Workers Struggles
Canadian union seeks to shut down CAMI strike by offering concessions to GM
By Roger Jordan, 23 September 2017
Unifor has focused on bolstering its partnership with the big-business Liberal government and promoting reactionary Canadian nationalism.
General Motors and Ford announce thousands of US layoffs
By Shannon Jones, 23 September 2017
The layoffs come amid mounting signs that the seven-year boom in auto sales is collapsing.
Legal appeals of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers expose travesty of justice
By Saman Gunadasa, 23 September 2017
“The (legal) doubt,” declares one of the appeals, “is not only overwhelming, but in fact, there is hardly any aspect on which the prosecution’s case is at all believable.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
23 September 2017
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Birmingham refuse workers’ strike suspended; Kenyan state governors begin filling the jobs of striking nurses
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
22 September 2017
The Birmingham trash collectors have been battling attempts to force through 120 redundancies; meanwhile, in Kenya, state governors are advertising for strikebreakers in a long-running strike by nurses.
French unions try to strangle workers’ opposition to Macron
By Anthony Torres and Alex Lantier, 19 September 2017
The unions, whose strike calls are carefully prepared beforehand with the government, are terrified of being outflanked on their left by an eruption of workers’ struggles.
Sri Lankan power workers on strike
By W.A. Sunil, 19 September 2017
The ongoing stoppage is against the government’s austerity measures being imposed at the behest of the International Monetary Fund.
Protests against passage of anti-working class budget in Haiti
Workers Struggles: the Americas
19 September 2017
Protestors clashed with police in cites across Haiti over government plans to impose new taxes and fees on citizens.
GM CAMI workers strike in Canada
By Carl Bronski, 18 September 2017
The walkout is part of a growing wave of struggles by autoworkers around the world, including in the US, Korea, Serbia and Slovakia.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
16 September 2017
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Teachers strike in Burlington, Vermont over health care cuts, working conditions
By Jerry White, 15 September 2017
More than 400 teachers walked out on strike in Burlington Thursday, after efforts by a mediator, the city’s Democratic mayor and the Burlington Education Association failed to prevent the strike.
Canadian auto union moves to ram through concessions deal on GM CAMI workers
By Carl Bronski, 15 September 2017
With contempt for workers, Unifor officials have called a “ratification/strike” meeting for Sunday without releasing any information about what workers are supposed to vote on.
University staff strike across Nigeria as health care and state media workers consider action
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
15 September 2017
University staff across Nigeria are resuming a strike first called in January over a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the government but since ignored.
Worker exposes deadly conditions at Detroit area US Steel mill
By Shannon Jones, 12 September 2017
A steelworker describes on Facebook the callous response of both management and the United Steelworkers to the exposure of a group of crane operators to a deadly gas.
Riverside, California county workers stage two-day strike
Workers Struggles: The Americas
12 September 2017
Rather than mobilize the power of the working class, the Service Employees International Union used the walkout as a photo op for various Democratic Party candidates.
IAM pushes sellout deal on striking Chicago car mechanics
By Jessica Goldstein, 11 September 2017
Mechanics are not paid for the hours worked on the clock, but by the number of hours the automobile manufacturers assign to the parts they work on.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 September 2017
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Royal College of Nursing union holds rally in London
No answers to attacks on public health care
By Ajanta Silva and Paul Mitchell, 8 September 2017
The “Summer of Action” was largely restricted to appeals to MPs and photo opportunities for RCN bureaucrats and union officials making occasional media appearances.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Kenyan nurses in 13th week of strike
8 September 2017
Calling the strike illegal, the state governors have threatened to fire the 25,000 Kenyan nurses if they do not return to work by Friday.
“We don’t know what kind of deal they’ve struck with the breakaway dealerships”
IAM isolates striking Chicago car mechanics, seeks separate agreements
By Jessica Goldstein, 5 September 2017
Striking Chicago-area auto mechanics remain militant during their fifth week of struggle while the union tries to shut down the strike by making deals with independent dealerships.
One-day strike set by public workers in Uruguay
Workers Struggles: The Americas
5 September 2017
The Uruguayan public workers federation has announced a one-day strike over job insecurity and “covert privatization.”
