United States
Former FBI deputy director confirms FBI, Justice officials discussed removing Trump
By Barry Grey, 16 February 2019
In his “60 Minutes” interview, McCabe confirms the existence of a plot within the FBI and Justice Department to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election.
No agreement on US-China trade with talks to continue
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2019
The next round will be virtually the last chance to reach a formal agreement before March 1, after which the US will increase tariffs—from 10 to 25 percent—on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
No More Deaths volunteers prosecuted for providing humanitarian aid to migrants
By Anthony del Olmo, 16 February 2019
The targeting of humanitarian aid groups is a warning that no one will be spared in the administration’s fascistic attack on immigrants.
Trump’s state of emergency
A step towards presidential dictatorship
By Patrick Martin, 16 February 2019
No American president has so flagrantly usurped the constitutional prerogative of Congress to decide how public funds are to be spent.
War summit in Warsaw
By Bill Van Auken, 15 February 2019
While Netanyahu’s statement that this week’s conference in Warsaw was called to discuss “war with Iran” was treated by the media as a gaffe, it was nothing of the kind.
As Congress enacts huge “border security” bill
Trump to declare national emergency to build wall
By Patrick Martin, 15 February 2019
The emergency declaration is an authoritarian move that overrides the constitutional separation of powers, elevating the executive branch above the legislative.
Union shuts down Denver teachers strike
By Trévon Austin, 15 February 2019
The Denver Classroom Teachers Association cut a deal in the early hours of Thursday morning and told teachers to return to work before voting on the contract.
Wright State University reaches tentative agreement with faculty enshrining health and pay cuts
By Alexander Fangmann, 15 February 2019
The agreement codifies most of the demands made by the university’s administrators and board of trustees, and should be rejected by faculty.
OSHA fines XPO $10,347 for the deaths of two workers
By Steve Filips, 15 February 2019
OSHA reached a settlement with XPO Logistics imposing wrist-slap fines for the company’s negligence relating to the deaths of two workers in June 2018.
Uncertainty hangs over US border deal as shutdown deadline nears
By Patrick Martin, 14 February 2019
President Trump has not yet guaranteed that he will sign the deal to provide $1.375 billion to fund his planned border wall.
Union rushing to end Denver teachers strike
By Nancy Hanover, 14 February 2019
Denver teachers should take a warning from the experience of Los Angeles teachers and resist any attempt to rush through a deal that abandons critical demands for substantial increases in pay and school funding and a reduction in class sizes.
Heavy snow storm exposes depth of social crisis in US Pacific Northwest
By Kayla Costa, 14 February 2019
Winter Storm Nadia brought record snowfall and low temperatures to Washington and Oregon, imposing harsh burdens on the homeless, poor and working class.
Flight attendant paralyzed after Delta ordered flight through tropical storm
The workers’ compensation nightmare at Delta Airlines: Part three
By Tom Hall, 14 February 2019
Jane’s condition has been made significantly worse by lengthy delays in treatment caused by Delta’s workers’ compensation administrator, Sedgwick.
Autoworkers must prepare fight as UAW plans new givebacks in 2019 contracts
By Shannon Jones, 14 February 2019
An op-ed piece in the Detroit Free Press by United Auto Workers President Gary Jones makes it clear that the union plans to use the threat to jobs to blackmail workers into accepting a new round of concessions in the 2019 contracts.
One year since the Parkland high school massacre: A political balance sheet
By Genevieve Leigh, 14 February 2019
One year has passed since the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 people and sparked nationwide protests by students and youth against gun violence.
The Iranian Revolution—Forty Years On
By Keith Jones, 13 February 2019
It is the Stalinist Tudeh Party and the politics of Stalinism that were principally responsible for the tragic derailing of the Iranian Revolution.
Denver teachers battle merit-pay system that is backed by unions, Democratic Party
By Andrea Peters, 13 February 2019
Teachers in Colorado’s largest city are continuing their decisive fight against low pay, performance-based compensation and underfunding of the schools.
