Workers Struggles
California Amazon worker speaks out
“They told us to work harder, promised ‘a cookie’ to fastest worker”
By Marc Wells, Toby Reese and Kevin Martinez, 7 June 2017
In this video, a worker who wished to remain anonymous spoke to our reporters about working in one of the Amazon warehouses or “fulfillment centers.”
Striking German Amazon workers describe grueling conditions and digital surveillance
By Dietmar Henning, 7 June 2017
Around 500 workers conducted a three-day strike at an Amazon facility in Rheinberg in the Lower Rhine region of Germany last week.
Airgas workers in New England walk out over health care and pensions
By John Marion, 7 June 2017
Truck drivers and gas cylinder workers in Rhode Island are striking at the largest US distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases.
Settlement at AT&T; West, DirecTV, while Spectrum telecom strike continues
Workers Struggles: the Americas
6 June 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by writing to comments@wsws.org.
Class struggle developing on Indian sub-continent
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
3 June 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Portuguese public sector workers walk out as wave of strikes hit Nigeria
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
2 June 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Quebec government adopts law to break construction workers’ strike
By Roger Jordan, 31 May 2017
Nearly 175,000 Canadian construction workers have been forced back to work today, with the Quebec premier pledging to go even further in stripping workers of their rights.
Thousands of workers on strike at Freeport mine in Papua
By Oscar Grenfell, 31 May 2017
The industrial action at the second-largest copper mine in the world reflects mounting social unrest in Indonesia.
Kenyan doctors union threatens strike over stalled March agreement
By Eddie Haywood, 31 May 2017
After multiple delays the union has given the government a final deadline of June 14 to implement the terms agreed to earlier this year before calling another strike.
German Amazon worker denounces company’s collective punishment tactics
By our reporters, 31 May 2017
The International Amazon Workers Voice (IAVW), launched by the WSWS to unite Amazon workers worldwide in a fight against the company, has met with great interest among Amazon workers in Germany.
Amazon ordered employee to work despite heatstroke risk, sought to cover up incident
By Eric London, 30 May 2017
The young Virginia worker told the International Amazon Workers Voice that she has still not received medical attention despite suffering long-term health effects.
Doctors in Guyana strike over intolerable and unsafe conditions
Workers Struggles: The Americas
30 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.
Amazon workers speak out
Ex-worker: I was close to heatstroke and Amazon forced me to keep working
By our reporters, 29 May 2017
Amazon workers are sharing their horror stories of exploitation by the corporation and discussing how to unite internationally to fight back.
Talks stall on third day of Quebec construction strike
By Roger Jordan, 27 May 2017
Quebec’s Liberal government has confirmed that it intends to outlaw a strike by 175,000 construction workers, with the House leader saying a strikebreaking bill will be tabled Monday.
Striking Amazon workers in Germany support call for international cooperation
By our correspondents, 27 May 2017
A flyer announcing the creation of International Amazon Workers Voice was distributed during yesterday's strike at Amazon in Bad Hersfeld. The initiative for the coordination of resistance globally met with widespread support.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
27 May 2017
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Quebec premier amplifies threat to outlaw 175,000-strong construction strike
By Keith Jones, 26 May 2017
Among the largest workers’ actions in North America in recent years, the Quebec construction strike has angered and unnerved the Canadian ruling elite.
“The jobs don’t pay enough to get out of poverty”
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: Poverty in the coal fields
By Samuel Davidson and Evan Winters, 26 May 2017
The WSWS recently interviewed workers and unemployed people in southwestern Pennsylvania, a former coal mining region.
New Zealand: Ashburton meat works closure threatens 370 jobs
By Tom Peters, 26 May 2017
The Meat Workers Union has accepted the closure of Silver Fern Farms’ factory in the South Island town, which is part of a wave of job cuts and attacks on meat workers.
“This is modern day slavery”
Amazon workers worldwide denounce dictatorial working conditions
By Eric London, 26 May 2017
Workers flooded the International Amazon Workers Voice with exposures of horrible conditions at the company’s plants across the world.
Greek municipal workers in 4-day protest, GM to pull out of South Africa
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
26 May 2017
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Quebec construction strike rattles Canada’s ruling elite
By Laurent Lafrance, 25 May 2017
Quebec’s 175,000 unionized construction workers launched an “unlimited general strike” Wednesday morning, shutting down building sites across the province.
32-year-old worker dies at Detroit area US Steel mill
By our reporter, 24 May 2017
The death of a contractor at the Great Lakes Steel Facility in Ecorse is the latest in a series of fatalities at US Steel, which has implemented deep cost-cutting measures.
Caterpillar, Butterball to close factories in Montgomery, Illinois, laying off 1,400 workers
By Marcus Day and George Marlowe, 24 May 2017
The dual factory closures in the far western suburbs of Chicago take place in an area already hard hit by decades of deindustrialization.
Socialist Equality Party launches International Amazon Workers Voice newsletter
By the Socialist Equality Party, 24 May 2017
The newsletter will be a platform of opposition for Amazon workers, exposing dictatorial working conditions, introducing workers to socialism, and providing regular news and analysis of world politics.
Strikes in Colombia underscore worsening conditions in schools and among workers
Workers Struggles: The Americas
23 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.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing information to comments@wsws.org
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
“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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing information to comments@wsws.org
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
“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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Strike threats against Budapest public transit, Algerian state-owned energy and the Ghanaian media
7 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by emailing to comments@wsws.org.
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.
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