20, 2026

It’s unusual for police unions to get involved in a district attorney’s race, but they put their weight behind a newcomer: David Solet.

LET’S GET COFFEE

Worn wood, comfort and ease: At home at the Circus Cooperative and Café Zing

by Corky White June 17, 2026

Coffee in a good setting keeps me there. The place, as you know if you read these columns, matters, almost as much as the coffee. I’m lucky that I can almost always find coffee that keeps me seated....