North America
US grounds Boeing 737s involved in Indonesian, Ethiopian crashes
By Barry Grey, 14 March 2019
The position of Boeing and the US carriers, backed by the Federal Aviation Administration, that the planes were perfectly safe had become untenable.
More demagogy and bluster as UAW bargaining convention adjourns
By Shannon Jones, 14 March 2019
The supposed fight proclaimed by UAW leaders to “save jobs” is based on lowering the automakers' production costs in the US by imposing new give-backs on workers.
Teacher sickouts in Kentucky, protests in Maryland and Texas
By E.P. Milligan, 14 March 2019
Thousands of teachers are fighting for more school funding, higher wages, and an end to attacks on public education.
Pelosi dismisses efforts to impeach President Trump
By Patrick Martin, 14 March 2019
The top Democrat in the House is wary of the political upheaval that impeachment could spark under conditions of a growing movement of the American working class.
Trump proposes slashing public education by $7 billion
By Shelley Connor, 14 March 2019
Trump’s proposed budget, released earlier this week, would cut education spending by over $7 billion while transferring billions to charter and private schools.
A tirade against China at US Senate committee hearing
By Nick Beams, 14 March 2019
The questioning of US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer centred almost exclusively on the content and progress of trade talks with Beijing.
West Virginia coal miner killed in fall
By Naomi Spencer, 14 March 2019
Adam DeBoard, 38, died of head injuries after falling from a highwall at a Greenbrier County, West Virginia surface mine last week.
Free dental clinic draws hundreds in Nashville, Tennessee
By Warren Duzak and Keisha Gibbs, 14 March 2019
A joint effort of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and Remote Area Medical Corps provided more than $162,000 in services to more than 330 patients last Saturday.
Canada ever more deeply implicated in US-engineered coup attempt in Venezuela
By Laurent Lafrance, 14 March 2019
Like its US partner, Canadian imperialism covets Venezuela’s vast oil resources and is determined to prevent Russia, China, and other “strategic rivals” from expanding their influence in the Americas.
IYSSE holds rally at University of Michigan to defend Chelsea Manning
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at University of Michigan, 14 March 2019
The rally at the University of Michigan advanced an international strategy to mobilize youth, students and the broadest layers of the working class against the imprisonment of Chelsea Manning.
Profits over people
US refuses to ground Boeing jet despite second crash in five months
By Barry Grey, 13 March 2019
There are immense financial interests bound up with the profitability and stock price of Boeing that far outweigh the danger of more destruction of human life and suffering for victims’ friends and family.
Students and youth across the US demand freedom for Chelsea Manning
By a WSWS reporting team, 13 March 2019
The International Youth and Students for Socialist Equality is leading the fight to organize opposition to the imprisonment of whistleblower Chelsea Manning by holding a series of meetings and rallies.
UAW bargaining convention sets course for new round of give-backs
By Jerry White, 13 March 2019
150,000 workers at GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler face a contract battle against the auto companies and the UAW this summer.
New poll shows American youth are increasingly supportive of socialism
By Trévon Austin, 13 March 2019
The leftward shift among youth is a direct consequence of the failure of the capitalist system, which offers only war, austerity, and social disaster.
Massive cuts and layoffs loom in San Diego’s Sweetwater school district
By Evelyn Rios, 13 March 2019
The cuts to central administrative staff are only the initial round of mass layoffs and cuts to cover a $68 million shortfall caused by district corruption and embezzlement.
Thousands of US Stop & Shop workers in New England vote for strike action
By Kate Randall, 13 March 2019
The supermarket giant is seeking to drive down the wages and conditions of workers to the level of their nonunion competitors by cutting take-home pay and attacking health and pension benefits.
New York University student paper joins in “anti-Semitism” witch-hunt against critics of Israel
By Josh Varlin and Sandy English, 13 March 2019
The Washington Square News was forced to remove an article describing Women’s March Co-Chair Linda Sarsour as an “accused anti-Semite” after student protest.
