Unions seek a new definition of liberty health care for all
When the founding fathers (and mothers) declared their goals of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” did they mean to include health care? This Fourth of July holiday, many unions and citizens are saying yes. For the first time in 15 years, Congress is considering legislation to provide health care to all. President Obama and many elected officials back a plan that includes a public option to private insurance. But opponents, including some labor-backed Democrats, are trying to block that effort.
Migrant workers' cooperatives as a crisis response
MALANG CITY, East Java, Indonesia (ILO Online) — The global economic and social crisis has shuttered the dreams of a better life and income of many migrant workers. But ...
First-ever union contract approved at worlds largest pork plant
More than 5,000 workers at the world’s largest pork processing plant, Smithfield Packing in Tar Heel, N.C., approved their first-ever union contract in voting that ended this morning.
Unemployment rate hits 26 year high
The unemployment rate soared to 9.5 percent in June, a 26-year high, and up a fraction from 9.4 percent in May. The Department of Labor said 467,000 jobs were lost in June.
Labor joins in Frankens long-awaited victory party
U.S. Senator Al Franken and his supporters gathered Wednesday on the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul to celebrate the close of a difficult election process. “How many senators does Minnesota have?” shouted U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of St. Paul, holding up two fingers.
Franken wins, Coleman concedes
“America’s workers congratulate Al Franken,” declared John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO, in a statement.
Court ruling: It's Sen. Al Franken!
It’s Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn. Finally. Minnesota’s Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Franken won last fall’s U.S. Senate race.
Retirees picketing GM bankruptcy hearing in New York
The IUE-CWA says busloads of its GM retirees will picket the GM bankruptcy hearing today in New York. The retirees are angry over GM attempts to terminate their retiree health benefits, according to the union.
AFTRA members mourn death of Michael Jackson
Television and Radio Artists is mourning the sudden death of longtime AFTRA recording artist Michael Jackson. Jackson, who died June 25 at age 50, joined AFTRA in September 1969 when he was just 11 years old, as a member of The Jackson 5. He created one of the most successful solo careers in history and earned recognition as the “King of Pop.”
Hartmarx workers declare victory
DES PLAINES, Ill. — In an unprecedented display of hope, struggle and unity, more than 600 workers at the Hart Schaffner & Marx factory here joined with union leaders and elected officials in a rally June 29 to celebrate a major victory that will save nearly 4,000 jobs nationwide and keep the Chicago-based company open for business.
