Maritime employers want return to the shape-up
The corporate media and waterfront employers have carried on a year-long campaign to paint longshore workers as “overpaid, pampered and resistant to progress.” Their propaganda has claimed that longshore wages are over $100,000 a year, while concealing the fact that only about a third of the workers make anywhere near that amount, with many of the rest earning $20-$30,000.
Stalwarts carry supplies to Cuba
DALLAS, Texas – One of ten caravans of supplies for Cuba passed through here July 13. They raised money and medical equipment at a covered-dish dinner at the First Community Church. The “caravanistas” began in Canada. They brought an ambulance and a 12-seater school bus. Caravanistas Shirley Lord and George Harris of Winnepeg said that they expect to rendezvous in San Antonio with the other nine groups from all over North America, and with Reverend Lucius Walker of Pastors for Peace.
Philly students testify against privatization
In its Summer 2002 issue, the Philadelphia Public School Notebook, an independent quarterly newspaper, provided excerpts from statements by public school students. The students were among the dozens who spoke against privatization at a School Reform Commission meeting earlier this year. The students’ testimony makes it clear that privatization brings about disaster for our schools.
Parents protest Patakis attacks on education
BUFFALO, N.Y. – “An eighth-grade education is not enough,” said Western New York parents and education activists at a press conference here July 11. They were protesting Gov. George Pataki’s support of a recent Appeals Court decision that said that under the state constitution, New York is only required to educate children to an eighth grade level “in preparation for low-wage jobs.”
World readers take action Demand networks report the news!
New footage obtained by the BBC shows clearly that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deliberately shot at fleeing civilians at close range in the Jenin market attack on June 21. The major media outlets have been depriving U.S. citizens of the truth in the Middle East conflict.
East Coast solidarity with West Coast longshore
The West Coast International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) received support at several East Coast ports from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) on June 27 as part of a united front of solidarity with the ILWU as it engages in a fierce contract battle with the Pacific Maritime Association. (See page 16 for story on West Coast solidarity events.)
Protest demands: Tell the story of slavery
PHILADELPHIA – On July 3, 500 people gathered at the site of the future Liberty Bell Pavilion here to demand that the National Park Service erect a memorial honoring the eight enslaved Africans owned by President George Washington and housed at that very spot.
Sweatshops and school vouchers
According to some judges and pundits, sweatshops, school vouchers and an eighth grade education offer salvation to the children who reside in the world’s slums, ghettos and barrios. In an op-ed piece entitled “Let Them Sweat,” New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof recently took “muddle-minded liberals” to task for opposing global sweatshops.
Friendshipment protests blockade of Cuba
WASHINGTON – Two yellow school buses, part of the 13th Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba, brought protesters to a rally outside the U.S. Treasury building July 8. The protesters vowed to deliver the buses plus tons more humanitarian aid to Cuba, in defiance of the 42-year blockade of that island nation.
Resident physician workweek a killer
Imagine that your boss stopped you and said, “We are now increasing your workweek to 80 hours and, sometimes, to 120 hours. Sometimes you will have to work 36 hours straight. And lest I forget – you’ll only be paid for 40 hours.”
