World politics (II)—“The longer hours, faster pace and insecurity typical of many new jobs is taking a toll on workers’ hearts…. Studies in Europe, Japan and the United States have linked increases in cardiovascular risks and disease to a global push for greater productivity. Researchers say the damage is cumulative.”—News item.

Grim need for solidarity—Five hundred enraged workers in a garment plant in Bahrain rioted March 26 for several hours after a co-worker committed suicide. The company said Madhu Babu, 28, had been put in an “isolation” room because he had chicken pox. Workers called it a “torture room” where they were sent as punishment for failing to meet production goals. There Babu hung himself.

The plant, MRS Fashions, makes trousers for JC Penney. The work force is mainly from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Babu was from India. Workers said they had a 12-hour day and work conditions were extremely harsh. They charged there had been two previous suicides. The plant manager told the English-language Arab News, “We are one of the model factories here in Bahrain.”

Tough situation, eh boss?—The Pentagon reports that despite the lure of increased recruitment bonuses, the number of Black males signing up has dropped by a third over the past five years. Female Black enlistments dropped by 13 percent and continues to drop this year. The study concludes: “More African Americans identify having to fight for a cause they don’t support.”

Take that!—Harry Stonecipher, former top dog at Boeing aircraft, was booted out for having an affair with a female company executive. Mercifully, he departed with $2.1 million to top off his $1.4 million wages for last year. He was given $375,000 for the first quarter of this year; with permission, use of the company plane; and personal financial counseling. Meanwhile, the exec allegedly involved with Stonecipher is still under investigation.

Just take off on week days—With a chain of 55 libraries, Philadelphia has left only 10 open on Saturdays, down from 32 last spring.

Cultural note—Over the years, the New York City library system has had its share of budget cuts. But somehow the main library found the means to create a major web site. It has posted a collection of 250,00 images, including maps, Civil War photos, illuminated medieval manuscripts, and a promise of more archives to come.  
 
 
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