Following Democrats' capitulation on border wall
Trump pushes for more anti-immigrant concessions from the Democrats
By Barry Grey, 13 February 2019
The government funding agreement represents a capitulation by the Democrats to Trump’s demand for a border wall and his mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
Week-long military exercises in Los Angeles raise serious questions
By Dan Conway, 13 February 2019
Six days of military exercises concluded in Los Angeles on Saturday with action in the latter half of the week centered on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Delta planted GPS tracker in car of disabled flight attendant
The workers’ compensation nightmare at Delta Airlines: Part two
By Tom Hall, 13 February 2019
In order to “prove” their case against injured flight attendant Ashley, Delta hired private investigators to spy on her, a common practice in workers’ comp cases.
Trump to hold second summit with North Korean leader
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2019
By holding out the prospect that North Korea could become an “economic powerhouse,” Trump is seeking to entice Pyongyang out of China’s orbit and into closer ties with the US.
Denver teachers strike backed by student walkouts
By Tom Eley, 12 February 2019
Thousands of high school students walked out of class in solidarity with their nearly 3,000 striking teachers.
Chicago charter teachers strike enters second week
By Kristina Betinis, 12 February 2019
Charter school teachers are fighting for decent wages and smaller class sizes, but the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is looking to expands its franchise into the charter business.
Mexican union apparatus, government scramble to suppress growing strike across Mexico
By Andrea Lobo, 12 February 2019
Inspired by the wave of wildcat strikes by maquiladora workers in Matamoros, Mexico, militancy and opposition to the trade unions and the AMLO administration are growing.
Democratic leaders join attack on Democratic congresswoman
Bogus charges of anti-Semitism fuel right-wing campaign against Ilhan Omar
By Patrick Martin, 12 February 2019
The Democratic Party backlash only demonstrates the truth of Representative Omar’s comments about the influence of the Israeli lobby on Congress.
Michigan steelworker dies after falling into vat of sulfuric acid
By Shannon Jones, 12 February 2019
Daniel Hill died over the weekend after falling into a vat of highly dangerous sulfuric acid while being trained for a new job at Michigan Seamless Tube in South Lyon.
Chicago Fire Department cites open flame as cause of Little Village fire that killed 10 children
By Benjamin Mateus, 12 February 2019
Nearly five months after the fire, investigators are unable to determine if the cause of the fire was arson or an accident, or even the source of the blaze.
“We have to stand up and learn how to be strong on our own”
Workers at February 9 protest discuss fight against GM closings
By our reporters, 12 February 2019
Autoworkers explained why they attended the demonstration and the strategic demands raised by the march, including the fight for rank-and-file committees and the unity of US, Canadian and Mexican workers.
Injured flight attendants speak to the WSWS
The workers’ compensation nightmare at Delta Airlines: Part one
By Tom Hall, 12 February 2019
Several seriously injured Delta Airlines flight attendants recently spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about the hellish ordeal confronting workers who seek assistance through the company’s workers’ compensation system.
In their first strike in 25 years, Denver, Colorado teachers walk out
By Nancy Hanover, 11 February 2019
The Denver strike highlights the growing determination of educators, nationally and internationally, in the face of a concerted assault on public education.
Oppose the Democrats’ #MeToo witch-hunt against Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax
By Barry Grey, 11 February 2019
Once again, unsubstantiated and dubious sexual allegations are being used in a #MeToo operation driven by a right-wing political agenda.
West Virginia teachers, school staff vote “overwhelmingly” to authorize work action
By our reporters, 11 February 2019
Teachers and other school workers in all 55 West Virginia counties voted last week to call a work action against a reactionary omnibus education bill moving through the legislature.
Oakland students walk out as school board prepares major cuts
By Jonathan Burleigh, 11 February 2019
Thousands of Oakland students voiced their support for teachers and hostility to planned budget cuts and school closures.