“Whatever happens to us is going to happen to everybody else”
Toronto airport strikers speak out
By our reporters, 4 September 2017
700 employees of Swissport at Toronto’s Pearson Airport are resisting management’s attempt to slash their real wages and gut their working conditions.
Boston area transit privatization plan goes forward amid allegations of corruption/mismanagement
By John Marion, 2 September 2017
Lack of rational planning combined with out-and-out corruption are the main contributing factors to the crisis of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority serving greater Boston.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
2 September 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Portuguese Volkswagen workers rebel against Workers Commission collaboration
2 September 2017
Volkswagen workers in Portugal launched a strike against the German-based automaker the week over extended Saturday working.
“The working class has to stand together against this”
After five months on strike, Spectrum workers in New York-New Jersey must break union-imposed isolation
By Alan Whyte, A. Woodson and Steve Light, 1 September 2017
Nearly 2,000 technicians and engineers continue to battle the telecom giant Charter Communications, now known as Spectrum.
UK rail workers to continue strikes against plans for Driver Only Operated trains
By Tony Robson, 31 August 2017
The latest round of strike action takes place against the background of concerted efforts by the rail unions to end the dispute and prevent its extension to other private operators on the network.
Striking Toronto baggage handlers reject offer, continue job action
Workers Struggles: The Americas
29 August 2017
The workers voted down a proposed contract offer very similar to one they had previously rejected.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 August 2017
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CSX worker in Tennessee seriously injured due to cutbacks
Railroads push cost-cutting and contract concessions
By Jeff Lusanne, 25 August 2017
Railroads continue to push for concessions three years after contracts for 145,000 workers expired, while implementing cost-cutting changes to please Wall Street.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Kenyan nurses continue their national strike beyond 11 weeks
25 August 2017
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Workers Struggles: the Americas
Chilean educators hold 24-hour strike over new education law, unpaid bonuses
24 August 2017
An August 17 nationwide strike by educators in Chile a law of “New Public Education” and to demand payment of overdue salaries and bonuses.
Peruvian teachers strike as Kuczynski’s government plunges into crisis
By Armando Cruz, 23 August 2017
Reportedly, more than 200,000 teachers in 18 regions of the country are participating in the strike, making it one of the largest in the last decade.
“If you don’t stand up, nothing happens”
Union isolates Chicago-area auto mechanics strike in its fourth week
By Jessica Goldstein and George Marlowe, 22 August 2017
Rank-and-file mechanics of in the Chicago area spoke out against poverty wages and unfair labor practices, as the union attempts to shut down the strike.
More charges in Fiat Chrysler corruption scandal
UAW executives accepted bribes “to take company-friendly positions”
By Joseph Kishore, 21 August 2017
The multimillion-dollar bribery scheme exposes the UAW as a corrupt agent of corporate management, which has worked to impose massive concessions contracts at FCA, General Motors and Ford.
Company faces allegations of abuse by both management and UAW officials
Ford settles claims over sexual and racial harassment at Chicago auto plants for $10 million
By George Marlowe, 19 August 2017
For the second time in nearly 20 years, Ford Motor Company faces sexual harassment claims by female workers against supervisors and union officials.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
19 August 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
18 August 2017
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Farmworkers fighting deadly working conditions in Washington state
By our reporter, 16 August 2017
Some 70 contract workers stopped work on August 4 over the death of a 28-year-old co-worker, winning broad support in the local community.
Ontario, Canada aerospace workers occupy factory
Workers Struggles: The Americas
15 August 2017
The occupation began August 10 and shut down production for two days at Northstar Aerospace.
The road forward for Sri Lankan workers after the betrayal of the CPC strike
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 12 August 2017
The struggle against privatisation and to defend jobs can be waged only through a political fight against the profit system, on the basis of socialist policies.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 August 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
British Airways cabin crew extend strike
11 August 2017
The dispute is one of the longest running in the history of the European airline industry.
Spectrum strike in New York-New Jersey enters fifth month
By Mark Witkowski, 9 August 2017
The unions have left Spectrum workers to battle the giant telecom company on their own.
