Workers Issues in the US
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“It is necessary to base our struggle not on one company or on one nation, but by mobilizing the workers of the world”
Maruti Suzuki workers in India send greetings to February 9 protest
12 February 2019
Jitender Dhankar, a member of the provisional committee of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) in India, sent a message of solidarity to the workers and young people who participated in the February 9 demonstration against the factory closures and mass layoffs by General Motors.
“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.
100 years since the Seattle General Strike—Part 2
By Kayla Costa, 12 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.
Series of regional strikes hit Argentina
Workers Struggles: The Americas
12 February 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
Jobs bloodbath at Ford and GM
Ford announces 1,000 job cuts as GM begins mass layoffs
By our reporters, 5 February 2019
As General Motors started firing 4,250 engineers, technicians, managers and other white-collar workers, it was reported that Ford will eliminate the second shift at its Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant by April 1, wiping out more than 1,000 hourly jobs.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Sacramento school district threatens bankruptcy to extort concessions from teachers
By Dan Conway, 31 January 2019
School district officials in California’s capital city announced they had to cut $16 million from spending by November 2019 to avoid state receivership, with another $16 million in cuts needed for next year.
City Colleges of Chicago averts staff and faculty strike
By Alexander Fangmann, 31 January 2019
Just days after the setting of a February 4 strike date, the Cook County College Teachers Union and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that a tentative agreement had been reached.
Students and youth must join the fight to oppose GM job cuts!
By International Youth and Students for Social Equality US, 31 January 2019
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) calls on young people to support autoworkers in their fight against General Motors’ plans to close five plants in the US and Canada.
As Friday contract deadline approaches, USW keeps 30,000 oil workers in the dark
By Jessica Goldstein, 31 January 2019
On the eve of contract deadlines for 30,000 oil and chemical workers in the US, the United Steelworkers union is colluding with oil corporations behind closed doors to prepare a sellout contract.
Oklahoma legislators seek to strip teachers of democratic rights
By Phyllis Steele, 30 January 2019
A series of bills being introduced on February 4 by state Republicans would punish teachers for striking, participating in political activities and exercising freedom of speech.
After sellout of Los Angeles teachers strike, new attacks on public schools coming
By Alan Gilman, 30 January 2019
The agreement failed to meet any of the teachers’ most critical demands to reduce class size, increase wages, stop the expansion of charter schools, and address chronically underfunded budgets.
Defend the Matamoros workers! For a united fight by US, Canadian and Mexican workers to defend jobs and decent living standards!
March on February 9 to oppose GM job cuts!
the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees, 29 January 2019
The courageous stand by the maquiladora workers in Mexico is part of a growing movement of the working class across the world against austerity and social inequality.
Indiana school superintendent arrested, charged with fraud for using insurance to help sick student
By Matthew Taylor, 29 January 2019
The arrest of Casey Smitherman has illuminated the wretched living conditions the working class confronts in Indiana and across the US.
"Dead last” in school funding
New punitive “accountability” measures being imposed on Michigan teachers
By Phyllis Steele, 29 January 2019
In Betsy DeVos’s home state, school privatization interests have carried out a record level of education de-funding, now accompanied by punitive “accountability” measures designed to destroy public education.
Brazil service workers on strike, Ford workers end job action
Workers Struggles: the Americas
29 January 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
The International Socialist Organization, Jacobin hail betrayal of Los Angeles teachers’ strike
By Adam Mclean, 28 January 2019
Before, during and after the six-day strike by 33,000 teachers, the ISO and the Democratic Socialists of America sought to subordinate educators to the unions and the Democratic Party.
Colorado Labor Department blocks Denver teachers’ strike
By Eddie Haywood, 28 January 2019
After a 93 percent vote last week for strike action by 5,600 Denver teachers, the state of Colorado has intervened to prevent the walkout.
Mobilize the working class to defend public education!
Virginia teachers and the fight against social inequality
By the WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 28 January 2019
The demonstration today in Virginia is part of a growing movement of teachers, students and workers against attacks on public education.
The political questions facing US oil workers in the 2019 contract negotiations
By Jessica Goldstein, 26 January 2019
In preparing for the 2019 contract struggle, oil workers should draw the lessons of the miserable betrayal imposed by the United Steelworkers in 2015.
“It was rushed. It was a farce”
Los Angeles teachers livid over union’s betrayal of strike
By Kimie Saito, 25 January 2019
Teachers spoke out on how the United Teachers Los Angeles pushed through a contract vote on a deal that abandoned their most critical demands.
Union rams through deal to end Los Angeles teachers strike
By Jerry White, 23 January 2019
Before educators had time to study the deal, the United Teachers Los Angeles rushed through a vote that ignores teachers’ demands for improved wages and school funding and lower class sizes.
Amid growing calls by workers for an international struggle
Companies, union appeal for federal intervention against strike in Matamoros
By our reporters, 23 January 2019
The ruling class is desperate to prevent millions of workers in the rest of Mexico and internationally from adopting the example of Matamoros.
