Workers Struggles
Australia: Contract teacher voices opposition to the AEU-government agreement
By our reporters, 20 May 2017
“I feel as though we’re teaching to a test, and not spending enough time on building our relationship with our students, and building on their strengths.”
Miners walkout in Indonesia and Australia
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
20 May 2017
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“It’s sheer slavery”
Amazon warehouse worker in Manchester UK “enterprise zone” speaks of intolerable working conditions
By our reporters, 19 May 2017
Amazon’s warehousing operations have become a byword for ultra-high levels of exploitation of a largely minimum wage workforce, who carry out highly demanding physical work.
Sydney bus drivers strike against privatisation
By Oscar Grenfell, 19 May 2017
The transport union has appealed to the government for “consultation,” underscoring its willingness to collaborate with privatisation.
CWA threatens weekend strike at AT&T; as US telecom workers press for real fight
By Mark Witkowski and Shannon Jones, 19 May 2017
While continuing the isolation of workers at Spectrum, the CWA has called for a token, three-day strike against AT&T; West and AT&T; Mobility.
Greek anti-austerity strike, Ukraine workers walk out against ArcelorMittal
Workers Struggles: Europe & Africa
19 May 2017
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US autoworkers discuss Ford job cuts, Washington political crisis
By Shannon Jones, 18 May 2017
The cutbacks are a further indication that the boom in auto sales is coming to an end.
Australian teachers support campaign against AEU-government deal
By our reporters, 18 May 2017
Teachers who attended recent delegates meetings on the new enterprise agreement voiced support for a “No” vote.
New Zealand: Police suppressed video recorded in Pike River mine
By Tom Peters, 17 May 2017
Families of the 29 men who died in the 2010 Pike River Coal mine disaster spoke to the WSWS about their outrage that footage showing it is possible to re-enter the mine was withheld for six years.
Wildcat strike at Mexican auto parts plant
Workers Struggles: The Americas
16 May 2017
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Strikes and protests in India and Pakistan
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
13 May 2017
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As anger grows against US carriers, Spirit Airlines scapegoats pilots
By Jerry White, 12 May 2017
In one of the latest widely publicized incidents, passengers erupted in rage at a Spirit Airlines ticket counter in Florida after flight cancellations and delays.
In wake of frame-up convictions of Maruti Suzuki workers
India’s finance minister meets with Maruti Suzuki chairman
By Shannon Jones, 12 May 2017
The tour was aimed at reassuring Japanese investors that India is committed to enforcing a low-wage regime.
Portuguese health staff strike, Greek ferry workers fight Syriza government austerity
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
12 May 2017
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Australian media union shuts down week-long Fairfax journalists’ strike
By Oscar Grenfell, 10 May 2017
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, having done everything to contain and weaken the strike, made clear that it will do nothing to oppose the axing of 125 jobs at Fairfax.
New Zealand: Taylor Preston meat workers condemn union pay deal
By Tom Peters, 9 May 2017
The World Socialist Web Site has spoken to workers, who expressed their anger about the sell-out deal pushed through by the Meat Workers Union.
Puerto Rican workers face massive assault, Quebec iron miners set to strike
Workers Struggles: The Americas
9 May 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing information to: comments@wsws.org
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
6 May 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Greek workers stage strike against Syriza-backed austerity measures
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
5 May 2017
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Sri Lankan workers and students oppose Maruti Suzuki frame-up
By our reporters, 5 May 2017
Over the past week campaigners have won support from workers near the Colombo Port and students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Colombo University.
Faculty strike at University of Illinois-Springfield
By Alexander Fangmann, 4 May 2017
Tenured and tenure-track faculty have been without a contract for 20 months and are demanding contract protections for tenure and promotion.
Writers’ Guild of America reaches deal with major studios
By Marc Wells, 3 May 2017
The WGA defied a membership strike vote and reached a deal that will do nothing to reverse the years of declining living standards writers have suffered.
New Zealand: Gender pay deal used to promote unions, government
By John Braddock, 3 May 2017
The pay settlement, which follows in the wake of a court decision on equal pay, will not lift chronically underpaid workers out of poverty and grinding exploitation
Workers’ struggles: The Americas
Anger grows among US telecom workers
By Our reporters, 3 May 2017
The World Socialist Web Site urges workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by e-mailing reports to comments@wsws.org .
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Anger grows among US telecom workers
By our reporters, 3 May 2017
The World Socialist Web Site urges workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by e-mailing reports to comments@wsws.org .
