Defend constitutional freedoms won in over two centuries of class struggle

Vol. 87/No. 26 - July 17, 2023

Won over two-and-a-half centuries of bloody class struggle, key constitutional protections against government interference are under attack by President Joseph Biden’s administration. The push for even more prosecutions against former President Donald Trump, Biden’s main rival for the presidency, is…


The Putin regime and the defense of Ukrainian independence

Vol. 87/No. 26 - July 17, 2023
Dmitry Skurikhin painted on his store in the Leningrad region, “Peace to Ukraine, freedom for Russia!” and names of Ukrainian cities hit by Moscow’s invasion. Now under house arrest until July 19 trial for “discrediting” the army, he says many fellow villagers support his anti-war statements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is purging his government and the military of supporters of the Wagner mercenary forces after their June 24  “march for freedom” on Moscow. While he seeks to refortify his regime he continues to lose ground in…


Crisis of capitalism, attacks on workers deepen in Europe

Vol. 87/No. 26 - July 17, 2023

Under the impact of rising prices coupled with declining production and trade worldwide, the capitalist economic crisis is deepening in Europe. And this feeds sharpening strains among the 27 governments that comprise the European Union as well as competition with…


Unions put stamp on East Palestine disaster hearing

Fight for workers control over safety is road forward
Vol. 87/No. 25 - July 10, 2023
Video of burning rail cars after Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment, release of toxic pollution shown at National Transportation Safety Board hearing in East Palestine, Ohio, June 22. Among union leaders speaking was Jared Cassity, SMART-TD, inset, at Dec. 13 rally after Congress barred strike, imposed contract.

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Community residents and rail unions came prepared to have their say at the investigative hearing organized here by the National Transportation Safety Board looking for the causes of the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment, which…


Ukraine battle for sovereignty advances amid Moscow clash

Vol. 87/No. 25 - July 10, 2023

The aborted June 23-24 heavily armed convoy headed toward the Kremlin by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary army, has exposed the weaknesses of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule. Cracks inside his regime have been brought into the open…


SWP: Defend political rights workers need!

Vol. 87/No. 25 - July 10, 2023
Farmworkers discuss their fight to win union recognition for the United Farm Workers and better job conditions at Windmill Farms in Sunnyside, Washington, with Vincent Auger, SWP candidate for Seattle City Council, far left, and campaign supporters June 26.

One of the central questions Socialist Workers Party candidates and campaigners are addressing with working people — on strike picket lines, farmsteads and workers’ doorsteps — are the high stakes in defending constitutional freedoms under attack today by President Joseph…


Independence for Puerto Rico debated at June 22 UN hearing

Vol. 87/No. 25 - July 10, 2023
Nov. 27, 2022, protest in San Juan against U.S. colonial rule in Puerto Rico. Speakers at U.N. hearing described how U.S. exploitation has worsened economic, social crisis on the island.

UNITED NATIONS — “The political, economic and social model of colonialism in Puerto Rico has not only failed dismally, but every day it is rejected by more Puerto Ricans,” Adrián González, organization secretary of the Puerto Rican Independence Party, told…



1,400 workers on strike at Wabtec, fight wins broad union solidarity

Vol. 87/No. 25 - July 10, 2023
United Electrical Workers members on strike against Wabtec picket plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, June 27. Demands include wage raise, right to strike over grievances, improved health care.

ERIE, Pa. — Hundreds of strikers picketed at the gates of the Wabtec locomotive manufacturing plant here after 1,400 workers voted down the bosses’ takeback contract demands June 22. The workers are members of United Electrical Workers Local 506, which…


Los Angeles Militant Labor Forum panel discusses fight for constitutional rights

Vol. 87/No. 24 - July 3, 2023

LOS ANGELES —“Defend constitutional freedoms: Oppose U.S. government spying, harassment and frame-ups” was the topic of the May 21 weekly Militant Labor Forum here. Speaking were Mwezi Odom, from the African People’s Socialist Party, and Norton Sandler, from the Socialist Workers…