Finding a job is even harder for former prisoners

Vol. 87/No. 31 - August 21, 2023

A New York Times article in July claimed the “U.S. unemployment rate is hovering near lows unseen since the 1960s” and “everyone who wants a job, has a job.” At the same time, it pointed to one problem: “Ex-Prisoners Face…


New report shows rail bosses caused East Palestine disaster

Vol. 87/No. 31 - August 21, 2023
Uncontrolled toxic fire instigated by Norfolk Southern bosses after derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, six months ago prioritized getting trains running as opposed to safety of area residents.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Aug. 3 marked six months to the day that 150-car Norfolk Southern train 32N derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a social disaster. The train was almost 2 miles long, weighing 18,000 tons. The derailment dumped 50…


‘Iranian government can never silence the retirees’

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023
Some 200 retirees and others joined protest in Rasht, Iran, July 23, one of many across country demanding government raise pensions to keep up with inflation.

On July 23, police in Rasht, Iran, 200 miles northwest of Tehran, attacked a demonstration of some 200 retirees and disabled people. They doused some protesters with pepper spray. Other recent protests of retirees have taken place without government interference.…


Union caravan brings solidarity to Wabtec strike

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023

ERIE, Pa. — Solidarity was the word of the day here July 29 as a car caravan brought strike supporters from Western Pennsylvania to join the strike picket line of United Electrical Workers Locals 506 and 618 at the entrance…


Seize opportunities to strengthen unions!

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023

Statement by Chris Hoeppner, Socialist Workers Party candidate for mayor of Philadelphia, Aug. 2. Recent rallies by Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers unionists on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances in Memphis, Tennessee, and by Screen Actors Guild-American…


Chicago hospital workers strike over wages, increased staffing

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023

CHICAGO — Some 200 Loretto Hospital workers went on strike here July 31 at 7 a.m. to demand higher wages and more staffing. The strikers also want Juneteenth as a holiday. “We are trying to get safe conditions for our…


Memphis strike wins broad union, community support

Get out the word, help strengthen the struggle!
Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 390G members on strike along with supporters picket, rally at International Flavors and Fragrances plant gate July 26.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — “Union strong! All day long!” chanted some 75 striking members and supporters of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 390G as they rallied in front of the International Flavors and Fragrances plant here July 26.…


1930s labor upsurge posed need for class-struggle leadership

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023
“Battle of Deputies Run” as Minneapolis Teamsters beat off cop, goon attacks during 1934 strike. Teamsters and other class-struggle fighters pointed road forward for labor movement.

As 340,000 Teamster-organized workers at UPS discuss a tentative contract, it is timely that one of Pathfinder’s Books of the Month for August is Teamster Politics by Farrell Dobbs. It is the third in a four-volume series by Dobbs, who…


Peru protests demand ouster of government

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023

Tens of thousands marched in Peru July 19, four months after a large wave of protests threw the country into turmoil following the removal and arrest of the country’s president, Pedro Castillo. The protesters demanded the resignation of Dina Boluarte…


25, 50, and 75 years ago

Vol. 87/No. 30 - August 14, 2023

August 10, 1998 GUANICA, Puerto Rico — Tens of thousands of independence supporters marched and rallied here July 25 commemorating the centennial of the U.S. invasion of Puerto Rico. Held at the very site where U.S. troops landed in 1898,…