Los Angeles teachers denounce UTLA betrayal of strike
By our reporters, 23 January 2019
The conspiracy by United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the Democratic Party to ram through a new contract to end the six-day strike by 33,000 educators provoked widespread anger from teachers.
Los Angeles teachers have the right to know the details of the negotiations
By Evan Blake, 22 January 2019
For five straight days, the UTLA has kept striking teachers in the dark as they conduct closed-door negotiations with the school district and the city’s Democratic mayor.
Detroit auto show protest over GM plant closings
DSA and pseudo-left provide cover for the UAW, Democrats
By Shannon Jones, 22 January 2019
At no point in her brief remarks did Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib mention the GM plant closures, let alone call for opposition.
Support for LA teachers’ strike
Students and the fight to defend public education
By International Youth and Students for Social Equality (US), 22 January 2019
Students have a critical role to play as they join their teachers in a fight against the entire capitalist system and political establishment that drives the assault on public education.
Teachers protest in Venezuela, contract talks begin with US oil refiners
Workers Struggles: The Americas
22 January 2019
Teachers in Venezuela participated in strikes and protests last week over pay, which is being decimated by hyperinflation; some 30,000 US oil refinery workers face a February 1 contract deadline.
Democrats reject Trump proposal to fund border wall and end US government shutdown
By Niles Niemuth, 21 January 2019
There are growing signs of financial distress among the 500,000 federal employees forced to work without pay and the 300,000 that have been furloughed for an entire month.
Los Angeles teachers angered over secret talks between union, school district and mayor
By Dan Conway and Jerry White, 21 January 2019
As the strike by 33,000 Los Angeles teachers enters its second week, suspicions are growing that the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) is preparing to agree to a rotten compromise.
“We’re the ones doing the work, moving the packages and moving the world”
Rockford, Illinois UPS workers outraged by sellout Teamsters contract
By George Marlowe, 21 January 2019
UPS workers in the economically depressed midwestern city of Rockford, Illinois, have spoken out against the UPS-Teamsters contract.
Seven-month National Grid lockout ends with USW-backed concessions
By John Marion, 21 January 2019
Few details of the six-year deal between National Grid gas company and the United Steelworkers union have been released publicly, but wage increases are less than the rate of inflation and benefits for new hires will be cut.
“There’s only so much workers can take and now we’re rising up”
Mass demonstration as Los Angeles strike reaches fifth day
By our reporters, 19 January 2019
As anger among teachers builds to fight against the Democratic Party-led campaign to privatize public education, the United Teachers of Los Angeles is working with the school officials to carve up the district.
Oakland teachers hold second wildcat “sickout,” call for statewide strike with Los Angeles teachers
By Jonathan Burleigh, 19 January 2019
In defiance of the official, interminable, negotiations process, Oakland teachers have begun to organize themselves independently in preparation for a broader struggle in defense of public education.
Wright State University faculty in Dayton, Ohio to strike Tuesday
By Alexander Fangmann, 19 January 2019
Faculty at Wright State University are scheduled to begin striking on Tuesday against the imposition of an austerity contract featuring a pay freeze, furloughs, healthcare cuts and increases in workload.
US shutdown pits unpaid workers vs. political establishment and unions
By Daniel de Vries, 19 January 2019
There are growing fears in the ruling class that the prolonged shutdown could trigger strike action
Auto jobs massacre widens
Tesla, Nissan announce mass layoffs, Fiat Chrysler jobs threatened
By Marcus Day, 19 January 2019
The auto giants are seeking to terrorize an increasingly insurgent workforce into submission, as the companies confront slumping sales, a looming economic crisis and significant financial pressures.
“Amazon is really cold-hearted to its workers”
Injured Amazon worker forced to work to avoid being fired
By Nick Barrickman, 19 January 2019
A mother of two employed at an Amazon facility in east Baltimore contacted the International Amazon Workers Voice to relay her experiences with the web technology giant after being injured on the job.
“Those workers are setting an example, they are starting a movement”
Canadian and US autoworkers voice support for striking maquiladora workers in Mexico
By Shannon Jones, 18 January 2019
The striking workers in Mexico include many employed by US and global auto parts suppliers who rely on their labor to fuel their massive profits.
Los Angeles teachers battle privatization as union vies to be partner in LAUSD restructuring
By Jerry White, 18 January 2019
The five-day strike by Los Angeles teachers has thrust educators into a direct conflict with the Democratic Party, which has used the city and the state as a test case for school privatization.
Growing signs of worker resistance to US government shutdown
By Philip Guelpa, 18 January 2019
A TSA representative reported Wednesday that increasing numbers are explicitly stating that their refusal to come into work is due to financial hardship.
“All teachers have to get together from all the states”
Los Angeles teachers discuss need to expand strike as UTLA resumes talks to end walkout
By our reporters, 17 January 2019
On the picket lines and at rallies teachers spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about a strategy to fight the assault on public education.
