Workers Struggles

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Hundreds of New York City Access-a-Ride workers lose their jobs

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Union seeks sellout deal at South Milwaukee Caterpillar plant

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

13,000 workers are set to strike against University of California austerity measures.

Unions, ministers organize protest in Detroit over fast-food worker pay

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Detroit protests held Friday at locations across the city shut down several fast-food restaurants.

Contract talks break down at S. Milwaukee Caterpillar plant

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Contract negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Caterpillar in South Milwaukee broke down this week, only hours after talks resumed.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Contractors, Bloomberg step up attack on New York City school bus workers

Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Having rejected strike action, the United Steelworkers is seeking to impose a sellout agreement with the heavy equipment maker.

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 04 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

University of California medical workers hold strike vote

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Eight hundred workers at Caterpillar’s Global Mining plant in South Milwaukee rejected a six year concessions contract on Tuesday by a large margin.

Teachers’ struggles escalate across Mexico

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Tens of thousands of Mexican teachers are mobilizing against education reforms that attack job security and subordinate public education to corporate interests.

University of California’s medical workers to hold strike vote

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Reject the USW sellout of S. Milwaukee Caterpillar workers! For an independent struggle by the working class!

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

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).

IAM agrees to contract extension at New York Air Brake

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

About 500 fast food and retail workers in downtown Chicago walked out in a one-day protest.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Victimized Detroit Chrysler worker reinstated

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Locked-out American Crystal workers narrowly pass concessions contract

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The ratification ended the 20-month lockout by American Crystal Sugar Company.

US Postal Service announces new attacks on workers

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Unions sabotage strike by ambulance staff in Yorkshire, England

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Around 450 ambulance workers employed by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust held a one-day strike April 2.

Norwegian trade unions avert national strike

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A deal on pay will mean a minuscule raise, wholly in the interests of the employers.

General Motors in drive to cut skilled trades jobs in US plants

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

GM is seeking to eliminate skilled and high seniority workers in order to slash costs.

AT&T workers reject contract, face déjà vu betrayal by union

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Rank-and-file committee points way forward for New York school bus workers

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

School bus workers spoke about their struggle at a mass local union meeting in New York City.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

UAW breaks silence on Chrysler firing skilled tradesman

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Auto workers should place no confidence in the UAW to fight for the reinstatement of the 20-year veteran Chrysler Warren Stamping worker.

Sequester cuts pose new threat to US mine safety

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Three years after the West Virginia tragedy, cuts threaten to further undermine mine safety, inevitably leading to more deaths.

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

IG Metall union joins offensive against GM-Opel workers

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The executive of the IG Metall trade union unanimously voted in Frankfurt-Main in favor of the so-called “Opel Master Contract”, sealing the closure of the GM-Opel factory in Bochum.

Illinois House approves pension cuts

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

The trade unions and Michigan’s “right to work” law

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

The attack on public education in Chicago

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In a vote of no-confidence in their union, Boeing technicians have accepted the identical contract they rejected February 19.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Contractors impose sweeping givebacks after defeat of New York City school bus strike

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

US retirement confidence at 23-year low

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The pay freeze and benefit reductions the musicians face are part of a nationwide assault on culture.

Chrysler fires worker for protest

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Chrysler workers in the Detroit area are speaking out against the victimization of Warren Stamping skilled trades worker Alex Wassell.

New York school bus drivers face new threats

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Since the sellout of their month-long strike, New York City school bus workers have faced victimization, threats and layoffs.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Olympia, Washington health care workers strike

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Building, food service workers strike University of Illinois

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Building and food service workers at University of Illinois voted down a proposed contract over the weekend and walked off the job Monday morning.

Unions sign French automaker Renault’s plan to slash jobs, wages

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Unions at Renault approved a cost-cutting plan allowing the carmaker to cut jobs, lengthen working hours and freeze wages in factories across France.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Teachers, school staff strike in Cleveland suburb

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Strongsville, Ohio school board is seeking the elimination of seniority protections and changes to pension and health care plans.

Chrysler victimizes Detroit-area auto worker

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The victimization of Alex Wassell is an attempt by Chrysler management to intimidate opposition to the new Alternative Work Schedule.

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Las Vegas taxi drivers continue strike

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The strike is the industry’s first in nearly two decades in Las Vegas.

Illinois public employees’ union agrees to concessions contract

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

AFSCME has agreed to a pay freeze in the first year of the contract.

Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

UAW sanctions elimination of the eight-hour day at Chrysler

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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 Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Workers rebel against right-wing unions

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

The way forward in the fight against the closure of GM-Opel’s Bochum plant

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The following statement from the Socialist Equality Party (PSG) in Germany is being distributed to auto workers at the GM-Opel plant in Bochum who are facing the shutdown of their factory.

New York school bus workers form rank-and-file committee

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Engineers voted to accept Boeing’s offer while technicians voted to reject.

Returning New York City school bus drivers, escorts face retribution after union betrayal

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The effects of the Amalgamated Transit Union betrayal have become evident, with hundreds of workers receiving layoff notices.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

India: Thousands join protests to support victimised Maruti Suzuki workers

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Thousands of workers participated in an “All-India Protest Day” to voice their support for victimized workers at Maruti Suzuki India’s car assembly plant in Manesar, Haryana.

Workers Struggles: The Americas

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.