International May Day 2017: Mass marches and police repression
By Patrick Martin, 2 May 2017
Several countries saw massive police mobilizations against workers demonstrating on International Workers’ Day.
May Day in France: Trade union calls to support Macron fall flat
By Francis Dubois, 2 May 2017
Workers and youth throughout France sense that the calls to “block” Le Pen from the political establishment are barely disguised appeals to vote for the former banker Macron.
“Why separate people with walls—we’re all brothers and sisters”
May Day marchers speak out in defense of immigrant rights
By our reporters, 2 May 2017
Tens of thousands of immigrant and native-born workers and young people marched in large and small cities across the US to oppose the Trump administrations’ scapegoating of immigrant workers.
Largest general strike since 1989 hits 185 cities in Brazil
By Miguel Andrade, 2 May 2017
On Friday, April 28, Brazilian workers walked off their jobs in every major city against proposed historic attacks on the country’s pension system and labor laws.
UK: Fujitsu workers must reject Unite’s nationalist strategy
By Steve James, 2 May 2017
The only viable basis on which to combat Fujitsu’s assault is through a global socialist strategy based on the class struggle.
Health care for 22,600 retired coal miners extended for one week
By Samuel Davidson, 1 May 2017
The extension of medical coverage for 22,600 retired miners for another 20 months is being considered, but such a package would likely exclude pensions.
Each day 150 workers die in the US due to hazardous work conditions
By Matthew Taylor, 1 May 2017
A new report from the AFL-CIO details the perilous state of the US workplace
Sri Lanka: Jaffna picket demands release of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 1 May 2017
Jaffna workers, youth, fishermen and housewives joined an SEP/IYSSE picket and public meeting to protest the witch-hunt and jailing of Indian autoworkers.
Striking college lecturers protest outside of Scottish parliament
By Stephen Alexander, 29 April 2017
Despite almost a decade of swingeing education cuts, the EIS resisted any national action up until last year, when a few one-day stoppages took place.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 April 2017
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“With these mergers, they just grab the money and go on to the next business target”
Spectrum workers in New York express anger after a month on strike
By Steve Light and Alan Whyte, 28 April 2017
Telecom workers on strike against Spectrum (formerly Time Warner) denounce the corporate attack on jobs and health and pension benefits.
Sri Lanka SEP holds picket in Jaffna to free Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 28 April 2017
Despite the anti-democratic intervention of student union leaders, most Jaffna University students supported the campaign.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Transport workers strike in UK, Italy and South Africa
28 April 2017
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22,600 retired US coal miners face loss of health benefits on May 1
By Samuel Davidson, 26 April 2017
Many retired miners threatened with the loss of health insurance have debilitating diseases such as black lung and emphysema but are too young to qualify for Medicare.
Writers’ Guild of America members authorize strike
By Marc Wells, 26 April 2017
An overwhelming 96.3 percent of the 6,310 members of the WGA who cast ballots voted to authorize a strike against film and TV producers.
New Zealand fast food workers hold nationwide stoppage
By our reporters, 26 April 2017
Workers voted to strike after Restaurant Brands refused a pay rise of 10 cents an hour above the minimum wage each year, for three years
The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers—Part 4: The police and company conspire against the workers
By Eric London and Keith Jones, 26 April 2017
Police colluded with Maruti Suzuki, fabricated evidence, and systematically failed to carry out basic forensic tests as part of a bogus investigation aimed at framing up militant workers who challenged sweatshop conditions.
Modi’s “Make in India” campaign and the battle of the Maruti Suzuki workers
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 25 April 2017
In arguing for the hanging of the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers, the prosecution denounced the workers for imperiling the Modi government’s efforts to woo profit-hungry investors.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Brazilian general strike set for Friday
25 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site urges workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing information to comments@wsws.org.
Fujitsu strikers in the UK speak out in defence of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 22 April 2017
Workers on the picket line at Fujitsu in Manchester discussed support for the victimised Indian workers, their own dispute and Saturday’s international March for Science.
UK nurses in online vote over strike in protest at low pay
By Margot Miller, 22 April 2017
Registered nurses earn an average of just £23,319 per year and had their pay kept up with inflation they would now earn £26,584.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
22 April 2017
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New York-New Jersey cable workers strike against Spectrum
By Mark Witkowski, 21 April 2017
The telecom company is all demanding painful concessions even as they squander billions on mergers and acquisitions, stock buyback programs and dividend payments to further enrich their top stock holders.
Growing opposition to Verdi trade union at Berlin airports
By Verena Nees, 21 April 2017
Many Verdi members are outraged over the new contract for ground staff at the airports in Berlin, which was rejected by the majority.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
2,000 miners strike at Barberton Mines in South Africa
21 April 2017
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“They’re stuffing money into the pockets of the shareholders”
British autoworkers strike BMW to defend pensions
By our reporters, 20 April 2017
The strike is the first by the BMW’s British workforce, who could lose up to £160,000 each if pension cuts are enforced.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Strikes hit mines in Peru and Mexico as retired US coal miners face health care cutoff
18 April 2017
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Amazon workers denounce working conditions
By Evan Blake, 17 April 2017
Workers at Amazon distribution centers describe a stifling atmosphere of intimidation by company management, while denouncing the Trump administration and the drive to war.
Argentine teachers launch protest strike
By Rafael Azul, 17 April 2017
Last week’s national teachers strike against police repression was part of growing struggles against the government’s attacks on jobs, living standards and democratic rights.
How the AEU is attempting to push through a sell-out of Victorian teachers
By Susan Allan, 17 April 2017
If the agreement is such a “significant gain” then why is there no framework or democratic process where teachers can discuss, debate, and seek clarification on its contents?
UK: The anti-union laws and the trade union bureaucracy
By Robert Stevens, 15 April 2017
It would be more correct to describe the legislation restricting strikes not as anti-union laws, but as “pro-trade union bureaucracy laws.”
Australian worker challenges union-company wage-cutting deal
By Oscar Grenfell, 15 April 2017
The agreement struck between the SDA and Coles saved the supermarket giant tens of millions of dollars.
New Zealand meat union pushes through pro-company deal at Taylor Preston
By Tom Peters, 15 April 2017
The contract means another two years of poverty wages for meat workers while the cost of living, especially for housing, continues to soar.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
15 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Strikes threatened at UK auto plants, while UK nurses, rail staff take strike votes
14 April 2017
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“It is a frame-up and war on the working class”
Support grows for Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 13 April 2017
It has been nearly a month since an Indian judge condemned 13 autoworkers to life imprisonment.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Mexican autoworkers strike, protests against IMF-dictated price hikes hit Suriname
11 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing information to comments@wsws.org.
Russian truckers’ strike enters third week amid police crackdown
By Clara Weiss, 10 April 2017
Finding support among broad layers of Russia’s impoverished population, the strike reflects the social tensions building up under conditions of deepening economic and political crisis.
“What we need is a national stoppage”
Striking conductors in UK denounce attacks on rail network safety
By our reporters, 10 April 2017
Two thousand conductors walked out at three private rail franchises Saturday in a one-day strike against Driver Only Operation (DOO) trains.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
8 April 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Strike threats against Budapest public transit, Algerian state-owned energy and the Ghanaian media
7 April 2017
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National strike in Argentina as opposition to austerity grows
By Rafael Azul, 6 April 2017
Argentina’s trade union bureaucracy has collaborated with the government, facilitating the imposition of attacks on wages, jobs and democratic rights.
French Guiana strikers reject PS government’s offer
By Anthony Torres, 4 April 2017
Given the reactionary policies of the Socialist Party, which is set to lose power next month, none of its pledges given to secure an end to the general strike are credible.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Anti-austerity protests hit Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico
4 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by e-mailing to comments@wsws.org.
Days after UAW claims contract ratification
Caterpillar confirms plans to close Aurora, Illinois plant, lay off 800
By Marcus Day, 3 April 2017
There are reports of angry confrontations between workers and local UAW officials following the announcement.
Sri Lankan university students condemn Maruti Suzuki frame-up
By our correspondents, 3 April 2017
Students and workers in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna denounced the heavy sentences imposed on framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India.
UK: Health workers denounce attacks on Bournemouth Intermediate Care Service
By our reporters, 1 April 2017
Many workers in BICS, Bournemouth Council and at Bournemouth and Poole hospitals responded enthusiastically to an article by the NHS FightBack campaign, calling for a struggle against redundancies.
Pseudo-left cover for dockworkers’ defeat in Spain
By Alejandro López and Paul Mitchell, 1 April 2017
A key role in covering up this treachery of the trade union bureaucracy was played by the pseudo-left groups, which intervened to prevent any independent mobilization of the dockworkers.