New York Times lines up with anti-China hawks
By Nick Beams, 12 March 2019
The key US demand is that China must make “structural” changes to its economy, including abandoning state subsidies to major industries.
“This is not just about Tchaikovsky, it’s about culture as a whole”
Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians strike to defend pensions
By Kristina Betinis, 12 March 2019
CSO players and supporters demand funding for the arts, not wars.
Aiming to quash strikes, US teacher union launches campaign to prop up Democrats
By Nancy Hanover, 12 March 2019
Amid increasing strikes and struggles in defense of public education across the US and the world, the teachers’ unions are launching a new initiative to stifle the class struggle and corral teachers behind the capitalist political parties.
Mark Zuckerberg’s “Privacy Manifesto”: A brief for intensifying Internet and social media censorship
By Kevin Reed, 12 March 2019
The new vision for Facebook published by Mark Zuckerberg on March 6 is part of the response by the ruling elite to the role that social media is playing in the growth of class struggle internationally.
Canada: Why is the corporate media in a frenzy over the SNC-Lavalin affair?
By Roger Jordan, 12 March 2019
The working class must intervene in opposition to all factions of the capitalist elite and political establishment, advancing a socialist program against austerity and war.
A US budget for worldwide war
By Patrick Martin, 12 March 2019
The Trump administration is seeking a record $750 billion in military spending, more than the next 14 countries combined.
For joint action of US, Canadian and Mexican workers
Defend the Matamoros workers!
By WSWS Autoworker Newsletter, 12 March 2019
Terrified that wildcat strikes will spread throughout factories in Mexico and into the United States and Canada, the US and other foreign-based corporations and the local ruling elites are responding with mass firings, plant closings and other reprisals.
Trump makes perfunctory trip to survey Alabama tornado recovery efforts
By Ed Hightower, 9 March 2019
President Donald Trump’s visit to Lee County appears to have consisted largely of a helicopter overflight and briefings with local officials.
Record US deficit in traded goods
By Nick Beams, 7 March 2019
The increased deficit is an expression of the inherent contradictions of Trump’s “America First” trade agenda, within the framework of a globalised economy.
Union describes walkout as “disruptive”
Kentucky teachers’ sickout closes state’s largest district
By Naomi Spencer, 7 March 2019
The mass action, organized by a new group calling itself “JCPS Leads,” forced Jefferson County Public Schools to cancel school for the second time in the space of a week.
“The unions are trying to divide the students and teachers”
Oakland students oppose sellout of teachers strike, plan to continue fight to defend public education
By Genevieve Leigh and Kayla Costa, 7 March 2019
There is growing anger among students and teachers in Oakland, California over the shutdown of the seven-day Oakland teachers strike by the Oakland Education Association.
Trump Homeland Security chief defends family separation and caging children
By Patrick Martin, 7 March 2019
Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, one of four congressional hearings Wednesday on aspects of US immigration policy.
De Blasio accepts federal monitor to oversee New York City Housing Authority
By Josh Varlin, 7 March 2019
The Trump administration’s appointment of a monitor for the largest public housing system in the country presages further attacks on poorer sections of the working class in New York City.
The shutdown of GM’s Lordstown plant
By Jerry White, 7 March 2019
The closing of the iconic factory, the site of a series of wildcat strikes and other militant struggles in the early 1970s, is the tragic outcome of a half century of betrayals by the United Auto Workers union.
The betrayal of the Oakland teacher strike and the way forward for students
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 7 March 2019
The OEA has declared the strike over, but students, teachers and parents are determined to continue and expand the fight to defend public education.
US court upholds subpoena of whistleblower Chelsea Manning
By James Cogan, 6 March 2019
The subpoena is an escalation of the US government’s efforts to extradite Julian Assange, and a new and vindictive persecution of Manning.
Families struggle in aftermath of deadly Alabama tornado
By Ed Hightower, 6 March 2019
The responses from both the County and the Red Cross media contacts revealed an emergency management system that lacks central planning, forethought, coordination and resources.
