Steelworkers in New Brunswick fight Glencore lockout

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019
United Steelworkers Local 7085 members, locked out by Glencore smelter in Belledune, New Brunswick, rally Oct. 8 in fight for job safety, outstanding back pay, against attack on pensions.

MONTREAL — Some 280 members of United Steelworkers Local 7085, locked out since April 24 by Glencore at its smelter in Belledune, New Brunswick, are determined to continue their fight. Workers had voted by 96% to strike. Hours before this…


Quebec senior residence workers strike for wages and more staff

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

GATINEAU, Quebec — The 110 workers at Le Monastere d’Aylmer senior residence picketed here Oct. 14, chanting and carrying signs saying, “Take Care of the Seniors” and Solidarity.” Members of Teamsters Local 106 have been on strike since Sept. 30.…


Hong Kong protests back Catalan independence fight

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

Protesters in Hong Kong hold Catalan flags showing solidarity with Catalonia’s independence movement in Spain during the 20th week of marches for political rights Oct. 20. The action was on the Chinese mainland, in Kowloon, which is part of the…


Blackjewel miners’ encampment protest wins back pay

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

Coal miners in Cumberland, Kentucky, who blocked a coal train for two months, have won their fight to get the wages owed them. Their final paychecks had been clawed back by bankrupt Blackjewel bosses in July. “The credit for this…


Striking Chicago teachers, school workers win support

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

CHICAGO — After two weeks on strike, 25,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union are picketing and holding nearly daily rallies around the city. They’ve won broad support in their fight for smaller class sizes and more support staff like…


Florida ex-felons push back restrictions on right to vote

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

MIAMI — The state of Florida cannot require ex-felons to pay all outstanding court fees, fines and restitution before they are allowed to vote, a federal judge here ruled Oct. 18. This decision is the latest development in the fight…


After 40-day strike GM workers approve contract

Discussion continues on fight to end wage tiers
Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019
GM workers gained confidence during the strike, standing together and building unity in fight for equal pay for equal work. Above, Sept. 18 UAW picket at Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

SPRING HILL, Tenn. — Some 49,000 United Auto Workers members are back at work at General Motors after approving a new four-year contract 57% to 43%. The discussion among workers continues on what was accomplished in the 40-day strike, and…


Back strikers’ fight against copper bosses’ union busting

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

AMARILLO, Texas — Two weeks into the strike by more than 1,700 Asarco copper workers in Arizona and Texas, the bosses have refused to negotiate with the seven unions there, claiming they won’t meet until Nov. 14. It looks like…


SWP drive to sell books to explain party, its program

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019

Socialist Workers Party members and supporters in Chicago have been taking the Militant  and books by SWP leaders and other working-class revolutionaries to workers at GM strike picket lines and some other large United Auto Workers-organized plants in the area.…


Protests in Iraq, Lebanon target government, Tehran interference

Vol. 83/No. 41 - November 11, 2019
Protesters gather on Baghdad’s al-Jumhuriya bridge Oct. 29, fifth day of protests across Iraq against government corruption, anti-working-class measures, Iranian intervention.

Demonstrators in both Iraq and Lebanon are protesting against their own governments as well as against forces organized and armed by Iran’s capitalist rulers. While working people in both countries join mass protests demanding a halt to deteriorating living conditions,…