Delegation of U.S. trade unionists welcomed at WFTU headquarters

Athens, Greece – Founded in the struggle against fascism during World War II, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) continued the celebration of its 70th Anniversary by welcoming a delegation of trade union activists from the U.S. to its headquarters in Athens, Greece on Nov. 29. WFTU General Secretary George Mavrikos told the Americans that the WFTU is oriented to the working class. He spoke of how at the last WFTU Congress, the 828 delegates representing 90 million workers debated and discussed ideas of how to move the class struggle forward in the interests of working people.

Houston, TX – Over 20 activists protested outside of Wal-Mart in Memorial Heights, Nov. 27, to stand with low-wage workers in their struggle to for a $15 wage, health benefits and a pension. Wal-Mart is one of the most exploitative companies in the U.S. It pays its workers almost nothing, provides them with few benefits and makes them work under the constant threat of being fired. The protest was organized by the National Organization for Women (NOW), which organizes the demonstration each year on Black Friday.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the call from the Greek labor organization, the All-Workers Militant Front (PAME) for a general strike. PAME calls the trade unions to alert General-Nationwide Strike Uprising!

Minneapolis, MN – “The strikers at Kohler are fighting for all workers. They are fighting for our future. We need to stand with them,” says Cherrene Horazuk, the president of AFSCME Local 3800, the union that represents clerical workers at the University of Minnesota.

Kohler, WI – Thousands from around the state joined the Kohler picket line this weekend, Nov. 21-22, ending the first week of a strike by 2100 Kohler employees.

Minneapolis, MN – On Nov. 21, more than 200 labor union leaders, members and supporters rallied to demand justice for Jamar Clark at the Minneapolis Police Fourth Precinct, where Black Lives Matter Minneapolis has held a constant presence all week.

Kohler, WI – Sheboygan County Circuit Judge James Bolgert approved a temporary injunction against striking UAW 833 members ordering them not to disrupt traffic around the Kohler Company property. UAW members have now entered the third day in their strike, over a two-tier wage system and a rising contributions to health care.

Salt Lake City, UT – They murdered Joe Hill in Utah 100 years ago, on Nov. 19. The labor hero died at the hands of a firing squad, punishment for a murder he didn't commit. His real crime was organizing workers into a union, opposing the class of bosses and tyrants who sentenced him to die.

Minneapolis, MN – More than 350 workers on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses of the University of Minnesota braved the rain, Nov. 17, to rally and picket for raises and respect for unionized staff at the U of MN. They were joined by university students, faculty and community members in calling for an end to the two university system – one where a few administrators at the top are getting rich, while the majority of frontline workers are falling further and further behind.

Kohler, WI – Over 1000 Kohler workers and supporters kicked off their first full day on strike, Nov. 16, marching around the company facility and reportedly delaying non-union employees. The last strike at Kohler was more than 30 years ago.

Milwaukee, WI – On Nov. 15, at 9:00 a.m., about 2100 workers of Kohler Co., represented by United Auto Workers Local 883 in Kohler, Wisconsin voted by a 93.4% margin to strike, with about 1800 members voting. The strike started Nov. 15. The facility is shuttered and not operational.

Sacramento, CA – Leaders of the California Faculty Association (CFA) announced Nov. 4 that 94% of the members who voted have authorized a strike. “Together, and in solidarity with students, staff and allies, we are powerful. We are ready to act if necessary and for as long as it takes,” said CFA President Jennifer Eagan.

Armistice with capitalism

Minneapolis, MN – Chanting, “What do we want? Raises and respect. When do we want it? Now!” about 20 university workers held signs and protested inside the Board of Regents meeting, Oct. 9.

Minneapolis, MN – More than 250 university workers, students, faculty and community allies rallied at the steps of Morrill Hall at the University of Minnesota, Sept. 29, to demand raises, respect and a good contract for frontline workers.

Minneapolis, MN – Members of AFSCME 3800, AFSCME 3937 and Teamsters 320 will rally Sept. 29, noon until 1:00 p.m., at Morrill Hall to demand raises and respect from the University of Minnesota administration. Sept. 29 is the day that university clerical workers return to bargaining.

Houston, TX – About 30 people protested outside of Whole Foods in the River Oaks area of Houston, Sept. 26, demanding that they end the exploitation of prison labor. Organizations involved were End Mass Incarceration, the Peoples New Black Panther Party and the IWW.

Los Angeles, CA – Over 200 teachers, community members and students protested at the grand opening of the Broad Museum of Contemporary Art on the morning of Sept. 20. The Broad Museum is named after billionaire Eli Broad. Broad has been spearheading the attacks on public education not only in Los Angeles, but across the country. The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) called out Broad for using his big money to push for more charter schools

Los Angeles, CA – Celebrating and parading through the streets of East Los Angeles (ELA), Sept. 13, community members gathered along the route to watch the annual Mexican Independence Day parade. Participants included many local Mexican clubs, leaders and business owners, both Chicano and Mexican, traveling on adorned cars and floats, playing mariachi music and waving at viewers. This year the teachers’ union, United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), and Centro CSO marched in unity.