Workers at ExxonMobil in Billings, Montana reject USW-company sellout contract
By Jessica Goldstein, 11 February 2019
The “no” vote by the Billings refinery workers gives expression to wider opposition of rank-and-file oil and petrochemical workers to the contract being pushed by the union.
Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Sears to former CEO Edward Lampert for $5.2 billion
By Jacob Crosse, 11 February 2019
The beleaguered retail chain lives to die another day as remaining workers are left with an uncertain future
Study links abuse-deterrent OxyContin with rise in hepatitis C infections
By Brian Dixon, 11 February 2019
According to a new study published in Health Affairs, Purdue Pharma’s switch to a new abuse-deterrent formulation of OxyContin in 2010 led to a rise in hepatitis C infections as addicts switched to injecting heroin.
Autoworkers, supporters demonstrate in Detroit to oppose GM closures and layoffs
By Niles Niemuth, 11 February 2019
Autoworkers and supporters from throughout the Midwest attended a demonstration and meeting Saturday organized by the WSWS Autoworkers Newsletter and the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank and File Committees.
One hundred years since the Seattle General Strike
By Kayla Costa, 11 February 2019
One hundred years ago, over 60,000 workers brought the city of Seattle to a standstill in a strike that holds important strategic lessons for today’s struggles.
Eighty-two years since the victory of the Flint sit-down strike
By Jerry White, 11 February 2019
With General Motors threatening to shut five factories in the US and Canada, it is valuable for autoworkers to study the heroic 1936-37 sit down strike against GM’s operations in Flint, Michigan.
Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage detained by ICE agents in “targeted operation”
By Nick Barrickman, 11 February 2019
The 26-year-old Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph is facing “removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts” for overstaying a temporary residency visa that expired in 2006.
Strike action in the US hits a 32-year high
By Patrick Martin, 9 February 2019
In 2018, the number of workers involved in large strikes, walkouts involving 1,000 or more workers, was the highest since 1986.
Brazil’s Workers Party praises imperialist officials and Brazilian military involved in Venezuela regime change operation
By Miguel Andrade, 9 February 2019
As it feigns opposition to regime change in Venezuela, the PT has sent representatives to meet EU leaders who have been at the forefront of the siege of the country.
Cascade of plant closings in New York state
Social costs mount
By Steve Filips, 9 February 2019
In recent months there have been a spate of plant closings throughout Upstate New York, including the Rochester and Buffalo areas.
Wright State University administration issues call for scabs in bid to intimidate striking faculty
By Alexander Fangmann, 9 February 2019
As the strike by full-time faculty at Wright State heads toward a fourth week, the university administration is attempting to threaten striking faculty with the specter of being replaced by “long-term” adjuncts.
US Supreme Court clears way for execution of Muslim inmate without imam in death chamber
By Kate Randall, 9 February 2019
The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling openly violated the separation of church and state enshrined in the US Constitution and the high court’s jurisprudence that government may not discriminate among faiths.
The working class and socialism
By Andre Damon, 9 February 2019
Trump’s denunciation of socialism in his State of the Union speech reflects the ruling class’s fear over the growth of the class struggle within the United States.
New York Times admission of Afghanistan fiasco provokes “human rights imperialist” backlash
By Bill Van Auken, 9 February 2019
The Times editorial supporting a US withdrawal from Afghanistan is a self-damning indictment of the entire “war on terror,” which the newspaper supported for the better part of two decades.
“People are tired of not being able to pay their bills while the rich eat filet mignon”
As global jobs massacre continues, workers around the world voice support for fight against plant closures
By our reporter, 9 February 2019
Workers and students are continuing to write in to the World Socialist Web Site expressing strong support for the demonstration Saturday at General Motors headquarters in Detroit.
German workers support rally against mass layoffs in Detroit
By our reporters, 9 February 2019
The WSWS received these messages of support for the February 9 demonstration from bus drivers, auto workers, and a tram mechanic.
Committee for Public Education (Australia): Support the fight against GM layoffs!