US federal judge upholds compulsory unpaid labor during government shutdown
By Daniel de Vries, 17 January 2019
The court denied immediate relief for government workers forced to work during the shutdown.
Ironworker killed at Amazon construction site in California
By Tom Carter, 17 January 2019
Brien Daunt, 45, was killed Saturday at the construction site of a new Amazon fulfillment center near Bakersfield, California.
A fighting strategy for California teachers
By the WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 17 January 2019
After the initial exhilaration of the first few days of the strike, teachers in Los Angeles are now discussing and debating the way forward in this historic battle to defend public education.
50,000 march on first day of Los Angeles teachers strike
By Jerry White, 15 January 2019
The first strike by LA teachers in three decades is shaping up to be a direct conflict with the Democratic Party, which is backing the campaign to privatize public education.
This walkout should be nationwide
Los Angeles teachers, students and parents speak out on first day of strike
By our reporters, 15 January 2019
Teachers and their supporters denounced the bipartisan attack on public education and supported the call by the WSWS Teacher Newsletter to expand the strike throughout California and the US.
Denver, Colorado teachers move closer to strike action
By J. Cooper, 15 January 2019
If negotiations fail between the Denver Public Schools board and the union by January 18, a strike vote will be taken the next day.
Six-hour strike by Honduran public health workers over wage demand
Workers Struggles: The Americas
15 January 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Los Angeles teachers strike in second largest school district in US
By David Brown, 14 January 2019
Teachers across California and the nation looking for a way to defend public education are confronting the efforts of the unions to isolate them.
Sickouts spread, impact widens as US shutdown enters fourth week
By Rebecca Campbell, 14 January 2019
The longest government shutdown in US history continues to impact on the economy as federal workers and government contractors try to cope with missed paychecks.
For a united struggle to defend public education in California and beyond!
By the WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 12 January 2019
As teachers in Los Angeles prepare to strike, they confront the fact that the unions are working to undermine and isolate their struggle against privatization and other attacks on public education.
No layoffs! No concessions!
Autoworkers call for demonstration February 9 to fight GM plant closings
By Jerry White, 12 January 2019
The Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees, which was established last month, is calling on workers and young people to march on February 9 at the headquarters of GM in downtown Detroit.
“We are being treated like pawns”
As payless payday looms, federal unions stage protests in US cities
By our reporter, 11 January 2019
With hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing destitution due to the budget impasse, unions staged protests aimed at dissipating anger over the impact of the government shutdown.
Widespread support for Los Angeles teacher strike as unions seek to block statewide struggle
By our reporters, 11 January 2019
Students, parents and workers expressed their support for Los Angeles teachers who are determined to walk out for improved wages and to oppose the drive to dismantle public education.
“The Teamsters won’t fight for us. It’s not a good contract”
Chicago UPS workers speak out against sellout contract
By George Marlowe and Jessica Goldstein, 11 January 2019
UPS workers in the Chicago area spoke out against the local contract, which mirrors the contract proposal rejected by tens of thousands of UPS workers nationwide.
Actors and stage managers strike against developmental work with Broadway League
By Katy Kinner, 11 January 2019
The National Council of the Actors’ Equity union announced a strike on Monday, calling for a new contract.
“All the teachers across the nation should come out”
California, Michigan educators call for joint action with LA teachers
By our reporters, 10 January 2019
The WSWS Teacher Newsletter spoke to teachers eager to join with LA teachers and expand the fight to defend public education nationally and internationally.
On eve of strike, union drops LA teachers’ demands against school privatization
By Jerry White, 8 January 2019
The United Teachers Los Angeles has signaled that it is preparing to betray this critical battle over the privatization of public education.
Chilean port workers resume protests over firings
Workers Struggles: The Americas
8 January 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
“Almost everyone I know is working two jobs to make ends meet”
Los Angeles teachers prepare for strike
By Jerry White and Kimie Saito, 7 January 2019
More than 33,000 teachers in the nation’s second largest school district are set to strike Thursday in a battle that pits educators against the Democratic Party establishment.
Austin Beutner—Wall Street’s Superintendent of Education in Los Angeles
By Alan Gilman, 7 January 2019
Beutner is renowned as a financier who has had a lucrative career extracting huge profits by privatizing public assets and slashing the wages and benefits of workers.
Report: 452 child workers died in the US from 2003 to 2016
By Jessica Goldstein, 5 January 2019
The number of children working and killed at work in the US reveals the stark reality that in one of the most advanced capitalist economies in the world, child labor is not eradicated.
Los Angeles school officials hire strikebreakers as teachers prepare for walkout
By Dan Conway and Jerry White, 4 January 2019
Teachers in Los Angeles should reach out to educators in Oakland and across California to prepare a statewide walkout to defend the right to high quality public education.
US shutdown, payless paydays could continue for “weeks”
By our reporters, 3 January 2019
A White House meeting Wednesday showed no change in the ongoing standoff between Trump and congressional Democrats.
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