Albert Woodfox, political fighter in solitary for 44 years

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

Albert Woodfox, a former Black Panther who emerged from nearly 44 years in solitary confinement as still a determined political fighter, died Aug. 4. He was 75. Released from jail in 2016, Woodfox published a book, Solitary: My Story of…



Visy workers in New Zealand strike for pay raise, shorter hours

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

AUCKLAND New Zealand — Some 75 workers from two packaging companies here — Visy Board New Zealand and its subsidiary, Charta Packaging — picketed outside the Visy plant Aug. 24, while cars and trucks honked their horns in solidarity on…


Lenin led the fight for Ukrainian self-determination

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine over six months ago, he argued that the country was never a sovereign nation at all, but a “creation” of V.I. Lenin, central leader of the Bolshevik Party that led…


How the SWP forced out the truth about Washington’s political police

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

There are stepped-up attacks today by the capitalist rulers, their political parties — the Democrats and Republicans — and the FBI against constitutional rights, rights that are crucial for the struggles of working people. These attacks can be defeated, and…


Back rail workers’ fight over pay, time off, right to strike

Board offer doesn’t meet workers’ need for livable schedules
Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022
Rail workers protest in Galesburg, Illinois, July 30. Main rail unions say Aug. 16 proposal of Presidential Emergency Board doesn’t meet workers’ needs on key “quality of life” issues.

PITTSBURGH — Over 115,000 rail workers across the U.S. — members of 12 operating and maintenance unions — can legally go on strike Sept. 16. These workers have spent two years trying to negotiate a contract against a bloc of…


Calif. mental health workers: ‘We fight for our patients’

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

OAKLAND, Calif. — More than 2,000 mental health care workers, including therapists, psychologists and social workers, went on strike Aug. 15 at the HMO giant Kaiser Permanente in northern California. The key issue is inadequate staffing. A California law that…


After nine-day strike Maryland transit workers win wage raise

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

FORESTVILLE, Md. — After nine days on the picket line, striking Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 MetroAccess workers voted 91% to approve a new three-year agreement with Transdev Aug. 11. Transdev is one of four contractors that Washington Metropolitan Area…


SWP leader discusses Constitution during trial against the FBI

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022
In 1786, Massachusetts farmers staged Shays’ Rebellion. Many, like their leader, Daniel Shays, were veterans of Revolutionary War. Their uprising opposed unfair tax burden imposed by new government. Such plebian revolts helped force addition of amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, that strengthened the Constitution and its protections against government intrusions.

Our book feature this week is FBI on Trial: The Victory in the Socialist Workers Party Suit Against Government Spying. Readers will find it of special interest in light of the latest assault on constitutional rights by the Biden administration…


25, 50, and 75 years ago

Vol. 86/No. 33 - September 12, 2022

September 15, 1997 A long list of railroad accidents has made national news over the last several months. In response, the U.S. Federal Railway Administration announced it would step up investigations, putting the CSX and Union Pacific under particular scrutiny.…