Chicago, IL – Ultimas noticias de las negociaciones: 700 empleados de servicio de la Universidad de Illinois siguen trabajando sin ningun contrato. Esto es porque la gerencia niega acabar con su práctica, que ha durado décadas, de pagar menos a sus empleados en Chicago que a los que trabajan en los planteles en otras zonas del estado. La mayoría de los empleados en Chicago son afro-americanos y latinos, y en el resto del estado, la mayoría de los empleados de la universidad son blancos.

Bloomington, MN – More than 500 striking flight mechanics and their supporters rallied near the airport here, Sept. 17 to demand a fair contract from Northwest Airlines. In addition to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) strikers, the rally drew from a cross-section of the local labor movement.

Chicago IL – En una decisión sorprendiente, integrantes del local número 743 del Sindicato de Camioneros (Teamsters) votaron a favor de una planilla de delegados de tendencia democrática de la base a la convención de su sindicato, rechazando a otra planilla dominada por funcionarios y por títeres del presidente nacional de la unión Jimmy Hoffa Jr. La convención internacional del sindicato establece las posiciones políticas del organismo y nomina los candidatos para la presidencia internacional y la Junta Ejecutiva del mismo.

María Martinez es una heroína de la clase trabajadora. Emergió de una huelga de 5 semanas de duración en contra de la empresa Iowa Beef Processing (IBP) como la clara lideresa de las bases del local 556 del Sindicato de Camioneros (Teamsters) en el este del estado de Washington. Esto sucedio principalmente porque luchó no solo en contra de la gerencia sino también en contra de la 'vieja guardia' del liderato de su propio sindicato.

Chicago, IL – Por el factor del viento parecía dos grados bajo cero en Chicago cuándo los trabajadores empezaron su piqueteo el 6 de diciembre. Tras 45 minutos de marchar en las nubes de nieve, supieron que habían enviado un mensaje fuerte. “Estamos luchando para salvar a nuestros trabajos” gritó Shirley McIntosh, levantando la voz para ser escuchada en el viento.

Chicago, IL — The wind chill was 2 degrees below zero when University of Illinois at Chicago (U.I.C.) workers started picketing on Dec. 6. After 45 minutes of marching in the blowing snow, they knew they had sent a strong message. “We're fighting for our jobs!” said Shirley McIntosh, shouting to be heard over the snowstorm.

Chicago, IL – En las dos últimas semanas de abril, trabajadores de limpieza de los suburbios de Chicago tomaron un paso histórico para su sindicato, e hicieron un modelo para todos trabajadores “ilegales” con bajos salarios en todas partes.

Washington D.C. – Over 500 students, trade unionists and solidarity activists gathered here, March 4 – 6, for the National Venezuela Solidarity Conference. They founded the Venezuela Solidarity Network and united the forces struggling against U.S. intervention in Venezuela. The conference was a huge success. Attendees gathered in support of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, lead by President Hugo Chavez.

El grupo de trabajadores de la companía Fredrick Cooper Lamp elegieron, de 62 a 30, a Tony Caldera para ser el nuevo representante de la Unión. Esto es una victoria muy significativa para el movimiento de la reforma dentro del grupo de líderes en local 743.

Laura Gordon is President of the Western North Carolina Central Labor Council and delegate to the 50th AFL-CIO Convention.

Chicago, IL – Chanting, “CIA! NED! Hands off Venezuela!” more than 100 trade unionists and other progressive activists braved one of the hottest days in Chicago’s history to rally here, July 24. They demanded that the AFL-CIO break its ties with the U.S. government’s National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The National Endowment for Democracy has worked to overthrow the progressive government of Venezuela, headed by Hugo Chavez, and has bankrolled right-wing organizations all over the world.

‘You have to make a commitment, if we want to make changes’

On July 5, writers for Fight Back! interviewed Dolores Huerta. Huerta is a longtime organizer best known as a co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW). She is vice president and secretary-treasurer emeritus of that organization, and currently heads the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

Chicago , IL – A dramatic split rocked the U.S. trade union federation, the AFL-CIO, convening its 25th Convention, July 25-28. Four major unions stayed away: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, United Food and Commercial Workers and UNITE HERE.

Chicago, IL – The Latin American Solidarity Coalition and the Chicago-based Organizing Group to Say No to the NED have called a demonstration at Navy Pier to support efforts within the AFL-CIO convention to pass the “Build Unity and Trust With Workers Worldwide” resolution. The protest will take place at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 24.

End of the Sweeney Era

Ten years ago, John Sweeney was elected president of the AFL-CIO. Supporters of his New Voices slate rallied to oust the stale leadership of his predecessor, Lane Kirkland. Under Kirkland, workers had seen 20 years of declining wages, benefits and working conditions. For 20 years, attacks by the capitalists had come down, and the defenses put up by the unions failed to turn them back. In fact, most unions hadn’t fought at all.

In addition to the internal debates over the future of labor, there are two struggles over foreign policies that will happen at the July convention of the AFL-CIO. One is a campaign underway to get the AFL-CIO to break its ties with the National Endowment for Democracy. A second is to end AFL-CIO support for the state of Israel’s occupation and oppression of Palestine.

Currently, as the top AFL-CIO officials discuss the future of the labor movement, management is attacking one of the few remaining densely unionized, high wage sectors. Airline workers are suffering a devastating attack on wages, pensions and work rules that are gutting union contracts over 50 years in the making. In the last several years, by using the bankruptcy courts and under the threat of financial liquidation, management has slashed billions of dollars out of airline workers’ pockets.

Contributed by a labor activist with experience in airline industry

Minneapolis, MN – In December 1999, a US District judge granted a request by Northwest Airlines to seize the personal computers of union activists. Northwest Airlines contends that union activists of Teamsters Local 2000, which represents flight attendants, illegally mobilized members to participate in a sick-out. The Union says it was not involved. Members of Teamsters for a Democratic Union were the main targets of the attack.