Today in Eco-history: Coal mine disaster kills 128
The mine was operated mostly by African American prisoners who, under Alabama's onvict lease system, had been "leased" to the mine owners. Regardless of how minor their crimes were, all of them rdied in the disaster.
Unions hail NLRB official's ruling that college athletes can unionize
It would be a landmark victory for college athletes, whose scholarships are now awarded at the whim of their institutions and who have little or no protection against on-the-job injuries.
Today in women's history: Frances Perkins appointed Secretary of Labor
The appointment on March 4, 1933, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt made Perkins the first female cabinet member in U.S. history.
Keystone XL pipeline and the jobs controversy
XL backers' arguments that the project is a jobs provider are being disputed. Many, including some labor activists, feel that the pipeline issue does not need to be divisive, and that they share the same underlying interests.
In states like Missouri and Texas, reproductive rights still struggle
Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case, sought to make abortion legal, safe, and accessible, but 41 years later attacks on reproductive health care are still going strong.
Keystone XL report: some unions for, some against
The department released its environmental impact statement on the project, which would transport 830,000 barrels of oil daily from Alberta's tar sands to refineries of the U.S. Gulf Coast. There are 30 days for public comments.
Shutdown curtails search for missing Idaho woman
The government shutdown halted a search for a missing Boise hiker as park staff were forced to stop searching and go home.
Wildfire cuts path of death and destruction through Arizona
The fire in Yarnell, Arizona, claimed the lives of 19 firefighters, burned 8,374 acres, and laid waste to hundreds of homes. And more firefighters are currently risking their lives to tame this blaze .
Hyatt workers win big concessions, global boycott to end
Unite Here, representing hospitality workers, has reached a deal with Hyatt Hotels, ending a four-year bitter battle involving protests, strikes, civil disobedience and a global boycott against the chain.
NY City Council passes family leave
By a 45-3 margin, the NYC Council on May 8 passed a bill mandating paid sick or family leave for millions of workers in thousands of businesses. The margin can override any threatened mayoral veto.
