Posts tagged ‘unions’

John Nichols: The Power of the General Strike

by , posted on Monday, April 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm

from The Nation

The idea of a general strike might seem a little outdated for today’s global economy, but general strikes nevertheless demonstrate not just the power but also the necessity of coordinated action for social and economic justice. In this video, John Nichols, who grew up in a factory town, offers a brief overview of the history of unionization and the general strike and the impact of both on workers’ rights.

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PDA-IL: Tim Bell of the Chicago Workers Cooperative on the exploitation of temp workers

by , posted on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 7:50 pm

from PDA-IL

“Tim Bell of the Chicago Workers Collaborative speaks to PDA IL members about the exploitation of temp workers and how the progressive community can reach out and support these workers in their fight for labor equality, justice and access to health care. Visit http://chicagoworkerscollaborative.org/

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Rockford teachers strike ends. New contract ratified!

by , posted on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 1:31 pm

In a surprising development, REA negotiators working around the clock brokered a fair agreement with Rockford School District officials. As the strike entered its second day with thousands on the streets, Superintendent Robert Willis returned with new bargaining flexibility after the community learned that some board members had not been advised of details of previous teacher offers.

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Progress for ATMI Workers

by , posted on Sunday, April 1st, 2012 at 10:29 am

Last Saturday Northern Illinois Jobs With Justice (NIJWJ) meeting had good news for workers at ATMI.

Tim Bell with the Chicago Workers Collaborative reported that the workers had voted to join Laborers Local 681 by a vote of 78 to 9. The near-unanimous vote is a reflection of the strength and solidarity among the workers.

Bell also reported that the vote had been ratified by the Department of Labor and that ATMI was willing to sit down at the negotiating table with workers from the newly formed union.

(more…)

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Rockford teachers strike vigil

by , posted on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at 8:55 pm

While negotiators from both teams considered details of an eleventh hour of the eleventh month deal, teachers and concerned citizens gathered outside the district law office at Hinshaw & Culbertson. School Board members complained of not receiving timely notification regarding offers made by teachers during stalled negotiations

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Rockford teachers strike: One brave teacher speaks up

by , posted on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at 8:15 pm

This video shot on day one of THE ROCKFORD TEACHERS STRIKE shows the solidarity and support of the community for the teachers. Corporate reform has gripped this town for three years of brutal reprisals, firings, and school board shenanigans. One teacher’s courage is emblematic of the push back in bedrock USA! Thousands protested, and the board was forced to give a fair contract to teachers who have been 11 months without. Teachers speak as one to say, “We’re not gonna take it!”

This is a tremendous win against the corporate reform agenda which aims at destruction of teachers unions.

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ATMI Precast Rally and March

by , posted on Thursday, March 1st, 2012 at 4:49 pm

, Aurora, illinois, February 12, 2012

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Rockford Board of Education Forcing Teachers Strike?

by , posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 10:02 pm

Is the Board of Ed trying to force a strike to further denigrate teachers and divert more public money to privatization?

See the website: www.teachernegotiations.com

If you can believe it!!

The Board of Education appears willing to blame the teachers and crash the school district in order to preserve a privatization agenda, and fat paychecks for executives in the top heavy administration. 2000 teachers paychecks, cost of living and step and ladder increases have been frozen for 3 years, while the controversy plagued board/administration squirms at questions about missing money, golden parachutes and crony contracts. The district has accused teachers of not acting in good faith.

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Labor Day Parade, Aurora, 1911

by , posted on Monday, September 5th, 2011 at 8:05 am
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WI Recall: The Day After

by , posted on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 at 8:50 pm

My Dad was fond of that old cliche that “close only counts in horseshoes” and I have to admit that last night’s attempt to recall at least three Scott Walker Republicans yesterday, in order for Democrats to take control of the state senate struck me as that way. 2. Close, but it doesn’t count. Only it does in that it’s going to be a lot harder for Scott Walker to get reallly insane legislation through. And it’s a gain of territory.

And of course, today is not just the day after the Wisconsin recall, it’s the day the Wisconsin Democratic Party turns the bulk of its efforts to defending the two Democratic seats that are subjects of attempted Repub recalls. And after that, why it’s Scott Walker’s turn.

You can still volunteer to help.

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