April 30 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

The High Human Price of Cheap T-Shirts
Texas fertilizer company didn't heed disclosure rules before blast
EPA Issues Plan on Tainted Water From Power Plants *
Part-Time Work Becomes Full-Time Wait for Better Job *
SF pride rescinds Manning honor
Wealth Gap Among Races Widened Since Recession *
Loans Borrowed Against Pensions Squeeze Retirees *
U.S. Steel locks out workers at Nanticoke plant
Thousands rally against EI reform in Montreal
Alberta workers remember those lost
Budget cuts nix $90m in federal college aid
‘Untold Stories’ offers lectures, tours and performances on labor history
AT&T Coordinated Bargaining Disintegrates
Terrorists? Arrest 'Em (Unless They're Walmart)
NDP slide to right sparks socialist opposition
An ineffective solution to climate change
Ecosocialist Conference shows potential for a united green left in North America
Climate Collision Course: CO2 Levels About to Hit 400 PPM
5 Things You Need to Know About the ‘Comp Time’ Bill
The Right to Go to Work…Come Back Home
Job Safety: 100 Years Ago, Bosses Had ‘Divine’ Rights, Workers None
Huge toxic algae bloom expected for Lake Erie
Eurozone jobless rate to hit new high
BP rebuked over North Sea oil leak
Flow of Tainted Water Is Latest Crisis at Japan Nuclear Plant *
A City That Turns Garbage Into Energy Copes With a Shortage *

We're Taking A Week Off

Our next News Update will be Tuesday, April 30. Anew Week In Review will come out about the same time.

April 19 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Mayor says 14 dead in Texas fertilizer plant blast
Regulators fined Texas plant for safety violations    
No OSHA Inspections at Texas Plant in 5 Years
Texas explosion: residents of West shocked by devastation
Plant Explosion Tears at the Heart of a Texas Town *

Migrant Workers Gunned Down in Greece
EPA blamed for delaying asbestos study in Montana
Regal cutting theater workers' hours due to Obamacare
NYCity's contract offer infuriates unions
Labor, faith leaders applaud immigration reform legislation
Duluth nurses ratify new contract
Did a Spreadsheet Error Cost You Your Job?
Mexican Union Leader Vindicated in Court, Launches New Book
U of Michigan students arrested in protest for undocumented students
Voting on the future of teacher unionism
Why Women Are Leaving the Workforce in Record Numbers
OSSTF members approve deal with government
British Post Office staff set to strike
Guatemala suspends genocide trial
Keystone Pipeline Foes Vent in Nebraska *
3 Years Later: Oil Spill Cleanup, Study Carries On *
A Tough New Test Spurs Protest and Tears *

April 18 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Up to 15 dead after fire and blast at Texas fertilizer plant
Mass casualties feared after explosion in Texas fertilizer plant
Huge Blast at Texas Fertilizer Plant Injures Over 100 *

Irish Are All Liars--Thatcher
In Shell win, ruling limits jurisdiction in foreign rights cases
Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Exacerbates Climate Change
Fight Wage Theft with Direct Action
Rep. Keith Ellison, on reintroduction of the Inclusive Prosperity Act
Massive GE Jobs Rally Demands, 'Keep It Made in Erie'
The NDP Convention
Migrant's Case Highlights Modern Slavery in Germany
'The End of a European Climate Policy'
More Children in Greece Are Going Hungry *
With a Bill Now in the Senate, Immigrants Weigh the Possible Impact *

April 17 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Walmart, Sears Refuse Compensation for Factory Victims
Strongsville school district makes offer to striking teachers
Irish unions reject pay deal, warn of trouble ahead
Labor union leader targets Walmart worker abuse
UAW Targets Alabama Mercedes-Benz Plant
Labor problems continue between Republic Services, Teamsters
A Strategy Based on Strikes Means Breaking the Law
Quebec Solidaire: In Search of a Second Wind
Republicans Hide Attack on Overtime Pay Behind ‘Flexibility’ Mask
When public infrastructure goes private
EU snubs plan to save carbon trading
Beside a Path to Citizenship, a New Path on Immigration *
Hospitals Profit From Surgical Errors, Study Finds *

April 16 Week In Review

Week In Review

April 16 2013

by Bill Onasch

Slaves Legal and Hidden

Today, bipartisan immigration “reform” is being introduced in Congress. Though it is said to have the best chance of passage of any of the attempts made over the past 25 years it is by no means a slam dunk. It wouldn’t have got this far had it not been for a bargain reached by forces outside Congress.

