European Workers Issues
Germany: Lessons for workers from the defeat at Manroland
By Ulrich Rippert, February 11, 2012
The IG Metall trade union played a key role from the beginning, preparing and enforcing the “turbo-bankruptcy” of printing press manufacturer Manroland and massive job cuts, as well as preventing any serious opposition developing.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
February 10, 2012
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Manroland: “The IG Metall has played a double game”
By Marianne Arens, February 8, 2012
In a deal struck between the IG Metall trade union and the bankruptcy administrator, Manroland workers were left in the dark about their future until the last moment, when each worker was informed of dismissal in a sealed envelope.
Britain: Royal Mail casual workers protest non-payment of wages
By Zach Reed, February 4, 2012
An unknown number of the 18,000 casual workers employed by Royal Mail over the Christmas period did not receive their pay, or were short-changed.
Unite’s sabotaging of UK electricians dispute aided by ex-left
By Paul Bond, January 30, 2012
Electricians opposing the imposition of new contracts that would cut wages by up to a third face the sabotage of their struggle by the union Unite.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
January 27, 2012
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Striking truckers, fishermen clash with Italian government
By Mike Jobson, January 27, 2012
Yesterday the government of Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti moved to crush protests by truckers, fishermen, and other professions hit by Monti’s unpopular social attacks.
Trustees endorse Unilever attack on UK workers’ pensions
By Danny Richardson, January 27, 2012
As workers began picketing at Unilever plants across the UK, the company’s pension trustees endorsed its plan to gut retiree benefits.
Manroland: WSWS article unleashes debate in local newspaper
By our reporter, January 25, 2012
A recent article in the WSWS dealing with the sellout by the union of workers at Manroland has unleashed a lively debate in a German newspaper.
Italian truckers, taxi drivers mount national strike against social cuts
By Alex Lantier, January 24, 2012
Truckers and taxi drivers blocked roads and highways throughout Italy, as protests spread against the social cuts of Prime Minister Mario Monti.
Germany: Manroland is broken up with the help of the union
By Ulrich Rippert, January 21, 2012
Rarely has the IG Metall trade union lined up so blatantly with management against workers as it has done in the case of the printing press manufacturer Manroland.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
January 20, 2012
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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