Amid national strike wave
Mexican ruling class responds to Matamoros: Militarization and alignment with Trump’s attacks on immigrants
By Alex González, 6 March 2019
The AMLO administration has prevented immigrants from reaching the border and is forcefully detaining them, creating the framework for escalating attacks on the entire working class.
1,700 workers battle two-tier wages at Erie, Pennsylvania locomotive plant
By Samuel Davidson, 6 March 2019
Workers at the giant locomotive plant in Erie, Pennsylvania have entered their second week on the picket line against demands for a two-tier wage system and other concessions.
Democratic leaders step up witchhunt against Congresswoman Omar on phony anti-Semitism charges
By Barry Grey, 6 March 2019
This intimidation and character assassination is part of a drive to criminalize all criticism of the Israeli state's oppression of Palestinians by equating it with anti-Semitism.
More than 80 arrested in Sacramento protesting decision not to charge police in murder of Stephon Clark
By Trévon Austin, 6 March 2019
Clark was killed after being shot at by two officers more than 20 times in his grandmother’s backyard last March. The only thing he had in his hand was a cell phone.
US detains 77,000 immigrants at border in February, a 10 year high
By Norisa Diaz, 6 March 2019
The number of immigrants detained at the border hit a 10 year high in February, while employer audits and mass workplace sweeps continue to rise.
Alarming levels of toxins leaking into US groundwater from coal ash ponds
By Jessica Goldstein, 6 March 2019
Coal ash contains dangerous toxins which are known to cause serious health problems, including cancer and kidney and liver damage.
The political lessons of the March 3 Free Assange rally
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia) Political Committee, 5 March 2019
The demonstration in Sydney won broad support on the basis of mobilising the working class to defend democratic rights and class war prisoners such as Julian Assange.
The shutdown of the GM Lordstown plant: A corporate crime
By Tim Rivers and Shannon Jones, 5 March 2019
Tuesday, March 5, is the last day of production at the GM Lordstown plant, long an economic mainstay of northeast Ohio and the scene of militant struggles in the early 1970s.
“We had several families that have probably lost everybody”
Tornado outbreak kills 23 in Alabama, wreaks havoc across southeastern US
By Ed Hightower, 5 March 2019
While some property damage may be inevitable from any storm, every injury and loss of life is a social crime, the product of inequality and neglect.
House Democrats issue wide-ranging subpoenas in Trump investigation
By Patrick Martin, 5 March 2019
The House Judiciary Committee sent document demands to 81 organizations and individuals associated with the Trump Organization, the Trump campaign and the White House.
Students and teachers outraged as
Oakland, California school board passes devastating budget cut following union sellout
By Evan Blake and Gabriel Black, 5 March 2019
The betrayal of the seven-day teacher strike by the Oakland Education Association has opened the door to deep cuts and school closings.
Denver schools ax jobs in wake of contract pushed through by union
By Andrea Peters, 5 March 2019
After just three days on the picket line, the union sent teachers back to work with about two hours’ notice, claiming that it had won a major victory.
Bernie Sanders adapts to racial politics at Chicago campaign rally
By George Gallanis, 5 March 2019
Sanders’ speech in Chicago used his experiences in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, while a student at the University of Chicago, to make an appeal to identity politics.
Severe winter weather delays plague train travel in America and Canada
By Jeff Lusanne, 5 March 2019
Passenger trains in the United States and Canada have suffered delays of up to 36 hours as winter weather combines with the cost-cutting private ownership of freight railroads.
Canada’s Liberal government on ropes after third high-profile resignation
By Roger Jordan, 5 March 2019
With two top ministers resigning amid claims the Prime Minister’s Office improperly intervened to prevent SNC-Lavalin’s criminal prosecution, the survival of Trudeau and his government have been thrown into question.
The fallacies and evasions of the Green New Deal
By Bryan Dyne and Barry Grey, 5 March 2019
Democratic no less than Republican administrations have imposed austerity policies and prosecuted the decades-long social counterrevolution that continues today.
