Blaming immigrants lets the real culprits off the hook
The dramatic events in Congress and on the streets have intensified the national debate about immigration. Some polls show the public agreeing that immigration is “out of control” and that “something must be done.” But there are clear indications that the public is not averse to giving the undocumented a break.
EDITORIAL: Our anthem nuestro himno
Always on the lookout for wedge issues to divide us, President Bush waded in on the side of “English only,” proclaiming it is wrong to sing the Star Spangled Banner in Spanish.
U of Miami janitors celebrate victory
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — After two months of struggle, including picket lines, demonstrations and a three-week hunger strike, striking janitors at the University of Miami have won the right to unionize through the method of their choice, a card check process.
Labor summit: Beat Bush agenda, save affirmative action!
DETROIT — A clarion call for unity was sounded at a Labor Summit on Affirmative Action and Segregation here April 28. Conference-goers heard the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and local civil rights and labor leaders urge the civil rights movement, labor and their allies to turn out the vote in November to defeat the Bush agenda.
United we march — Sí se puede!
It was a May 1 like no other. On the day celebrated around the world as International Workers Day, 2 million-plus people marched in the U.S. for justice and a path to citizenship for immigrant workers.
Displaced Katrina survivors lose health care benefits
As Medicaid waivers begin to expire, Katrina evacuees who need health care are growing ever more desperate. This short-term coverage began expiring on Jan. 31. All Medicaid waivers will have expired by June 1, leaving thousands of displaced citizens without health care coverage.
Thousands pack San Francisco for immigrant rights march
SAN FRANCISCO — The labor movement, the faith community, a broad spectrum of immigrant rights organizations and just plain folks joined in a river of 15,000 marchers that flooded city streets from the Mission District’s Dolores Park to the downtown federal building April 23. Observers called it the largest such demonstration in the city to date.
Thousands roar support for jailed labor leader
NEW YORK — Throngs of supporters gathered around Transport Workers Union Local 100 President Roger Toussaint as he led a huge April 24 march over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan jail where he began serving a 10-day sentence.
Immigrants rights are workers rights: Labor backs May 1 immigrant rights rally
CHICAGO — In the city of May Day’s birth, labor unions pledged to support the May 1 immigrant rights rally here. WithHaymarket Square as a backdrop, the president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Dennis Gannon, told reporters, “Immigrants’ rights are workers’ rights.”
Remarks for the TWU Local 100 Rally, New York City
This is an historic moment and the MTA should take note of our solidarity. We are all here — Denis Hughes, Randi Weingarten, Pat Lynch, Jim Little, my brothers Mike Fishman, Denis Rivera and Bruce Raynor, my sisters Barbara Bowen and Lillian Roberts, representatives of all the unions of New York — to speak with one voice on behalf of the dedicated, hard-working members of Local 100 and Roger Touissant.