UK: Southern GTR train drivers speak in opposition to rail union sell-out deal
By Daniel O'Flynn and Paul Mitchell, 1 April 2017
Many rail workers oppose the government-backed attacks on their jobs and conditions being carried out by Southern GTR and the divisive policies of the various rail trade unions.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
1 April 2017
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Allegations of vote fraud mount
The UAW betrayal at Caterpillar and the case for rank-and-file committees
By Jerry White, 31 March 2017
The alleged ratification of the UAW-backed deal has provoked widespread charges of vote rigging and fraud.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
31 March 2017
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Indian auto workers demand release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By Moses Rajkumar and Yuvan Darwin, 30 March 2017
Indian auto workers voice their support for the ICFI campaign and demand release of the Maruti Suzuki workers.
“This is nothing but class war”
International support grows for petition to free framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By Jerry White, 29 March 2017
Workers and youth from 33 countries on five continents have signed the petition, with many denouncing the frame-up and expressing solidarity with the imprisoned Indian workers.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
Class struggle heats up in Latin America
28 March 2017
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UAW delays release of vote tally after Caterpillar workers oppose sellout deal
By Marcus Day, 27 March 2017
After announcing they would release the results of the vote Sunday night, UAW executives abruptly declared the tally would not be made public until sometime Monday.
Lawsuit over Michigan worker's death highlights conditions in auto parts industry
By Shannon Jones and Nick Rodriguez, 27 March 2017
A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Ionia, Michigan auto parts maker Ventra highlights the brutal conditions facing this section of workers.
General strike declared in French Guyana
By Kumaran Ira, 27 March 2017
For a week, French Guyana has been paralyzed by large-scale strikes demanding jobs, pay increases and better public services.
Strike continues at Peru’s largest copper mine in defiance of government
By Cesar Uco and Armando Cruz, 27 March 2017
The Cerro Verde miners strike has now entered its third week, despite a government decree declaring the action illegal.
“The 13 workers are political prisoners”
South Asian filmmakers Rahul Roy and Prasanna Vithanage back campaign to free Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 27 March 2017
Raul Roy, the director of The Factory, the 2015 documentary on the Maruti Suzuki workers, and the Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage have demanded the freedom of the 13 framed-up autoworkers.
Fujitsu strikers at UK sites speak about their dispute
By our reporters, 25 March 2017
WSWS reporters told pickets about the case of the 13 framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India, who have been sentenced to life in prison.
Spanish dockworkers’ unions accept wage cuts and job losses
By Alejandro López, 25 March 2017
The CETM trade union prevented the mobilization of the full force of the dockworkers which could have paralyzed the Spanish economy.
Join the fight to free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 25 March 2017
Workers in Sri Lanka, India and around the world must unite to defeat the imprisonment of these victimised workers
“We should be outraged by what is happening in India.”
US, Canadian autoworkers speak in defense of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By a reporting team, 25 March 2017
The campaign to defend 31 framed-up Maruti Suzuki autoworkers in India is winning support among autoworkers in North America.
Elect rank-and-file committees to oppose job cuts and end givebacks!
Vote “No” on the UAW-Caterpillar sellout agreement
By WSWS Autoworker Newsletter, 25 March 2017
The UAW pro-company contract sanctions the closure of the Aurora, Illinois plant and continues decades of wage and benefit concessions
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
25 March 2017
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UAW-Caterpillar contract “highlights” reveal new attacks on jobs and wages
By Marcus Day, 24 March 2017
What little the UAW has revealed about its deal with Caterpillar points to an escalation of the union-backed corporate assault on workers.
Telecom union calls bogus “strike” at AT&T in California and Nevada
By Alan Gilman, 24 March 2017
After less than 24 hours, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) sent 17,000 AT&T; workers back to their jobs after the walkout, which was aimed at defusing workers’ anger and frustration.
Fujitsu UK workers strike to protest job losses, attacks on pay and pensions
By Robert Stevens, 24 March 2017
The job losses in the UK and Ireland—to be staggered over the next 12 to 18 months—are part of 3,300 redundancies planned throughout Europe in a restructuring operation.
Maruti Suzuki workers lead protest demanding freedom for 13 workers jailed for life
By a WSWS reporting team, 24 March 2017
Thousands of workers defied a ban on gatherings of five or more people to show their support for the 13 framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
24 March 2017
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Union sells out striking Kenyan doctors
By Eddie Haywood, 21 March 2017
Few details have been released of the “Return to Work Formula,” which is merely a draft proposal and not a binding agreement.
Workers Struggles: The Americas
21 March 2017
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Thirteen sentenced to life imprisonment in India
Free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers!
By International Committee of the Fourth International, 20 March 2017
Thirteen Maruti Suzuki workers have been condemned to life in prison as the result of a monstrous frame-up mounted by the automaker, the police and judicial authorities, with the full complicity of India’s principal political parties.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
18 March 2017
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