Oppose Eastern Michigan University’s privatization schemes!
By IYSSE at Eastern Michigan University, 5 March 2019
University administrators are currently considering privatizing its housing services following the recent privatization of its dining and parking services.
Boston: Unanimous opposition to MBTA fare hike at public hearing
By John Marion and Kate Randall, 3 March 2019
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is planning to impose fare increases averaging 6.3 percent on its bus, subway and commuter rail riders effective July 1.
“The union abandoned us and allowed for management to blacklist us”
US, Canadian and Mexican workers denounce mass firings of Matamoros strikers
By our reporters, 2 March 2019
Mexican auto parts and other “maquiladora” corporations are firing workers in retaliation for launching a wave of wildcat strikes that brought the Mexican border town of Matamoros to a standstill.
Trump White House leads fascistic attack on socialism at Conservative Political Action Conference
By Niles Niemuth, 2 March 2019
The event opened Thursday with a five-and-a-half-minute video collage presenting the Democratic Party as a looming socialist threat from which only Trump and his supporters can save America.
US Federal Court subpoenas whistleblower Chelsea Manning
By Matthew Brennan, 2 March 2019
The subpoena provides no information as to what prosecutors intend to ask Manning, but all indications are that it is part of an effort by the US Department of Justice to escalate its pursuit of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Vote “no” on sell-out agreement
Union pushes contract in effort to shut down Oakland teachers’ strike
By Joseph Santolan, 2 March 2019
The deal leaves $30 million of district budget cuts and school closures intact, while allowing school closures, giving teachers raises below inflation, and addressing none of their other pressing demands.
Canada gives go-ahead for Huawei executive’s extradition to US
By Nick Beams, 2 March 2019
A statement from Meng’s defence lawyers objected to the Canadian decision in the face of what it called “the political nature of the US charges.”
Near-record low turnout in first round of Chicago municipal election
By Alexander Fangmann, 2 March 2019
Former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot and Democratic Party boss Toni Preckwinkle will face each other in the April 2 run-off.
US Senate hearings on drug prices provide “friendly warning” to pharmaceuticals
By Brian Dixon, 2 March 2019
While some of the members of the committee occasionally posed as industry critics, the Senate hearing made it clear that no serious action will be taken to rein in high drug prices.
From the horse’s mouth
Bernie Sanders at CNN Town Hall: My purpose is to promote the Democratic Party
By Genevieve Leigh, 2 March 2019
Sanders’ aim, utilizing his reputation as an “independent,” is to convince disillusioned workers and young people not to seek an alternative to the right-wing Democratic Party.
On the Basis of Sex and Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The manufacturing of a “living legend”
By Ed Hightower, 2 March 2019
The two-hour biopic—a tedious cinematic effort—seeks to rally a core constituency of the Democratic Party: upper-middle-class women.
The Trump presidency: From the Manhattan underworld to the White House
By Patrick Martin, 1 March 2019
The day-long testimony by former Trump “fixer” Michael Cohen gave a glimpse of the gangsterism out of which the Trump presidency has emerged.
Second summit between Trump and Kim collapses with no agreement
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2019
Talks collapsed on the second day of the summit in Vietnam with the two sides failing to produce any tangible results.
Enforcement and technology key issues in China trade deal, Lighthizer tells US Congress
By Nick Beams, 1 March 2019
The US Trade Representative made it clear the fundamental question is “structural reforms” in the Chinese economy.
As Oakland strike enters seventh day, union keeps teachers in dark on negotiations
By Norisa Diaz and Joseph Santolan, 1 March 2019
The rank-and-file strike committee, at a meeting Thursday night, exposed the anti-democratic measures of the OEA leadership.
Oakland strike, mass “sickout” in Kentucky
Teacher anger exploding across the United States
By Nancy Hanover, 1 March 2019
A summary of teacher struggles underscores the need for educators to break the grip of the unions in order to unify in a common fight to defend public education.