A couple of weeks ago New York Democrat Senator Charles Schumer, a key player in the reform effort, announced on the Sunday morning talk shows that AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka had concluded an agreement with Chamber of Commerce president Thomas Donohue on the future of unskilled “guest workers.” These “legal” migrants are brought in to the USA for labor in agriculture, food service, hotels, and other low pay jobs. The deal obtained by Trumka, considered vital for the success of legislation, sets some minimal wage rates and limits the number of these workers to about 200,000 a year–unless the bosses need more.

I can’t fault Trumka for negotiating with the Chamber. Bargaining with employers and employer groups is what unions do. Having been through some contract bargaining myself over the years I’m not eager to take any cheap shots at the results. But, unlike union contracts the union will have no means to enforce even the modest protections in this deal. And, if the Chamber has its way, no body else will either.

April 16 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Bipartisan Bill Would Remake Immigration System
Immigration Overhaul Proposal Is Likely to Ignite Fierce Debate *

Republicans embrace Obama’s offer to trim Social Security benefits
German Amazon Workers out on Strike
The 'Organizing Model' Goes Global
Nicolás Maduro is Venezuela's Vote for Chávismo
13 Spills. 30 Days. Nearly 1.2 Million Toxic Gallons
Trumka Statement on the Explosions in Boston
We Are Living in the United States of Inequality
Minnesota Nurses union reaches deal with St. Luke’s
April 16 Rally to Keep Jobs in Erie
Local 1008 Enjoys String of Grievance Success
Unions: Walmart had role in NY minimum wage deal
High levels of nickel traced to company in Port of Quebec
Judge stops Miss. from closing sole abortion clinic
U.S. Practiced Torture After 9/11, Nonpartisan Review Concludes *
Alaska Grants a Tax Break to Oil Companies *
Drug Makers Use Safety Rule to Block Generics *

April 15 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

NDP votes to take 'socialism' out of party constitution
Tiny socialist caucus raises ruckus at NDP convention

EPA delays climate rule for new power plants
EPA Will Delay Rule Limiting Carbon Emissions at New Power Plants *

Crystal Sugar lockout ends with contract ratification
Death of Margaret Thatcher Reopens the Debate Over Her Cruel Legacy
FDA finds safety issues at specialty pharmacies
Project on Capitol construction takes researchers around the state
Hong Kong Dockworkers Strike Attracts Huge Solidarity
Why I'm Voting No: OSSTF and Ontario Teachers
Protesters march against Trident
McCluskey re-elected as Unite general secretary
Portugal slides into reverse
Chavez heir wins Venezuela election
Scientists find Antarctic ice is melting faster
Greenhouse gases make high temps hotter in China
From war protester to vet defender

April 12 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Construction Booming In Texas, But Many Workers Pay Dearly
Hundreds gather in Minneapolis as part of nationwide rallies for immigration reform
Kaiser Adds Staff after Mental Health Workers Expose Long Patient Waits
Obama 'Caves to Poultry Industry,' Pushes for Self-Regulation
Fourth Radioactive Water Leak Found at Disaster-Plagued Fukushima Plant
Philadelphia Falls One Vote Short of Sick Days for Over 180,000 Workers
Are UPS Teamsters Headed to Central States Health Fund?
McCarthy pledges common-sense approach to climate change
New Yorkers Brace for Cuts in Unemployment Benefits *
Labor Board Complaining Over Cablevision’s Tactics *
Tech Firms Push to Hire More Workers From Abroad *
Missouri House rejects teacher tenure, evaluation legislation

April 11 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Obama Budget Proposes Cuts in Social Security
Trumka: Budget Cuts to Social Security, Medicare ‘Wrong and Indefensible'

Pentagon looks to cut 40,000 to 50,000 civilians over five years
White House cuts long-run economic growth forecast
SPCO musicians pleased with tentative agreement
Toronto pipeline fight links local and global issues
Tens of Thousands Descend on Capitol to Demand Immigration Reform
USPS Delays End of Saturday Delivery
Britain snubs Argentina over Margaret Thatcher funeral
US congressman cites biblical flood to dispute human link to climate change
Health Care and Military Spending Bear the Brunt of Proposed Cuts *

April 10 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

The Big Do-Over at Kaiser
'Warning' strike at copper giant Codelco sparks fear of supply disruptions
Saving a Hospital, Keeping Profit Out of Patient Care
Germany's One-Party System
‘Chained’ CPI: A Million Times ‘No!’
CDC: Adults in US Skipping Medicine to Save Money
Iraq oil workers start new protests despite reprisals
Nuclear Plant in Japan Has Leak in Other Tank *
Dockworkers Ratify New 6-Year Contract *

April 9 Week In Review

Week In Review

April 9 2013

by Bill Onasch

Beyond Discouraged

The March jobs reports for both the USA and Canada were bad news. There were far fewer new American jobs created than the experts expected–just 88,000, about half of what’s needed to keep up with population growth.

