Workers Issues in the US
Workers Struggles: The Americas
21 May 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Union limits UC Medical workers to two-day strike
By our reporters, 21 May 2013
Some 13,000 patient care workers are set to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday at University of California Medical Centers after voting by 97 percent to walk out.
Hundreds of New York City Access-a-Ride workers lose their jobs
By Alan Whyte and A. Woodson, 17 May 2013
A month after the betrayal of the school bus workers in New York City, another group of transit workers have been hit with job losses and massive pay cuts.
Union seeks sellout deal at South Milwaukee Caterpillar plant
By Niles Williamson, 16 May 2013
A week after the collapse of negotiations between Caterpillar and the United Steelworkers in South Milwaukee, the union is determined to push through a concessions contract.
California hospital workers vote overwhelmingly to strike
By a reporting team, 14 May 2013
13,000 workers are set to strike against University of California austerity measures.
Contract talks break down at S. Milwaukee Caterpillar plant
By Niles Williamson, 11 May 2013
Contract negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Caterpillar in South Milwaukee broke down this week, only hours after talks resumed.
Unions, ministers organize protest in Detroit over fast-food worker pay
By Shannon Jones, 11 May 2013
The Detroit protests held Friday at locations across the city shut down several fast-food restaurants.
Contractors, Bloomberg step up attack on New York City school bus workers
By Dan Brennan, 9 May 2013
The New York City Department of Education announced the next round of school bus contracts, which threaten to lead to mass layoffs and the replacement of current drivers and escorts with part-time workers earning a fraction of the pay.
Patriot Coal bankruptcy threatens thousands of US miners, retirees
By Clement Daly, 8 May 2013
Patriot is attempting to use the bankruptcy court to rid itself of obligations owed to more than 1,650 active union miners and 13,000 retirees.
Steelworkers union exposes workers to lockout threat as talks resume at South Milwaukee Caterpillar plant
By Niles Williamson, 8 May 2013
Having rejected strike action, the United Steelworkers is seeking to impose a sellout agreement with the heavy equipment maker.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
7 May 2013
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University of California medical workers hold strike vote
By Norisa Diaz, 1 May 2013
Medical workers at a UC Medical Center spoke to the WSWS about the alarming conditions facing both workers and patients.
South Milwaukee Caterpillar workers reject sellout contract
By Niles Williamson and Nicholas Russo, 1 May 2013
Eight hundred workers at Caterpillar’s Global Mining plant in South Milwaukee rejected a six year concessions contract on Tuesday by a large margin.
University of California’s medical workers to hold strike vote
By Thomas Gaist, 30 April 2013
Thirteen-thousand patient care workers in the University of California’s medical system will vote on a possible strike starting April 30.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
30 April 2013
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Reject the USW sellout of S. Milwaukee Caterpillar workers! For an independent struggle by the working class!
By Statement of the Socialist Equality Party, 29 April 2013
The SEP is distributing the following statement to the 800 workers at Caterpillar’s Global Mining plant in South Milwaukee who are voting today on a six-year concessions contract approved by the United Steelworkers (USW).
After strike vote against wage-cutting demands
IAM agrees to contract extension at New York Air Brake
By Steve Filips, 29 April 2013
New York Brake is demanding wage cuts of up to $4.15 an hour for workers whose pay averages $20.88.
Chicago food service and retail workers protest low wages
By Shane Feratu, 27 April 2013
About 500 fast food and retail workers in downtown Chicago walked out in a one-day protest.
Victimized Detroit Chrysler worker reinstated
By Shannon Jones, 25 April 2013
Alex Wassell returned to work last week after more than one month off the job.
350 working without a contract at Master Lock in Milwaukee
By Niles Williamson, 23 April 2013
Workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Master Lock facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin have been working without a contract since April 3.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
23 April 2013
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Locked-out American Crystal workers narrowly pass concessions contract
By Michael Stapleton, 18 April 2013
The ratification ended the 20-month lockout by American Crystal Sugar Company.
US Postal Service announces new attacks on workers
By James Brewer, 16 April 2013
The USPS Board of Governors announced its intention to reopen the contracts of postal workers in order to impose new wage and benefit concessions.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
16 April 2013
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AT&T workers reject contract, face déjà vu betrayal by union
By Juan Verala Luz and Marc Wells, 9 April 2013
AT&T West workers resoundingly rejected a proposed contract that would have capped wages at $22 an hour and offered paltry health care plans.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
9 April 2013
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Rank-and-file committee points way forward for New York school bus workers
By Jerry White, 8 April 2013
A committee formed by school bus drivers and escorts after the union betrayed their month-long strike issued a leaflet to a mass meeting of workers in New York City last Thursday.
