World Socialist Web Site

4 June 2009

UN warns global jobs crisis may last eight years

By Bill Van Auken, 4 June 2009

The International Labor Organization issued a report Wednesday predicting that the jobs crisis sweeping the globe may last for eight years and warning that sustained high levels of unemployment will unleash social and political unrest.

US Fed Chairman demands plan to cut social programs

By Barry Grey, 4 June 2009

Testifying Wednesday before the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke demanded that Congress and the Obama administration map out a program of austerity measures to bring down record budget deficits.

Wall Street, Obama administration conspire to block financial regulation

By Barry Grey, 4 June 2009

In the guise of enhanced regulation, the Obama administration is working with major Wall Street banks to sanction a continuation of the speculative practices that precipitated the financial meltdown and deepest economic slump since the Great Depression.

Iranian presidential election: candidates debate strategic shift

By Sahand Avedis and Alex Lantier, 4 June 2009

The campaign for Iran’s June 12 presidential elections has been dominated by debate over national strategy between the four candidates allowed by the clerical Guardian Council to run.

Video: Michigan auto workers and families speak on plant closures

4 June 2009

General Motors workers from Pontiac and Lake Orion, Michigan, two northern suburbs of Detroit, spoke to reporters from the World Socialist Web Site about the impact on their families and communities of the bankruptcy of General Motors and the decades of decline in the auto industry.

New York Times on the UAW’s corporatism: a rewriting of history

By Tom Eley, 4 June 2009

A recent column by New York Times labor reporter Steven Greenhouse portrays the UAW as an antagonist of the Big Three, capable of advancing the interests of its workers. The organization’s history over the past four decades proves otherwise.

Questions abound in aftermath of Air France crash

By Stefan Steinberg, 4 June 2009

While much remains to be clarified about the exact circumstances of the catastrophic crash of Air France Flight 447, it should be considered that the tragic accident takes place at a time of fierce competition between rival major airlines and aircraft construction companies.

Sri Lanka and India seek to patch up relations

By Wije Dias, 4 June 2009

Relations between Sri Lanka and India were strained in the last months of the Sri Lankan military’s offensive against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The two governments are now seeking to mend their relationship.

Britain: Income inequality at record high

By Barry Mason, 4 June 2009

Income inequality has risen to record levels in Britain under the Labour government. As the UK goes into recession, inequality will increase still further.

Australian union congress seeks government-business partnership

By Mike Head, 4 June 2009

At its triennial congress, Australian Council of Trade Unions officials implored the Rudd Labor government and business to work with them to head off rising discontent produced by the ongoing destruction of jobs and conditions.

New in German

Der Opel-Betrug
Arbeitsplatzabbau, Lohnsenkung und Spaltung der Arbeiter

Von Dietmar Henning, 4. Juni 2009

Die so genannte "Opel-Rettung" ist ein groß angelegtes Täuschungsmanöver der Arbeiter durch die Bundesregierung und die Betriebsräte. Alle Vereinbarungen des vergangenen Wochenendes sind Absichtserklärungen. Nichts ist verbindlich außer dem massiven Arbeitsplatzabbau in Europa. Nach der Bundestagswahl im September dieses Jahres droht ein regelrechtes Arbeitsplatz- und Lohnsenkungsmassaker.

Die Sozialistische Partei Frankreichs erwägt Bündnisse mit links und rechts

Von Kumaran Ira und Alex Lantier, 4. Juni 2009

Das schlechte Abschneiden der Sozialistischen Partei, der wichtigsten Partei der bürgerlichen Linken Frankreichs, im Wahlkampf ums Europaparlament ruft tiefe Besorgnis im französischen Politik- und Medien-Establishment hervor. Es kommen Forderungen nach neuen politischen Bündnissen auf.

Der französische "Antikapitalist" Olivier Besancenot rechtfertigt Zusammenarbeit mit Reformisten und polnischen Nationalisten

Von Antoine Lerougetel und Stefan Steinberg, 4. Juni 2009

Das Auftreten Olivier Besancenots von der französischen Neuen Antikapitalistischen Partei (NPA) in Kattowitz und seine Verteidigung der Zusammenarbeit mit polnischen Nationalisten auf einer Pressekonferenz in Belgien sind eine Warnung, welche Rolle die NPA spielen wird.

New in French

L'assassinat du docteur George Tiller

Par Kate Randall, 4 juin 2009

L'assassinat du docteur George Tiller par un fanatique anti-avortement de droite est à la fois une tragédie personnelle et une attaque féroce contre les droits démocratiques fondamentaux.

La privatisation des services publics au Québec en pleine croissance

Par Guy Charron, 4 juin 2009

Depuis plusieurs années, les gouvernements québécois libéraux tant que péquistes ont pour politique de privatiser les parties des services publics desquelles l’entreprise privée pense pouvoir tirer des profits faciles et souvent garantis par le gouvernement.