Canada was a real shocker–54,000 jobs lost. When you factor in the population difference between the two countries that’s equivalent to a half-million jobs in the USA.

Earlier in the week there were numerous media reports about the robust rebound of the auto industry. The average age of cars on the road today is eleven years and many need to be replaced. Both the Big Three and transplants have added some workers and Volkswagen opened a new plant in Chattanooga.

But there is no way the industry will ever replace the 100,000 jobs eliminated by President Obama’s bankruptcy-driven restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler during the Great Recession. And, since the new hires will earn little more than half the pre-2007 UAW wages, their consumer spending won’t be near the economic bump such hiring would have brought back in the day.

April 9 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

AFSCME Council 5 supports marriage equality
Immigrant Workers Strike Hits Warehouse Sector in Italy
Tariq Ali on Late British PM’s Legacy From Austerity to Apartheid
The Cost of European Austerity Measures: 10 Million Newly Jobless
Long Beach Hyatt Workers Vote to Join UNITE HERE
Walmart’s Waltons' Foundation Biggest Donor to ‘Parent Revolution’
The Forgotten Radical History of the March on Washington
Canadians not eligible for EI after parental leave
Student Loan Rate Set to Rise, Despite Lack of Support *
Ex-Regulator Says Reactors Are Flawed *
Amtrak Ridership Hitting Record Levels in FY 2013 *

April 8 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

US adds just 88,000 new jobs
Slower hiring imperils economic recovery
Anemic job gain deflates optimism
Dropouts: Discouraged Americans leave labor force
The Shrinking Ranks of the Working *
Canada loses 54,500 jobs in March

Obama to target federal retirement benefits
Private Sector Better, Cheaper? Not at All
Portugal constitutional court rejects budget articles
Judge lifts limit on morning-after pill
Court deals blow to human trafficking reforms
RBC replaces Canadian staff with foreign workers
State Supreme Court Limits Union Rights In Texas
Union workers at Oak Ridge plant agree to contract extension
James Hansen: Keystone XL is a pipeline to disaster

April 5 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Obama budget to offer program cuts, seek deficit deal
Obama budget plan would cut Social Security
Obama Budget to Include Cuts to Programs in Hopes of Deal *

New York fast-food workers turn up heat on pay demands
Striking NYC Fast Food Workers Demand Higher Pay

ExxonMobil Receives National Safety Council Award
NPR Attacks Disability, Bolsters 'New Consensus' against Welfare
The Trouble with Freelance and Temporary Work
Bill Threatens Workers' Ability to Document Unsafe and Cruel Working Conditions
Fare Increases to Pay for New Transit in Toronto
CP discovers more oil spilled in White River, Ont., derailment
Building collapses in Mumbai suburb; dozens dead
Fukushima cooling system fails for second time in a month
1,600 Years of Ice in Andes Melted in 25 Years *

April 4 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

New York fast-food staff go on strike
Fast-Food Workers Plan Second Strike for More Pay *

Cancer clinics turning away Medicare users

Can Worker-Owners Make a Big Factory Run?
Cyprus bank crisis rocks Europe
Hanford Nuclear Waste Site at Risk of Hydrogen Explosion
Chemical Disasters, Agent Orange, and GMOs: Monsanto's Legacy Traced
Boston Taxi Drivers Face Exploitation While Owners Make Millions
Labor Activist Leaves Legacy of Strengthening Global Worker Rights
Hoffa Administration OKs Carhaul Sweetheart Deal
European Trade Unions and the Struggle for Public Services
CP train derails, oil tank car leaking
Ontario elementary teachers 'confident' deal can be struck
Least developed countries agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Walmart Strains to Keep Aisles Stocked Fresh *
Hong Kong Strike Clogs Shipping Traffic *
Crews Corral Cruise Ship That Tore Loose in Ala. *

