25, 50 and 75 Years Ago

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024

October 25, 1999 MONTREAL — Owner-operator truck drivers began taking actions across Quebec the week of Oct. 2 in support of their right to unionize and negotiate their working conditions collectively. They voted Oct. 10 to defy an injunction ordering…


Michigan aerospace workers strike over pensions, wages

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024

JACKSON, Mich. — “17 Days of Solidarity” read the handwritten sign at the United Auto Workers Local 475 strike tent where workers are picketing 24/7. Treat-filled tables and honks of encouragement showed the support some 525 strikers against Eaton Aerospace…


‘The working class needs to fight to take political power’

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024
Rachele Fruit, right, SWP candidate for U.S. president, speaks to Kate McKinney, a Boeing structural mechanic, Oct. 5 on picket line in Everett, Washington. “Jewish people have been persecuted forever,” McKinney said, pointing to attacks on Jewish students at U.S. campuses.

Fruit joins Boeing picket, builds support for strike SEATTLE — “We’re out here, not for me, but for my son” and other younger hires, Tom Brown, a striking Boeing worker told Rachele Fruit, the Socialist Workers Party candidate for president,…


Endeavor flight attendants protest for equal pay in Atlanta

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024
Endeavor Air flight attendants and supporters protest at Delta Air Lines headquarters in Hapeville, Georgia, Oct. 3, demanding equal pay with Delta flight attendants, improved conditions.

HAPEVILLE, Ga. — Marching behind a big red banner that read “Same work, poverty pay. End the Delta disparity difference,” some 50 Endeavor Air flight attendants, backed by pilots and other supporters, held a spirited protest at Delta Air Lines…


Monogram UAW workers hang tough in California strike

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024

COMMERCE, Calif. — With over two months on strike against the bosses at Monogram Aerospace Fasteners here, United Auto Workers Local 509 members are determined to come out on top. “The one exciting thing that’s come out of this is…


Hotel workers strike at two Boston-area Hilton hotels

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024

BOSTON — A spirited picket line of striking hotel workers marched around the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, chanting, dancing and drumming on Home Depot buckets Oct. 8. Over 600 workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 26, have been on strike…


Working people need our own party, a party of labor

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024
Dennis Richter, SWP candidate for vice president, right, joins in solidarity with Georgia Pacific strikers, members of ILWU Local 6, Oct. 7. From left: Raymond Domingue, Steve Moffett, Jimmie Arnold III and Jose Rivera. “We need our own party, a party of labor,” said Richter.

ANTIOCH, Calif. — “I’ll be getting out the word about your fight,” Socialist Workers Party vice presidential candidate Dennis Richter told Sheetrock workers on strike against Georgia Pacific here when he joined their picket line Oct. 7. The workers, members…


Boeing strikers solid in fight to improve wages, work conditions

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024
“Going on strike is a sacrifice, but it’s worth it,” one Machinist told the Militant. Strikers greet other union members on picket line near Boeing factory in Everett, Washington, Sept. 15.

SEATTLE — Now in the fourth week of their strike against Boeing, one of the two major producers of commercial airplanes worldwide, picket lines by members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751 remain up at…



Working people unite to take on social disaster from hurricane

Vol. 88/No. 39 - October 21, 2024
In Swannanoa, North Carolina, neighbors come together to set up distribution center after Hurricane Helene. The First Baptist Church also handled aid. “It’s tough to see people you know personally who have lost their homes,” Melody Dowdy, the pastor’s wife, said.

Under capitalism, major storms like Hurricane Helene become social catastrophes. Over 225 people have been killed across six states, with the biggest toll in western North Carolina. And it’s unclear how many are still missing in isolated communities there. The…