By the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), 9 February 2019
The February 9 demonstration, organised independently of the unions, provides a lead for all workers internationally, including teachers.
Woody Allen sues Amazon for failing to distribute his latest film and other breaches of contract
By David Walsh, 9 February 2019
Amazon’s refusal to distribute Allen’s film and honor its contract with him is a brazen act of censorship that is the direct product of the #MeToo witch hunt.
Opposition mounts to GM plant closings
By our reporter, 8 February 2019
The World Socialist Web Site has received many statements of support from autoworkers across North America for the February 9 demonstration against the planned closure of five plants by GM and the elimination of 14,000 jobs.
US commander says Pentagon prepared to intervene to defend Venezuela embassy
By Bill Van Auken, 8 February 2019
Testifying before the Senate Thursday, SOUTHCOM chief Admiral Faller linked the Venezuelan coup to the “great power” conflict with China and Russia.
US-China trade talks to resume as deadline nears
By Nick Beams, 8 February 2019
While the Trump administration put a degree of positive “spin” on last month’s discussions, little progress has been reported on the key US demands.
New York City school-bus workers’ union ignores strike vote, accepts sellout deal
By Steve Light, 8 February 2019
New York City School-bus workers voted to strike, but ATU Local 1181 signed tentative contract that continues poverty pay and precarious employment.
Behind Kia’s patronizing Super Bowl ad, auto company makes billions off low wage labor in US South
By Leslie Murtagh, 8 February 2019
Kia’s new advertisement campaign uses a struggling working-class Georgia town as a backdrop for the promotion of its pricey vehicles.
Washington issues ultimatum to Venezuela over “humanitarian aid” ploy
By Bill Van Auken, 7 February 2019
Behind the cynical pretense of concern over Venezuela’s social crisis, the Pentagon and CIA are setting the stage for an armed confrontation on the country’s border.
US-backed campaign for UN inquiry into China’s treatment of Uyghurs
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2019
While the Beijing regime is undoubtedly engaged in repressive activities in Xinjiang, the US has cynically seized on the issue as part of its aggressive campaign on all fronts to pressure, weaken and undermine China.
Protests erupt in Birmingham, Alabama after Thanksgiving Day police shooting of innocent man declared “justified”
By Shelley Connor, 7 February 2019
Bradford was shot three times from behind by the officer, whose identity has been withheld by the police.
Dearborn, Michigan mayor suppresses historical article on Henry Ford’s anti-Semitism
By Tom Mackaman, 7 February 2019
The censored article details how Ford’s Dearborn Independent newspaper served as a platform for vile slanders against Jews—and an inspiration for Hitler and the Nazis.
US military conducting urban warfare training exercises in Los Angeles
By Dan Conway, 7 February 2019
With little in the way of advanced warning, thousands of frightened Los Angeles residents awoke this week to the sound of low-flying helicopters, gunfire and explosions.
The reality of capitalism: GM makes $11.8 billion in profits while closing plants, eliminating 14,000 jobs
By Jerry White, 7 February 2019
The huge profits, side-by-side with the destruction of entire communities, expose the real character of the capitalist system and why the working class must abolish it.
Lordstown GM plant closing: Another blow to northeastern Ohio
By Samuel Davidson, 7 February 2019
The impending closure of General Motors Lordstown assembly plant will be another blow to communities in the northeast region of Ohio that have been devastated by more than three decades of steel mill and factory closings.
Sri Lankan tea plantation workers committee supports call for February 9 demonstration in Detroit
By our reporters, 7 February 2019
“We consider the actions taken by the steering committee as a blow not only for the defense of the fundamental rights of the US auto workers but also on behalf of the international working class as a whole.”
Stanley Hill, who presided over wholesale corruption in NYC unions, dead at 82
By Alan Whyte, 7 February 2019
Hill personified the transformed role of the unions, in both the public and private sectors, as junior partners of big business and the government in imposing attacks on jobs and living standards.