New York City school bus drivers, escorts denounce contractors’ “final” offer
By our reporters, 8 April 2013
School bus workers spoke about their struggle at a mass local union meeting in New York City.
One month after victimization of Alex Wassell
UAW breaks silence on Chrysler firing skilled tradesman
By Shannon Jones, 5 April 2013
Auto workers should place no confidence in the UAW to fight for the reinstatement of the 20-year veteran Chrysler Warren Stamping worker.
Three years since West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine disaster
Sequester cuts pose new threat to US mine safety
By Kate Randall, 2 April 2013
Three years after the West Virginia tragedy, cuts threaten to further undermine mine safety, inevitably leading to more deaths.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
2 April 2013
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Illinois House approves pension cuts
By Alexander Fangmann, 30 March 2013
The Illinois House of Representatives has approved a bill all but eliminating cost-of-living increases and raising the retirement age for state workers.
Caterpillar prepares confrontation with South Milwaukee workers
By Niles Williamson, 29 March 2013
Contract talks are scheduled to begin April 2 between Caterpillar Inc. and the United Steelworkers Union for a new contract covering 800 workers in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The trade unions and Michigan’s “right to work” law
By Joseph Kishore, 28 March 2013
The actions taken by the trade unions in response to the passage of Michigan’s reactionary “right to work” law expose the anti-working class character of these organizations.
Michigan unions ram through concession deals ahead of right-to-work law
By Naomi Spencer, 27 March 2013
Public employee unions throughout the state have rushed through long-term contracts that secure their dues base before the right-to-work law takes effect.
Detroit area worker killed in auto parts plant
By Bryan Dyne, 27 March 2013
A 42-year-old auto parts worker at Mollertech LLC in Shelby Township, Michigan was crushed to death last Thursday when a five-ton die fell on him.
Workers Struggles, the Americas
26 March 2013
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The attack on public education in Chicago
By Alexander Fangmann, 25 March 2013
The announcement of plans to shut down 61 schools in Chicago, Illinois marks a new stage in the social counterrevolution in America.
Eastern Kentucky hospital workers authorize strike
By Naomi Spencer, 25 March 2013
Some 2,200 health care workers at hospitals in the Appalachian region could strike by April 1.
Striking teachers, students and parents rally to defend education in Cleveland area
By Phyllis Scherrer and Samuel Davidson, 25 March 2013
Teachers, parents and students in Strongsville, Ohio rallied last week as instructors concluded the third week of their strike.
Chicago announces plans to shut 61 public schools
By Shane Feratu, 23 March 2013
The elimination of 13 percent of Chicago public school buildings is one of the largest mass school closures in US history.
CTU president denies opposing school closures
By Kristina Betinis, 23 March 2013
After the closure of 61 schools was announced by the Chicago public schools district, Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis made clear that the union supports shutting schools.
In second vote, Washington Boeing technicians accept concessions contract
By Angelo Bosworth and Hector Cordon, 23 March 2013
In a vote of no-confidence in their union, Boeing technicians have accepted the identical contract they rejected February 19.
Contractors impose sweeping givebacks after defeat of New York City school bus strike
By Fred Mazelis, 22 March 2013
The latest attack on school bus workers underscores the need for a united struggle to mobilize the industrial and political strength of the working class.
US retirement confidence at 23-year low
By Kate Randall, 20 March 2013
Confidence in a secure retirement is at a 23-year low in the US, as workers struggling to pay for basic necessities are unable to put aside adequate savings.
Kodak ends retiree benefits to emerge from bankruptcy
By Steve Filips, 20 March 2013
For nearly 63,000 people covered under the Kodak pension plan, the company's plan to survive bankruptcy means an uncertain future.
School bus drivers face legacy of toxic pollution
By Dan Brennan, 19 March 2013
As school bus companies in New York seek to cut costs by eliminating health benefits, workers are exposed to high levels of diesel pollution linked to asthma, cancer and premature death.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
19 March 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Teachers, school staff continue strike in Cleveland, Ohio suburb
By Phyllis Scherrer, 18 March 2013
Teachers entered the second week of their strike in Strongsville, Ohio, as a federal mediator called for talks.
San Francisco Symphony musicians strike against concessions
By David Brown, 16 March 2013
The pay freeze and benefit reductions the musicians face are part of a nationwide assault on culture.
Chrysler fires worker for protest
By Shannon Jones, 15 March 2013
Chrysler has fired a skilled trade worker at the Warren Stamping plant north of Detroit for involvement in a protest against the widely despised Alternative Work Schedule.