“I was treated like a caged animal”
Single mother and healthcare worker jailed for three days in Indiana over unpaid ambulance bill
By George Marlowe, 1 March 2019
Melissa Latronica, a single mother of three and a certified nursing assistant, was recently arrested and thrown into jail for an unpaid ambulance bill she never received.
Latest collision on Long Island Rail Road shows fatal consequences of system-wide neglect
By Owen Mullan, 1 March 2019
Three people were killed and several injured on Tuesday when two trains struck a truck at a railway crossing in New York
Hundreds laid off at Activision Blizzard and other video game companies
By Zachary Thorton, 1 March 2019
For all of the grueling hours that workers are subjected to, and the impact this has on their health and social lives, none of it guarantees their job security.
Report: British Columbia mental health problems on the rise
By Penny Smith, 1 March 2019
The annual report by the province’s health officer found that perceptions of mental wellbeing among BC residents were among the lowest in the country.
Cohen assertions are not evidence of WikiLeaks “collusion” with Trump or Russia
By James Cogan, 28 February 2019
If Roger Stone did tell Trump he talked with Julian Assange, then Stone was lying.
Oakland teachers continue strike as Kentucky teachers launch statewide sickout
By Joseph Santolan, 28 February 2019
As teachers in Oakland California begin their sixth day on strike, the wave of teachers struggles, begun in West Virginia a year ago, continues to expand across the United States.
“We always have money for wars but not for public education”
Oakland teachers and students speak as strike reaches critical juncture
By our reporters, 28 February 2019
Teachers, students and other workers expressed their determination to fight on the fifth day of the strike by 3,000 educators in Oakland, California.
Mexico: Metalworkers, universities join strike wave as 90,000 Walmart workers threaten to walk out
By Andrea Lobo, 28 February 2019
As the strike movement builds, the trade unions are scrambling to co-opt, isolate and shut down each rank-and-file struggle.
Locomotive builders strike Wabtec in Erie, Pennsylvania
By Shannon Jones, 28 February 2019
The strike by 1,700 workers at the former GE Transportation facility is in response to the new management’s attempt to impose concessions.
US naval chief denounces China and calls for stronger military partnership with Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 28 February 2019
Sri Lanka’s strategic location alongside the world’s busiest shipping route is vital to increasingly aggressive US geo-strategic and military manoeuvres against China.
Reports document sexual abuse of immigrant children detained in US
By Eric London, 28 February 2019
The Trump administration’s assault on immigrants underscores the urgent need to oppose all attacks on democratic rights and due process.
Oakland, California teachers press for expansion of strike as union seeks to contain struggle
By Evan Blake, 23 February 2019
Despite its rhetoric, the OEA is working to isolate teachers from their class allies and prevent a broader struggle in defense of public education.
“Everybody needs to go on strike”
Charleston, West Virginia residents support teachers fighting to defend public education
By our reporters, 23 February 2019
The unions called off the West Virginia teachers strike amid a growing national strike wave and broad support in the working class.
Vote “No” on sell-out contract!
As voting takes place, Denver teachers angry over tentative agreement
By Nancy Hanover and George Marlowe, 23 February 2019
The WSWS Teachers Newsletter urges teachers to reject the deal, which does not resolve any of the issues concerning poverty wages for teachers or the broader attack on public education.
Further blows to US anti-Huawei campaign
By Nick Beams, 23 February 2019
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the German government is “leaning towards letting Huawei … participate in building the nation’s high-speech internet infrastructure.”
North Carolina election board orders new vote
By Shelley Connor, 23 February 2019
Following a hearing on election fraud by the campaign of Republican candidate Mark Harris, North Carolina’s Board of Elections ruled Thursday that the state’s Ninth Congressional District must conduct a new vote.
New York University students angry over police “cleanup” of homeless on campus
By Owen Mullan and Sandy English, 23 February 2019
NYU students expressed outrage over an NYPD “cleanup” of the homeless in front of the university’s Silver Center building on February 6.