State of Fear: Trump unleashes tirade against socialism
By Patrick Martin, 6 February 2019
The president’s claims of an economic “miracle” were belied by his denunciations of rising public support for socialism within the United States.
Teachers at four Chicago charter school campuses walk out
By Kristina Betinis, 6 February 2019
In the second-ever strike to hit charter schools, 175 teachers and staff at four Chicago International Charter School campuses walked out Tuesday over pay and conditions.
48-year-old teacher perishes in house fire on Chicago’s southwest side
By Kristina Betinis, 6 February 2019
Kathleen Gomez was mourned by family and friends at her home on Tuesday evening.
Oakland, California teachers overwhelmingly vote to strike
By Jonathan Burleigh, 6 February 2019
Oakland teachers have voted by 95 percent to authorize a strike, showing the determination of educators to fight in defense of public education.
FDA advisor criticizes agency’s response to opioid epidemic
By Brian Dixon, 6 February 2019
The chair of the FDA’s opioid advisory committee claimed the agency is manipulating data in favor of the pharmaceutical companies seeking approval for new opioid painkillers.
Mexican auto parts workers support February 9 demonstration in Detroit
By Andrea Lobo and Eric London, 6 February 2019
“I support the call for a general strike in Canada, the US and Mexico. We must be united. There are no borders. We stand firm here.”
Boston jury hears testimony of how Insys Therapeutics pushed opioid painkiller and killed hundreds
By Kate Randall, 5 February 2019
Prosecutors told jurors that Insys executives were guilty of running a kickback and conspiracy scheme that bribed doctors to routinely subscribe Subsys, a highly addictive fentanyl nasal spray.
Newport, Rhode Island: Enbridge natural gas pipeline failure put thousands at risk
By John Marion, 5 February 2019
In late January, Newport joined the list of cities in New England that have been put at risk or damaged because of dilapidated natural gas infrastructure.
FBI conducted surveillance of BAMN in the name of combating “domestic terrorism”
By Tom Carter, 5 February 2019
Newly released documents establish that the FBI launched a “full investigation” of By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) based on allegations that the group had conspired to violate the rights of neo-Nazis and the KKK.
West Virginia teachers battle legislative “education reform”
By Naomi Spencer, 5 February 2019
Teachers in West Virginia are set to vote on possible “statewide work action” against a raft of right-wing education policies being fast-tracked through the state legislature.
The Governor Ralph Northam affair
By Patrick Martin, 4 February 2019
The Virginia governor is under mounting pressure to resign after a 35-year-old incident of his wearing blackface was made public.
Over a thousand federal inmates in New York City jail held for more than a week in dark, frigid conditions
By Philip Guelpa, 4 February 2019
Over 1,600 inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn have been without heat and hot water, and with limited electricity and communications since a fire last Sunday.
Private contract workers left without pay following federal government shutdown
By Nick Barrickman, 4 February 2019
The plight of contract workers is a further exposure of the right-wing role of the federal employee unions.
More US drug price hikes in 2019
By Alex Johnson, 4 February 2019
According to Reuters, drug manufacturers raised the prices of more than 250 prescription drugs, including the world’s top-selling medicine, Humira.
Florida schools to allow real-time video monitoring by the police
By our reporter, 4 February 2019
New measures for the militarization of schools are being adopted one year after the Parkland massacre, while funding for public education, mental health and school counselors continue to be cut.
“We need to understand we all face the same struggle”
Broad support for February 9 demonstration against GM plant closings
By our reporters, 4 February 2019
In recent days many workers have contacted the World Socialist Web Site to express support for the fight against plant shutdown and layoffs.
The US pseudo-left’s conspiracy of silence on the Matamoros workers’ rebellion
By Alex González, 4 February 2019
Through its dishonest silence, the US pseudo-left is demonstrating its hostility to the courageous struggle of one of the most oppressed sections of the international working class.
GM to lay off 4,250 salaried workers in North America starting Monday
By Shannon Jones, 2 February 2019
As anger mounts over the GM’s plans to cut 15,000 jobs in the US and Canada, the United Auto Workers and Unifor are ramping up their anti-Mexican campaign to split autoworkers along national lines and block united action to fight the layoffs.