Auto workers denounce victimization of Chrysler worker
By Shannon Jones, 15 March 2013
Chrysler workers in the Detroit area are speaking out against the victimization of Warren Stamping skilled trades worker Alex Wassell.
One month after strike
New York school bus drivers face new threats
By Dan Brennan, 15 March 2013
Since the sellout of their month-long strike, New York City school bus workers have faced victimization, threats and layoffs.
Olympia, Washington health care workers strike
By Christien Schofelt, 13 March 2013
On Monday, hundreds of health support staff at Providence St. Peter Hospital walked off the job for a five-day strike.
University of Illinois building and food service workers discuss strike issues
By WSWS reporting team, 13 March 2013
Striking building and food service workers at University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), speak to the World Socialist Web Site about their concerns.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
12 March 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Building, food service workers strike University of Illinois
By Marcus Day, 11 March 2013
Building and food service workers at University of Illinois voted down a proposed contract over the weekend and walked off the job Monday morning.
Chrysler victimizes Detroit-area auto worker
By Shannon Jones, 7 March 2013
The victimization of Alex Wassell is an attempt by Chrysler management to intimidate opposition to the new Alternative Work Schedule.
Teachers, school staff strike in Cleveland suburb
By Phyllis Scherrer, 7 March 2013
The Strongsville, Ohio school board is seeking the elimination of seniority protections and changes to pension and health care plans.
Las Vegas taxi drivers continue strike
By Therese Leclerc, 5 March 2013
The strike is the industry’s first in nearly two decades in Las Vegas.
Illinois public employees’ union agrees to concessions contract
By Alexander Fangmann, 5 March 2013
AFSCME has agreed to a pay freeze in the first year of the contract.
UAW sanctions elimination of the eight-hour day at Chrysler
By Jerry White, 2 March 2013
With its support for the so-called Alternative Work Schedule, the UAW is overseeing the destruction of basic protections won by autoworkers 75 years ago.
Workers rebel against right-wing unions
By Jerry White, 27 February 2013
As the struggle of workers begins to erupt outside of the framework of the unions, the growth of militancy is accompanied by a growing receptivity to the perspective of socialism.
Twin Cities security guards slated for one-day strike
By Rob Jorgenson, 27 February 2013
Minneapolis-St. Paul security guards are set for a one-day strike this week after 4,000 janitors from the same local obtained a tentative agreement.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
26 February 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
New York school bus workers form rank-and-file committee
By Bill Van Auken, 23 February 2013
On the eve of their return to work, over 50 New York City bus workers met to discuss their strike’s betrayal and form a rank-and-file committee.
Boeing professional workers split on contract
By Angelo Bosworth and Hector Cordon, 22 February 2013
Engineers voted to accept Boeing’s offer while technicians voted to reject.
Many workers replaced by strikebreakers
Returning New York City school bus drivers, escorts face retribution after union betrayal
By Philip Guelpa, 22 February 2013
The effects of the Amalgamated Transit Union betrayal have become evident, with hundreds of workers receiving layoff notices.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
19 February 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Lessons of the New York City school bus strike
By Jerry White, 18 February 2013
This struggle in the nation’s most populous city and center of finance capital revealed the class dynamic being played out all over the US and the world.
New York City school bus workers express anger over conduct of strike
By Sandy English, 18 February 2013
Many workers told us that the strike had been a defeat, and that the union was directly responsible.
Union calls off New York school bus strike, telling workers to rely on Democrats
By Bill Van Auken, 16 February 2013
The decision announced Friday night to end the month-old strike by New York City bus workers represents an abject betrayal by the unions that will have far-reaching consequences.
Bloomberg boasts of breaking New York bus strike as part of assault on public education
By Sandy English, 16 February 2013
In New York City, the school bus workers were seen by the Bloomberg administration as the low-hanging fruit in the process of “education reform”.
On New York City picket lines school bus strikers discuss struggle
By Jerry White and Bryan Dyne, 15 February 2013
With their month-long strike in danger, school bus workers on picket lines in Queens and the Bronx discussed how their struggle could be taken forward.
Parents speak out in support of New York City school bus strike
By Steve Light and A. Woodson, 15 February 2013
Sympathy for school bus workers is widespread among parents of students affected, despite efforts by the Bloomberg administration and the corporate media to whip up sentiment against the strike.
After the bids: New York School bus strike at the crossroads
By Bill Van Auken, 14 February 2013
The New York City school bus strike has reached a critical turning point following the Department of Education’s opening of bids Tuesday for 1,100 school bus routes.
Socialism and the defense of public education in Chicago
By the Socialist Equality Party, 14 February 2013
The SEP calls for the independent mobilization of the entire working class to oppose all school closings.