Death of Hollywood stuntman highlights dangerous working conditions
By Glenn Mulwray, 8 August 2017
Dangerous working conditions have long been the norm on film sets, and the actors union’s recently negotiated contract with Hollywood producers will do nothing to change the status quo.
Nationwide strike by educators set in Chile
Workers Struggles: The Americas
8 August 2017
Chile’s College of Professors is set to strike against right wing, pro market, changes to the country’s educational system.
“We work harder for pennies”
Striking Chicago-area mechanics denounce auto dealerships’ contract offer
By Jessica Goldstein, 7 August 2017
Striking mechanics told the WSWS that after years of concessions they are determined to obtain a real wage increase and better contract terms.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
5 August 2017
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CSX railroad workers denounce Wall Street plundering
By Jeff Lusanne, 4 August 2017
As the CEO blames employees for the failure of his policies, CSX workers have denounced years of eroding working conditions.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Bank of England staff strike, Israeli workers protest chemical plant closing
4 August 2017
Strikes and protests have hit the region as governments press their programmes of austerity and privatisation.
Tens of thousands line up at Amazon job fairs as Dow tops 22,000
By Eric London, 3 August 2017
The long lines of job-hungry workers encircling buildings and stretching across parking lots recall scenes from the Great Depression.
“I’ve read about revolutions. If you ignore the lower class long enough they’ll rise up”
Amazon Jobs Day applicants speak out
By our reporters, 3 August 2017
Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site and International Amazon Workers Voice spoke to applicants in Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.
Railroad workers at CSX face the dictates of Wall Street
By Jeff Lusanne, 1 August 2017
Since CSX has installed a new Wall Street-approved CEO, workers at the railroad have faced a grueling regime of radically changed working rules and conditions.
Sri Lankan free trade workers express solidarity with framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India
By our reporters, 1 August 2017
Workers responded enthusiastically to the international defense campaign and related their own experiences of sweatshop conditions and fighting state repression.
Ground workers strike Toronto’s Pearson International Airport
Workers Struggles: the Americas
1 August 2017
A strike by 700 ground workers has hit Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest, causing flight delays.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 July 2017
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Police disperse big protest in Morocco
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
28 July 2017
Protests are rare in the kingdom, which is a key ally of the United States in the Middle East.
“We don’t blame Mexico, we blame the company”
Workers denounce layoffs at Indianapolis Carrier plant
By Shelley Connor and Jerry White, 25 July 2017
Sacked workers at the United Technology Corporation's Carrier plant have responded with outrage and hostility, not only towards UTC, but to Trump and the United Steelworkers union.
Court rules against Michigan workers falsely accused of unemployment fraud
By Debra Watson, 25 July 2017
The Michigan appeals court dismissed a suit filed on behalf of workers falsely accused in the notorious Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency “robo-fraud” scandal.
Government gives Amazon millions in free money for Romulus, Michigan warehouse
By Robert Verdine, 25 July 2017
The multi-billion corporation is pocketing millions in investments and tax breaks from Detroit area suburbs for the building of new fulfillment and warehouse facilities.
Peruvian miners launch national strike amid walkouts by doctors and teachers
Workers Struggles: The Americas
25 July 2017
The Peruvian government has responded to the strike of miners against brutal working conditions by declaring the walkout illegal.
Mixed fleet cabin crew continue strike against British Airways
By Ross Mitchell, 22 July 2017
Unite is seeking to divert the struggle of cabin crew into the dead end of legal appeals against BA’s actions and are insisting strikers put their faith in appeals to Members of Parliament.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
22 July 2017
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Union ends strike by Fiat Chrysler workers in Serbia
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
21 July 2017
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Support grows for General strike in Uruguay
Workers Struggles: The Americas
18 July 2017
Public service workers have committed to joining the strike, as have mass transit workers and public and private school teachers.
India: Kerala nurses on state-wide strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
15 July 2017
The nurses rejected a pay offer of 17,500 rupees, including allowances, from the government and the Private Hospitals Association.
Trump administration signs law stripping job protections from Department of Veterans Affairs employees
By Nick Barrickman, 14 July 2017
The Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act marks a deepening of the attack on federal workers.