050 Illinois/NJ minimum wage
23 February 2019
Students speak out against closure of Oregon College of Art and Craft
By our reporters, 23 February 2019
After years of deceit and backroom talks, the administration and Board of Trustees announced that they will close and sell-off OCAC by the end of the semester.
Canada’s Liberal government rocked by high-profile resignations
By Roger Jordan, 23 February 2019
The Liberals’ attempt to shield engineering giant SNC-Lavalin from criminal prosecution has led to the resignation of the former Justice Minister and Trudeau’s top adviser, throwing the government’s re-election plans into disarray.
For a unified struggle of Oakland students and teachers to defend public education!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality - Berkeley, 23 February 2019
The IYSSE supports and applauds the tens of thousands of teenage students in Oakland who have protested in solidarity with their striking teachers.
Oakland, California teachers walk out as unions sabotage West Virginia strike
By Jerry White, 21 February 2019
Teachers in Oakland, California have walked out of schools in the latest of a series of strikes by educators in the US and internationally against austerity and social inequality.
US missile treaty withdrawal sparks global nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 21 February 2019
A half-century after the Cuban Missile crisis brought humanity to within a hair’s breadth of destruction, Washington is fueling an even more dangerous global nuclear standoff.
Sixteen Democratic-led states file lawsuit against Trump’s national emergency
By Eric London, 21 February 2019
As the faction fight in the ruling class intensifies, the legal question the courts will answer is: can the president usurp the powers of the legislature?
Feds arrest fascist Coast Guard officer who plotted to kill socialists and Democrats
By Eric London, 21 February 2019
Court filings read, “The defendant intends to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country.”
Trump receives “national security” report on auto imports
By Nick Beams, 21 February 2019
A Commerce Department investigation is believed to state that auto imports constitute a “threat.”
“There’s been a blackout from the union”
Teamsters locals use anti-democratic loopholes and deceit to impose sellout agreements
By Erik Schreiber, 21 February 2019
Adding insult to injury following the imposition of the national UPS contract last year, the Teamsters union is using anti-democratic procedures to ram through local supplemental agreements by overriding the express will of the membership.
Florida state senator calls for National Guard to be deployed on the streets of Jacksonville in response to recent spate of violence
By Matthew Taylor, 21 February 2019
The call for martial law shows that the Democrats, no less than the Republicans, have nothing but contempt for constitutional protections and will utilize any excuse to institute police state measures.
Callous government policies lead to freezing death of homeless man in Edmonton, Alberta
By Riksen Stewart, 21 February 2019
The man’s death follows the city's decision to shut subway stations at night to prevent homeless people from sheltering inside during the cold.
Trump regime targets “loser teachers” in red-baiting tirade
By Nancy Hanover, 21 February 2019
Speaking in El Paso last week, Donald Trump, Jr. launched into a vicious McCarthyite attack on public school teachers, one of a series of anti-socialist diatribes by the administration.
West Virginia educators remain defiant in second day of statewide strike
By Tom Eley, 20 February 2019
The unions’ attempts to declare “victory” have so far failed to convince teachers, who remember all too well similar claims after the betrayal of their statewide strike last year.
“They’ll tell you one thing and turn around and do another”
West Virginia teachers denounce attack on public education
By our reporters, 20 February 2019
Teachers and their allies condemned attacks on public education and expressed enthusiasm for the expansion of strikes.
Chicago Teachers Union shuts down strike at CICS charter schools
By Alexander Fangmann, 20 February 2019
Despite hailing it as yet another “victory,” the union agreed to a deal that leaves conditions and teacher compensation at charter schools well below traditional public schools.
“My story belongs to every single human being who has sacrificed and risked their life in search of a better life”
Mexican migrant details harrowing journey across the Sonoran desert following deportation
By Angel Andres and Anthony del Olmo, 20 February 2019
The threats posed by an unforgiving terrain and climate are only a portion of the dangerous landscape that is filled with the Mexican police, cartel thugs and the US border patrol.
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