Los Angeles/Long Beach longshore clerks vote down sell-out contract
By Rafel Azul, 13 February 2013
The overwhelming rejection by Southern California dock workers of a union-endorsed tentative contract exposes the class divide between ILWU members and their leadership.
Chevron fined for “willful violations” in California refinery fire
By Henry Allan, 13 February 2013
Chevron was fined $963,200 by Cal/OSHA for state safety standard violations related to the August 6, 2012, fire at its Richmond, California, refinery.
New York City bus strike in danger
City takes bids stripping school bus drivers of job protections
By Jerry White, 13 February 2013
The New York City Department of Education on Tuesday began the review process on bids submitted by dozens of private school bus companies, vying for new five-year contracts to transport some 150,000 students.
The New York City school bus strike and the for-profit student transportation industry
By Dan Brennan, 12 February 2013
Mayor Bloomberg’s attack on school bus workers’ job security is not merely a matter of individual cold-bloodedness, but rather the product of a decades-long process of deregulation and privatization.
Why the unions refuse to mobilize support for striking New York City bus drivers
By Fred Mazelis, 12 February 2013
A glaring contradiction exists between the wide support for the striking school bus workers and the isolation of these workers from their genuine allies in New York and around the world.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
12 February 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Striking New York City bus drivers march in defense of jobs
By a reporting team, 11 February 2013
Striking bus workers marched across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Sunday to protest the attempt by New York’s billionaire mayor to strip them of job protections.
School bus strikers in New York City discuss their struggle
By a WSWS reporting team, 11 February 2013
Striking New York City school bus workers spoke about the issues in the struggle.
School bus workers fight for job security and wages: 1979 and today
By Fred Mazelis, 8 February 2013
An examination of the New York City school bus drivers strike of 1979 underscores the transformed role of the unions.
Video: Striking New York City bus workers speak on their struggle
6 February 2013
In this video, New York City bus workers speak about their fight against billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg and make an appeal for support from the working class as a whole.
New England supermarket workers face contract battle
By Mike Ingram, 5 February 2013
Supermarket chain Stop & Shop has set up scab hiring centers in preparation for the February 23 expiration of a contract covering 36,000 workers.
New York City cops aid strike-breakers
By Bryan Dyne, 5 February 2013
In addition to penning workers behind barricades and blocking them from mounting effective picket lines at bus yards, New York City police have come to the direct aid of strike-breakers.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
5 February 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
“Bloomberg is the number one criminal”
Striking New York City school bus workers speak out
By our reporters, 4 February 2013
Over the weekend, World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke to striking bus workers throughout New York City.
UFCW disavows aim of organizing Walmart workers
By David Walsh, 2 February 2013
The United Food and Commercial Workers union, in the face of charges by Walmart that it had violated the National Labor Relations Act, has made an abject climb-down.
After NLRB rules strike legal
New York mayor steps up attack on school bus workers
By Jerry White and Bryan Dyne, 2 February 2013
New York’s Mayor Bloomberg is pressing ahead with his campaign to strip school transportation workers of job and wage protections after the NLRB failed to rule their two-and-a-half week strike illegal.
Interview with a striking New York school bus driver: “We want an answer about what’s been going on”
By Sandy English, 1 February 2013
As the strike has entered its third week, the companies have cut off workers’ health care insurance and payments into their pension funds.
New York City school bus strike at the crossroads
By Socialist Equality Party, 31 January 2013
The struggle has revealed the basic class divisions in America.
Union officials offer to end NY school bus strike and negotiate concessions
By a reporting team, 31 January 2013
The union representing school bus drivers and matrons made an offer to end the strike and negotiate concessions, but the Bloomberg administration rejected it out of hand.
California’s NUHW nurses union affiliates with CNA ahead of vote at Kaiser hospitals
By David Brown, 30 January 2013
Despite the conflicts between the SEIU, the NUHW and the CNA, all three organizations are dedicated to their political alliance with the Democratic Party.
Companies bring in scabs in New York school bus drivers’ strike
By Sandy English, 30 January 2013
Private school bus companies contracted to the New York City Department of Education (DOE) sought to break a two-week-old strike by sending out scab buses.
Philadelphia Theatre Company stagehands’ strike in second week
By Trent Novak, 29 January 2013
Strikers are demanding PTC management establish a health and welfare fund for each employee.
New York school bus companies threaten to bring in scabs
By Sandy English and Clare Hurley, 29 January 2013
New York City’s school bus companies have threatened to begin using scabs to break the two-week-old strike in defense of jobs and decent transportation for 150,000 school children.
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