May 31 Week In Review Now Online

The new WIR can be viewed at its new WordPress home:

http://kclabor.org/wordpress/?p=44

May 31 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.

Judge allows Patriot to reject contract, benefits
Patriot Coal Wins Approval to Cut Retiree Pensions, Benefits
UMWA: Bankruptcy Judge Ruling on Patriot Coal Is 'Wrong' and 'Unfair'

Americans regain half of wealth lost since crisis
Average US household far from regaining its wealth

Union offers to end 10-year strike at Congress Plaza Hotel
Caterpillar, union reach 6-year deal at S. Milwaukee plant
Chicago Sun-Times lays off its photo staff
Illinois House passes fracking bill
Sharp asks labor union to OK continued pay cuts
Zuma Says S. Africa Economy Too Weak Amid Mine Unrest
Heat and Frost Insulators celebrate 100 years
Adjunct Faculty, Now in The Majority, Organize Citywide
The New Plunder of Native Lands
London trade union conference to confront climate change
Goldman Sachs and UBS to lead privatization of Royal Mail
'Blockupy' Surrounds ECB in Frankfurt
Snooping on First Nations activist went too far, privacy commissioner says
CAW, CEP unions now known together as Unifor
Japan suspends wheat imports from U.S. after unapproved crops found
Unions Press to End Special Trade Status for Bangladesh *

May 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.

The Trouble With Taxing Corporations *
Wealthy win lion's share of major tax breaks
Who Speaks for China’s Workers?
Non-Approved GMO Wheat Found In Oregon Field
High-Tech’s Low-Wage Strategy
A First in New York: Queens ‘Carwasheros’ Win First Contract
Rideout Health Group California RNs Ratify New 4-Year Pact
UPS Tries to Buy 'Yes Vote' in Louisville
Abortion rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler dies at 90
John Kerry’s misfire on U.S. performance on Kyoto emissions targets
Salvadoran Court Denies Abortion to Ailing Woman *
As Glaciers Melt, Alpine Mountains Lose Their Glue, Threatening Village *
Former EPA Administrator Joins Apple *
Employers Get Leeway on Health Incentives *

May 29 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.

'Involuntary' part-time jobs are growing
Women Face Down Stun Batons at Nike Factory Protest
The new farm bill is an economic disaster
Rideout Nurses to Vote on New Contract
VW Management, Unions Reach Pay Deal
US environmentalist McKibben wins Sophie Prize
Indiana's Planned Parenthood appeal will not be heard in US supreme court
Mothers now top earners in 4 in 10 US households
Push on for petroleum coke study before Keystone pipeline gets OK
Walmart admits waste charge
Train derails outside Baltimore
Bill would require detailing of union business during work time
South Korea Shuts 2 Reactors Over Faked Certificates *
Metro-North Track Worker Fatally Hit by Train in Connecticut *

May 28 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.

Protesters march against GMO giant Monsanto in 430 cities
Millions march against GM crops
Seeking Food Ingredients That Aren’t Gene-Altered *
KC protesters object to genetically modified crops
Senate Shoots Down GMO Labeling Bill

In Sweden, Riots Put an Identity in Question *
Jobless Youths in Sweden Suffer 'Discrimination and Harassment'

'No-vacation nation' U.S. is last, behind Canada and Japan
UK signals support for EU import of Canadian tar sands oil
Investors met with Obama aide on health care
Letter to The Nation from a Young Radical
Healthcare Giveback Stirs Backlash
Nuclear waste site on Lake Huron concerns Michigan, Sarnia
College logos become weapons in debate over factory conditions
States’ Policies on Health Care Exclude Some of the Poorest *
High-End Health Plans Scale Back to Avoid ‘Cadillac Tax’ *

May 24 Week In Review Posted

The new WIR can be found at:

http://kclabor.org/wordpress/?p=36

May 24 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.

