New Yorkers rip Bloombergs budget
Workers protest: ‘We’re not going to take this anymore!’ NEW YORK—A militant demonstration called by the union of school support staff brought together thousands of people—workers facing layoffs and their supporters—at City Hall June 17 to protest against Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s budget that could result in the layoffs of thousands of more than 2,500 school workers alone.
Sen. Dodd declares for strong public option as health care reform markup begins
Grassroots mobilization underway Call senators toll free 866-210-3678, unions urge A week before health care activists poured into the nation’s capitol demanding health care for all with a public option or single payer, Sen. Chris Dodd had taken time away from preparing for Senate Health Committee sessions to meet via web with members of Families USA, Doctors for America and unions SEIU, CWA.
Thousands rally for Congress Hotel workers in 6-year battle
CHICAGO — Marking the nation’s longest running strike, thousands of trade unionists, community activists and elected officials marched in a picket line stretching solidly around the Congress Hotel here, June 15, to demonstrate their unwavering solidarity with the 130 strikers until the battle is won.
Seniors plan to push health care reform
WASHINGTON — Some 500 delegates to the Alliance for Retired Americans legislative conference convened here June 16-18. The 3 million member strong organization played an important role in helping to elect the nation’s first African American president and is playing an equally important role in passing the president’s major policy reform: health care.
Anti-union practices increasing in Europe
BRUSSELS (ITUC Online) — The 2009 survey of violations of trade union rights around the world, published last week by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), reports more widespread and serious anti-union practices than in recent years in Europe, despite the fact that this region is still portrayed as being a model on social matters. The trend has been confirmed both in the traditional trade union strongholds of Western Europe and in the transition economies of Eastern Europe. What is more, nearly 50 workers were arrested for their union activities, mainly in Russia and Belarus.
WORKERS' CORRESPONDENCE Dont be fooled by your bosss facts
When the factory where I worked for 23 years closed down, I ended up in the health care industry. Working in the factory I became a strong union supporter. I learned that workers need a collective voice on the job to stand up for our needs and rights.
Retirees set to tell lawmakers: Health care reform now
(AFL-CIO Now) For three hours before the formal opening of their annual legislative conference, members of the Alliance for Retired Americans got down to business by taking part in workshops on health care reform and Social Security. They will be joined by speakers such as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill..
Security and cleaning workers demand justice from banks
On International Justice Day, June 15, thousands of security and cleaning workers around the world will call on Allied Irish Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank and others to sign a responsible contractor policy ensuring basic rights for security guards and cleaners.
Labor Dept. funds training programs to fight youth joblessness
With youth unemployment soaring to over 20 percent, the Department of Labor has announced awards to 183 community groups that help out-of-school youth earn their high school diplomas and get training in the construction industry.
Boston Globe, union to meet on 23 percent pay cut
The Boston Newspaper Guild will meet with managers at The Boston Globe and the National Labor Relations Board this week as it tries to block a 23 percent pay cut imposed by the newspaper’s parent company.
