President Obama announces that a January drone strike killed 2 hostages, another black man dies in police custody, and the DEA chief announces she’ll be stepping down, inviting optimism amongst those fighting to end the so-called War on Drugs. And in labor and community news…
- NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration released OneNYC, an update to predecessor Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s sustainability and resilience plan, PlaNYC. De Blasio’s additions claim to account for poverty and income inequality.
- On a related note,over at Labor Press, James Parrott explains the recent growth in wages in NYC — but cautions that most of the increases are going to those who are already relatively well-compensated.
- The Machinists union has withdrawn a petition to hold a union vote to organize Boeing workers in South Carolina due to what it’s calling “a toxic atmosphere and political interference” — including two organizers being held at gunpoint. (via KomoNews)
- In an instance of nationwide backlash against Putin’s economic policies, wildcat strikes took hold across Russia this past week. (via NYTimes)
- The Illinois Tollway board just did away with a 20-year-old agreement requiring contractors “to use union workers on construction projects in exchange for assurances against strikes, slowdowns or walkouts.” (via Chicago Tribune)
- In an article by Nathan Schneider over at the Nation highlighting the battle over unpredictable scheduling and insufficient hours, the Retail Action Project’s efforts get some attention.
- Getting amped for May Day next week? CultureStrike, in partnership with Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV), has released an art-making kit to help you make “stencils, banners and other art projects for your future events, marches and actions.” Check it out.
- We’ve got a screening of The Hand That Feeds coming up on May 8th. Join us!