We Observe the Monday Memorial Day Holiday--Next Update Will Be Tuesday, May 28

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

VOTE NO on Proposed UPS Freight Contract
Louisville Stewards and Eboard Unanimously Oppose UPS Deal

Outrage in Chicago Follows Largest Mass School Closing in US History
Teachers, Students and Parents Fight Chicago School Closures

Nurses strike averted after UMass tentative contract agreement
Fannie and Freddie Duck the Waterless Hurricane
2-day worker walkout ends at UC hospitals
Black trade union members convening in Orlando
Some unions now angry about health care overhaul
BC Election Frustrates Labour, Environmental and Indigenous Activists
German Beer Brewers Foaming over Fracking
3 injured in Washington state bridge collapse
Stop work order issued after metal plate shop fatality
House passes student loan bill allowing fluid rates

May 23 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

Report on Factory Collapse in Bangladesh Finds Widespread Blame *
U.S. Retailers See Big Risk in Safety Plan for Factories in Bangladesh *

Poor planning left Texas firefighters unprepared
Chicago to shutter 50 public schools
An ineffective solution to climate change
Health Care Spending In Ontario Continues to Decline
Maintenance workers' strike may halt elevators
Keystone: House bypasses Obama
Ford to close Australian car plants
Pussy Riot member in hunger strike

May 22 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

Freeport Indonesia says death toll rises to 28 after tunnel accident
Rubber bullets fired at South African mine strikers, several hurt
Hospital Workers Strike, Demand Safer Staffing, Pensions
Nepalese workers poisoned by local and global pollution
More seniors are living in poverty
UFCW's Hansen Speaks Some Truth About 'Affordable Care Act'
UE General Executive Board Pledges Solidarity with Local 506
Bolivian govt, labor union resume talks on nationwide strike
Chiefs Declare Keystone XL Invalid, Walk Out on State Department Officials
Coal Boom Could Destroy Great Barrier Reef
Apple chief calls for US corporate tax to be cut
Arizona abortion ban struck down
Low-wage workers picket outside federal buildings
Details of the Senate Immigration Bill *
Safety Board: ATF Blocking Plant Blast Probe *

May 21 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

CPS protests, marches continue
Chicago teachers lead protest of proposed mass school closings
Police lead school-closing opponents out of City Hall, 25 get tickets

UPS: Largest Private-Sector Contract, Profitable Employer, Flat Beer
RNs Strike at 5 East Bay Sutter Hospitals
UMass Memorial sets one-day strike
US Firms Flout German Labor Practices
Guatemala genocide trial in disarray
Apple used ‘complex web’ to avoid paying taxes
Justice Dept. draws fire after latest revelation vs. journalists in inquiry
Overruns Forcing Lower Payments in Stopgap Health Program *
Camping Out for Five Days, in Hopes of a Union Job *
OSHA slaps Wolf Creek power plant contractor for firing a whistleblower

May 20 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

Fiery Chicago Teachers Union President Reelected
Chicago school closings challenged

Public Outrage Over Factory Conditions Spurs Labor Deal *
Bangladesh factory banned by Wal-Mart still makes Wrangler shirts
After Bangladesh, Seeking New Sources *

Hospitals Should be Care Providers not Loan Sharks
Fast food workers' strikes spread
To save the earth, nationalize the energy industry
Jolie decision highlights genetics row
Union claims unfair labor practices against GE Transportation
Slow Response by Georgians to Mob Attack on Gay Rally *
Task of Decommissioning Plants Is Herculean
Chinese Creating New Auto Niche Within Detroit
Supreme Court rules for Monsanto
Deutsche Bank Backs Ruthless 'Rubber Lords'
Amazon staff go on strike in Germany
Removing water fluoride spiked cavities in kids, dentists say
Climate research nearly unanimous on human causes
Paid Sick Leave, At Last?
Fracking may jeopardize Gros Morne UNESCO status
Trial on Guatemalan Civil War Carnage Leaves Out U.S. Role *
Foxconn Audit Finds a Workweek Still Too Long
A Black Mound of Canadian Oil Waste Is Rising Over Detroit *
Immigrant Workers Give New Direction to Los Angeles Unions *
Abortion Law in Arkansas Is Blocked by U.S. Judge *
Delays Likely for Days as Officials Seek Cause of Connecticut Train Collision *
A Prison Site’s Future Stirs Up the Ghosts of Its Notorious Past *
Party bus was operating illegally at time of fatal fall
Union That Enforces Immigration Opposes Bill *
Wells Dry, Fertile Plains Turn to Dust *
U.S. suburbs have more poor than the cities do, study finds

May16 Week In Review Now Posted

The new WIR is at a new home:

http://kclabor.org/wordpress/?p=28

More changes are coming soon.

