Freedom Socialist • Vol. 28, No. 5 • October-November 2007

LABOR WEATHER REPORT

A glance at how some workers and their unions are faring in the class struggle.

June 2007: New York, NY
Rank-and-file teachers are aghast to see the United Federation of Teachers supporting a charter school company. Backroom deals earn an F when it comes to standing up for union members’ rights and quality education for all.


July 2007: California
Grocery workers improve healthcare and two-tier wage language in contract, but don’t get back all they lost 3 years ago. Remembering strikers’ tenacity last time, grocery chains blink after a 95% strike authorization vote.



August 2007: Chicago, Illinois
Gutsy Mexican immiworkers strike a nonunion soap facto halt the firing of undocumented workers. Spirited picket lines attract community and labor support, forcing management to stop aping la migra.



In Progress: Vancouver, B.C.
Nine weeks and going strong, library workers strike to win pay equity, job security, and benefits for part-time workers. “Read-ins,” rallies, and roving bicycle-powered picket squads make city bureaucrats fidget.