“We are just another package that can be replaced”
FedEx, UPS workers outraged after Illinois truck driver dies on the job in extreme cold weather
By George Marlowe, 2 February 2019
William L. Murphy, a 69-year-old FedEx truck driver, is one of at least 23 people in the Midwest who have been killed by record cold temperatures this week.
Lawsuit alleges Amazon caused worker’s death
By Jeff Lusanne, 2 February 2019
The wife of a worker who died at a Joliet, Illinois Amazon warehouse in 2017 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon for the extreme delay of medical treatment that led to his death.
As Trump threatens national emergency
Democrats offer increased spending for border policing
By Barry Grey, 2 February 2019
Even as Trump reiterated his threat to assume emergency powers, the Democrats made clear their support for the further militarization of the border.
No deal reached at US-China trade meeting
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
A statement issued by the White House at the conclusion of the discussions said Trump had reiterated that the US will increase tariffs unless an outcome is reached.
United Steelworkers announces concessions contract agreement with Shell Oil
By Jessica Goldstein, 2 February 2019
The deal, which includes paltry wage increases that barely keep pace with inflation, was announced after months of backroom negotiations and just prior to the contract expiration deadline.
Florida education commissioner advocates widespread privatization
By Jean Bellevie and Matthew MacEgan, 2 February 2019
A longtime opponent of public education has been named to Florida’s top education position.
The US scraps the INF treaty: Another step toward nuclear war
By Andre Damon, 2 February 2019
The US withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty marks a major escalation of US efforts to prop up its hegemony through military means.
The Fed’s interest rate U-turn: Some economic and political conclusions
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
The financial elites on Wall Street, addicted to the supply of ultra-cheap money as they appropriate the wealth produced by the labour of billions of workers, dictate economic policy.
Leyla McCalla’s Capitalist Blues: Keeping one’s eyes open
By Matthew Brennan, 2 February 2019
Trained as a classical cellist, McCalla’s eventual decision to pursue folk-based music and song-writing led her to the rich New Orleans music environment where she has been a fixture for much of the past decade.
February 9 demonstration against auto plant closures in Detroit
The program and strategy to defend jobs
By Joseph Kishore, 1 February 2019
The demonstration, called by the WSWS and the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees, is the first organized expression of rank-and-file opposition to GM’s jobs massacre.
Immigrants in US subjected to nasal force-feeding at ICE detention center
By Patrick Martin, 1 February 2019
The Trump administration has imported the savage tortures carried out at Guantanamo Bay and other CIA prisons, for use against immigrants and refugees.
US “Worldwide Threat Assessment” takes aim at China
By Andre Damon, 1 February 2019
The annual report reflects a bipartisan escalation of US efforts to block China’s economic, military and technological development.
US escalates threats against Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 1 February 2019
US officials have made no secret that control over Venezuelan oil, and its denial to Russia and China, are the driving force of the coup.
Extreme cold spell wreaks havoc across United States
By Niles Niemuth, 1 February 2019
The official death toll from the cold weather rose to 12, as critical electrical and natural gas infrastructure was pushed past its breaking point by record low temperatures.
West Virginia teachers angered over renewed attack on public education
By Phyllis Steele and Nancy Hanover, 1 February 2019
Members of the West Virginia state legislature are attempting to fast-track a “Comprehensive Education Reform” bill that would further eviscerate public education in the state.
Foxconn drastically scales back Wisconsin investment
By Jacob Crosse, 1 February 2019
This is the second time the Foxconn investment, promoted by the Trump administration as proof that its tax cuts would benefit workers, has been significantly reduced.
Housekeeper trapped in billionaire’s New York townhouse elevator for days
By Erik Schreiber, 1 February 2019
This incident encapsulates the relationship between the thin layer of the super-rich—many of whom have second, third, and fourth homes—and the working class.
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