Autoworkers and national health care
Back in the 1950s, Charles Wilson, then GM’s president, declared, “What’s good for General Motors is good for America.” Reeking with more arrogance than corporate benevolence, the quote certainly doesn’t apply anymore, if it ever did.
N.Y. transit union spurs fight for safety
NEW YORK — In June the New York Legislature passed a measure sponsored by the Transport Workers Union designed to enhance the safety of union members and all workers who toil in proximity to the moving trains in New York City’s subway system.
Casino workers talk union
Talk of union is running high in the world’s largest casino located in southeastern Connecticut. Since opening 15 years ago, Foxwoods, which employs 12,000, has become the biggest private employer in the state.
NYC taxi drivers prepare to strike
NEW YORK — Yellow taxicab drivers here are prepared to strike if the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) continues to refuse to negotiate with them about sweeping changes they are imposing on the city’s 44,000 drivers. The TLC is mandating that all the city’s 13,000 yellow medallion taxicabs be equipped with GPS hardware.
It was murder in the mines, expert charges
Mine safety expert Jack Spadaro charges Crandall Canyon, Utah, mine owner Robert Murray with murder and the Bush administration’s Mine Safety and Health Agency (MSHA) with aiding and abetting.
Hotel workers, many immigrants, win wage gain
EMERYVILLE, Calif. — After over a year of struggle, workers at the Woodfin Suites hotel here won a big victory Aug. 27 in their struggle to be paid according to the city’s 2005 living wage law.
Labor launches drive for universal health care by 2009
High-quality health care for all Americans moved closer to reality this Labor Day with the 13-million-member AFL-CIO unveiling a major drive to achieve universal health care by 2009.
Immigrant workers stand up and win
CHICAGO — Ten days after walking off their jobs, immigrant workers at Cygnus Corp.’s soap factory here scored a victory by being hired back without reprisals and with an increase in pay.
Fired nurses testify for patient safety
MESQUITE, Texas — A panel of community leaders here heard testimony on the health care situation in North Texas on Aug. 15. The firing of three registered nurses who stood up for patient safety in spite of the Mesquite hospital’s insistence that profits come first prompted the hearing.