April 3 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

I.R.S. Reversal on ‘Church’ Pension Plan Rescues a Fund *
NASA Climate Scientist James Hansen Quits to Fight Global Warming
Taiwan union at state-owned firm wants to form political party
Union to rally in Norristown for immigration reform
Opening day — for BART labor talks
Mexican Workers Win Ownership of Tire Plant with Three-Year Strike
Harry Kelber, 1914-2013
Juicy Couture’s Health Care Dodge
The Tar Sands Disaster
Occupational Breast Cancer Study Challenges Cancer Establishment
Farmers’ Union: Why we support Idle No More
Can Europe Save Its Cap-and-Trade System?
Candidate Could Become Germany's First Black MP
Canadian mining companies subject of worldwide protests
Has Canada's government been muzzling its scientists?
Lock-out paralyses Danish schools
Fatal Landslide Draws Attention to the Toll of Mining on Tibet *
Pipeline Spills Stir New Criticism of Keystone Plan *
Decades After King's Death, Memphis Jobs at Risk *

April 2 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

Exxon Tar Sands Spill Continues to Devastate Arkansas Community
Labor Law Loses Its Watchdog
Workers march for Cesar Chavez Day in San Diego
Court Overturns NLRB Decision in Stella D'Oro
Lawmakers push to unionize, regulate Medi-Cal interpreters
Harry Kelber, labor activist, agitator, journalist, dies at 98
Round Two in High-Stakes California Health Care Vote
The Methane Beneath Our Feet
Thousands Rally in West Virginia in Support of Patriot Retirees
Report predicts ever-bigger Lake Erie algae blooms
Ambulance workers begin strike
Global warming predictions prove accurate
Meat inspectors may be missing deadly contamination, audit warns

April 1 Week In Review

Week In Review

April 1 2013

by Bill Onasch

Outdated and Confusing

That’s what Representative Kevin Brady, Republican of Texas and chairman of a health subcommittee, recently said about Medicare. Perhaps unwittingly, he makes some good points as quoted in a recent New York Times article by Jackie Calmes and Robert Pear,

“Can you imagine a world in which someone has to buy hospital and nursing home coverage from one insurance company, physician office coverage from another insurance company, prescription drug coverage from yet another company, and likely supplemental coverage from a fourth insurance company? This is exactly how the current Medicare benefit is designed.”

These true life examples are one reason I have never been comfortable with the slogan Medicare For All. Call me an ingrate, but I’m here to tell you that present Medicare is not what it’s cracked up to be. That’s why ninety percent of us old folks are also are signed up with Medigap, employer retiree, or Medicaid plans to supplement what Medicare doesn’t pay.

April 1 News Update

Each Monday-Friday, by 9AM Central, we’ll post links to news stories and analytical articles of interest to working people. Sometimes they will be accompanied by editorial commentary. Stories from the New York Times will be followed with a *. The Times pay wall policy allows free access to only about ten articles a month.

Cambodian Workers Camp Out, Hunger Strike Against Walmart and H&M - See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/#sthash.YOn2c1sR.dpuf

British Anti-Austerity March Hopes to Break Iraq Rally Record
British welfare cuts unjust, say churches
The Left, Austerity, and the People's Assembly

Business, labor get deal on worker program
Guest worker deal clears way for bill
Labor and Business Reach Deal on Immigration Issue *

Why Is Socialism Doing So Darn Well in North Dakota?
Grocery Unions At Stop & Shop Take Obamacare’s Leap of Faith
Unionized workers reject UAW-GM bargaining proposal
Advocates start making case for minimum wage hike
Nine Reasons Your Labor Organization Needs a Radio Station
Post Office staff go on strike
Cost of Environmental Damage in China Growing Rapidly *
City gets help in selling the public on a single terminal at KCI

ity.com/#storylink=cpy

China's urbanization drive leaves migrant workers out in the cold
ARH, union reach labor agreement, avoid strike
Old iron gas pipes leaking across Michigan; replacement slow, can be deadly
As OSHA Emphasizes Safety, Long-Term Health Risks Fester *
Short of Money, Egypt Sees Crisis on Fuel and Food *
Anger Over Plan to Sell Site of Wounded Knee Massacre *
Oil Pipeline Ruptures in Arkansas *
Wyo. Power Plant Stalls 17 Years, Faces Skepticism *
Ontario high school teachers reach deal with province
Sounds of Strike Ending Come From SF Symphony *