German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp slashes 2,500 jobs as it prepares to sell off steel division
By Dietmar Henning, 14 July 2017
In addition to a €500 million savings program, which involves the loss of around 4,000 jobs, the shedding of the steel sector will endanger thousands of other jobs and entire factories.
Tufts Medical Center in Boston locks out 1,200 nurses after one-day strike
By John Marion, 14 July 2017
Nurses fighting understaffing and pension attacks face a battle against both big business parties, which defend for-profit medicine.
Rally by striking UK air cabin crew
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
14 July 2017
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Nurses strike Tufts Medical Center in Boston
Hospital plans punitive five-day lockout
By Kate Randall, 13 July 2017
Nurses are demanding the hospital increase staffing and resources, make salaries more competitive and keep a decent pension plan intact.
Hollywood averts a third major strike with SAG-AFTRA deal
By Kimie Saito, 12 July 2017
The new three-year master contract must now be approved by the union’s board of directors and then ratified by union members.
General strike threatened in Bolivia
Workers Struggles: The Americas
11 July 2017
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AT&T West workers reject deal pushed by Communications Workers of America
By Jake Dean, 11 July 2017
After AT&T workers in California and Nevada rejected the sellout deal, the CWA immediately agreed to federal mediation, a blackout on information and a no-strike pledge.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
8 July 2017
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Bombardier Hennigsdorf workers express anger at the IG Metall union
By Gustav Kemper and Verena Nees, 7 July 2017
Earlier this week, WSWS reporters spoke with workers in Hennigsdorf, near Berlin, about the decision of the rail and locomotive manufacturer Bombardier Transportation to close down production in the town.
Historic strike vote by Bank of England staff; Kenyan doctors’ union signs agreement to end dispute
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
7 July 2017
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Widespread strikes and protests in Brazil against labor law reform bill
Workers Struggles: The Americas
4 July 2017
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Detroit Federation of Teachers accepts merit pay, other concessions
By Phyllis Steele, 3 July 2017
The Detroit Federation of Teachers is attempting to impose yet another round of concessions on teachers who have suffered years of givebacks, layoffs and eroding school conditions.
Greek garbage workers continue strike, South African electricity supply workers in unofficial stoppage
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
30 June 2017
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Massachusetts nurses locked out at Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Workers Struggles: The Americas
27 June 2017
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Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
24 June 2017
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“Being an ‘independent contractor’ is just an illusion so they can pocket more money for themselves”
Striking Los Angeles-Long Beach port truck drivers speak
By our reporters, 23 June 2017
Drivers in Long Beach spoke to the WSWS about the issues in their strike.
Slovakian autoworkers strike, Kenyan nurses continue nationwide walkout
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
23 June 2017
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Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods and the case for public ownership
By Eric London, 22 June 2017
The expansion of the Amazon corporate behemoth is an expression of the unprecedented concentration of economic power among a handful of corporations that dominate the world capitalist economy.
California Amazon worker speaks out:
“Amazon fired me because I complained about age discrimination”
By Evan Blake, 20 June 2017
The former Amazon employee described a climate of favoritism and abuse against older workers at the multinational behemoth's warehouses.
Los Angeles and Long Beach port truckers strike over misclassification
Workers Struggles: The Americas
20 June 2017
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Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 June 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Spanish dockers strike in opposition to deregulation
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
16 June 2017
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Workers Struggles: The Americas
13 June 2017
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Amazon workers speak out
Amazon forced pregnant woman off the job due to physical, emotional stress
By our reporters, 12 June 2017
Workers tell their Amazon horror stories: “Amazon is the most miserable place I have ever worked.”
US telecom unions continue isolation of Spectrum strike
By Steve Light and A. Woodson, 10 June 2017
Spectrum workers in the third month of a strike in New York and New Jersey are being isolated by the unions, whose strategy is based on useless appeals to the Democratic Party.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 June 2017
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Dockers strike in Spain, as South African municipal workers strike enters third week
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
9 June 2017
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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
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Class struggle developing on Indian sub-continent
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
3 June 2017
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Portuguese public sector workers walk out as wave of strikes hit Nigeria
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
2 June 2017
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