For the first time in 13 years, the London Tube was shut down today, as workers went on strike after the London Underground (LU) and the unions failed to agree to a deal over pay and night-time service.
After a 36 hour total-network shutdown of approximately 20,000 workers, the strike technically ends at the end of today (Thursday). Service tomorrow morning will be significantly reduced.
On June 15, 1990, the Los Angeles Police Department viciously attacked immigrant janitors who were striking for the right to organize in Century City, Los Angeles. In a story that is now all too familiar, the police claimed they were defending themselves. Only later, when TV news footage exposed the police clubbing non-violent strikers, was the self-defense claim discredited. Two women miscarried, dozens were hospitalized, and 60 strikers and supporters were jailed.
A quick round-up at the end of a short week. Stay warm out there, folks!
Major west coast ports partially shut-down this week thanks to a 9-month contract dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and port ownership, Pacific Maritime Association, over the issue of overtime. If a resolution isn’t reached, we could be seeing a total shutdown of the ports, the first since 2002.
How much is too much for adjunct pay? SEIU is fighting for $15k per course and the labor and academic world are abuzz
In what the Polish government has called an illegal action, 5,400 coal-workers at Jatzrebska Spolka Weglowa SA are continuing their two-week strike, demanding the dismissal of Chief Executive Officer Jaroslaw Zagorowski.
Happy freezing Friday! Here’s a bit of what’s been happening in the worlds of labor, the city, and beyond:
3,800 members of the United Steelworkers went on strike at 9 plants. Now in its 6th day, the strike has shut down 10% of US refining capacity and making for the union’s largest strike since 1980. At stake are workplace and community safety. In particular, the union is demanding shorter work hours and more employees.
NYC Mayor Bill Di Blasio’s State of the City address promised citywide ferry service, new housing construction, and a concerted effort to battle gentrification. How? The devil will, no doubt, be in the details.
A conversation about workers, communities and social justice
Need help with the Commons?
Email us at commonshelpsite@gmail.com so we can respond to your questions and requests. Please email from your CUNY email address if possible. Or visit our help site for more information:
