Minimum wage headed for ballot in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Living Wage Coalition here has collected 30,000 signatures on petitions to place a measure on the Oct. 4 ballot to increase the minimum wage in this city from $5.50 an hour to $7.50. On Aug. 4 the County Clerk verified 22,000 signatures, well over the 13,889 needed to achieve ballot status.
Sweating in a union shop
One summer in the 1930s I worked in a laundry in the Bronx. I probably worked there in the fall and winter too. But it was the summer I remember because it was hot and hotter. The laundry was housed in an old, commercial garage and employed about 100 workers, mostly women. There was little natural ventilation and I don’t remember any fans.
World Notes
World Notes
Arabs in Israel drawn into Gaza pullout debate
Until last weekend Israel’s 1 million Palestinian citizens had stayed out of the debate about the country’s imminent disengagement from Gaza. “It’s not our story,” they said when pressed, “this is an entirely Jewish conversation.”
Bush appoints transition coordinator for Cuba
A 2004 report of President Bush’s “Commission for Assistance for a Free Cuba” called for escalating economic pressure on Cuba, funding internal opposition forces and developing mechanisms for privatizing the island’s enterprises in a post-socialist society. It also called for a high-level Washington appointee to take charge of Cuba’s would-be return to capitalism.
Sudanese leaders death clouds peace accord
Meaningful progress toward ending the decades-long civil war between northern Sudan and southern Sudan was thrown into doubt with the death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, July 30.
Defying blockade, U.S. group returns from Cuba
BUFFALO, N.Y. – After visiting Cuba for two weeks, 60 members of the 36th contingent of the Venceremos Brigade trekked across the Peace Bridge over the Niagara River Aug. 1 and presented themselves to U.S. border officials in Buffalo, N.Y. Never having sought approval or licenses to travel to Cuba, they were openly defying U.S. regulations in place for decades that restrict travel to the island. The Bush administration has recently tightened such restrictions.
Urge for labor unity strong at the grassroots
Activists and leaders of state and central labor councils across the U.S. have not given up on the idea of unity, even in the midst of a major split in the AFL-CIO. Traditional Labor Day parades, from New York to Detroit to Los Angeles and dozens of small towns in between, look to be a showplace for the continuing commitment to work together.
Lawmakers face anger over CAFTA vote
Workers, community leaders, clergy and some textile and sugar industry executives angrily confronted members of Congress who voted for the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) last month.
South Bay labor starts special election campaign
At least one northern California labor council has already started its special election campaign activity. On July 30, precinct walkers gathered at the South Bay Labor Council’s San Jose headquarters before fanning out to talk with union families about what’s at stake in the Nov. 8 special election called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Precinct walking continues on weekends, and phone banking started Aug. 1.