Our Monday-Friday News Updates return on this blog Monday, May 20.

Break Time Again

As I work setting up new hardware and software to relaunch the kclabor.org site there will be no news updates until Monday, May 20.

Thanks for your patience,

Bill Onasch

May 3 Week In Review

Week In Review

May 3 2013

by Bill Onasch

Three Important Occasions

Since our last Review three annual dates marked in red on our calendar have passed. All are observed throughout the world; two originated in the USA, the other in Canada.

Earth Day, April 22

The first Earth Day in 1970 reflected growing environmental awareness, given a big boost by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring expose of DDT, and a 1969 fire on the polluted Cuyahoga River in Cleveland.

1970 was a turbulent time during the anti-Vietnam War movement. Shortly after Earth Day, Nixon invaded Cambodia, student protesters were killed at Jackson State and Kent State, and huge demonstrations erupted across the country. Like the earlier civil rights movement, the antiwar movement had shown mass demonstrations to be effective over the long haul.

Astute politicians sought to offer the new environmental activists a nonconfrontational avenue for this tactic in hope of containing and coopting it. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) secured a Federal proclamation of April 22 as Earth Day. Liberal Republican Mayor of New York City John Lindsay turned over Fifth Avenue for a march, and most of Central Park for a rally. About a million turned out. There was also a huge gathering in Philadelphia where Democrat Senate leader Ed Muskie was the keynote speaker. All in all, it’s estimated twenty million took part in activities in virtually every city, town, and campus across America.

May 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

May Day rally draws hundreds in support of immigration reform
Adidas Caves, Pays Garment Workers What They’re Owed
Why unionists must build the climate change fight
Vegas Taxi Drivers Victorious in 60-Day Strike
Chicago Nurses Host Town Hall on Safe Staffing Bill
Engineer who warned over Bangladesh building held, toll tops 500
Calgary public teachers support provincial agreement
Heysham nuclear reactor shut down 'as precaution'
Kaiser Workers Will Keep Union *

May 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

May Day 2013 Around the Globe: In Pictures
Fight for May Day’s Two Traditions
Early Reports in on May Day Actions for Workers' and Immigrant Rights
Montreal police detain 300 following May Day rally
Greeks Strike Against Austerity as World Observes Labor Day *
Showing Grass-Roots Support for Immigration Overhaul *
At Least Five Protesters Arrested in May Day Demonstration *

Obama Picks Telecom Lobbyist to Head FCC
UW-Madison Students Sit-in Opposition of Palermo's Pizza Contract
Queen nurses vote to unionize
Federal Labor Board Rules for Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Union
Explosion at Ontario plant sends 6 to hospital
Minimum wage increase keeps many poor, says workers' rights group
Worker killed at Eagle River mine
Spread of Hydrofracking Could Strain Water Resources in West *
Disabled Workers Awarded Record Judgment in Abuse Case *
Some Retailers Rethink Role in Bangladesh *

May Day 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

Bangladesh collapse toll passes 400
Retailers Split on Contrition After Collapse of Factories *

May Day demonstrations focus on immigration reform
Immigrants need legalization without chains
Immigration Debate Gives Life to Annual Rallies *

Greeks stage 24-hour anti-austerity general strike
Edging toward International Solidarity
Feds Back Re-Opening of Grand Canyon Uranium Mine
Washington Hospital Center Withholding Vital Information from Nurses
Hostess Announces Further Plant Openings; Clarifies Hiring Policies
Caterpillar workers reject new South Milwaukee labor contract
Patriot Coal Bankruptcy Arrests Highlight Management-Labor Fight
Airline merger could divide labor union ranks
Unions, labor groups to march, rally in Taipei today
Fracking waste is too toxic for hazardous waste dump
MayDay 2013: Fragile Economies, Aggressive Bosses and Struggling Workers
School bus strike averted with tentative deal
To Satisfy Its Investors, Cash-Rich Apple Borrows Money *