Canada nickel strikers defeat Vale takeback drive

Vol. 85/No. 32 - August 30, 2021

Some 2,400 striking nickel miners, and mill and smelter workers returned to work at Vale International S.A. in Sudbury, Ontario, Aug. 9 after pushing back the bosses’ attempt to eliminate retiree health benefits for new hires. Under the slogan “Local…


Aluminum workers strike Rio Tinto in Canada

Vol. 85/No. 30 - August 16, 2021
Members of Unifor Local 2301 on strike against Rio Tinto rally July 28 at company’s aluminum smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia, protesting bosses’ attacks on pensions, health care, safety.

Some 900 Rio Tinto aluminum workers in Kitimat, British Columbia, members of Unifor Local 2301, set up picket lines July 25 after their contract expired. The strike followed seven weeks of fruitless negotiations and a 100% strike vote. The strikers…


Rolls-Royce maintenance workers back on strike, win solidarity

Vol. 85/No. 30 - August 16, 2021

BARNOLDSWICK, England — Seventeen maintenance engineers who are members of the Unite union at Rolls-Royce’s jet-engine plant here have restarted strike action. The bosses have been dragging their heels in implementing a deal with the union to secure jobs through…


Teamsters strike Bellingham Cold Storage in Washington state

Vol. 85/No. 29 - July 26, 2021

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Some 110 forklift drivers, members of Teamsters Local 231, went on strike July 1 at the Bellingham Cold Storage and processing facility here near the Canadian border. The company forced the walkout by making an insulting “offer”…


After 10 weeks on strike, Olymel meatpackers seek new talks

Vol. 85/No. 29 - July 26, 2021
Olymel meatpackers carry “on strike” banner in Quebec City march July 7 demanding bosses negotiate a new contract. Bosses seek to keep steep wage cuts imposed on workers in 2007.

MONTREAL — Over 250 striking meatpackers, members of the Union of Olymel Workers at Vallee-Jonction, marched to the Labour Ministry in Quebec City July 7 to demand the arbitrator take steps to end the bosses’ refusal to negotiate. More than…


Kansas: Frito-Lay strikers win community support

Vol. 85/No. 29 - July 26, 2021

Over 600 members of Local 218 of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers union, who went on strike at the Topeka, Kansas, Frito-Lay plant July 5, are winning widespread solidarity in the area. The bosses there are notorious…


Chicago hospital workers strike for higher pay, increased staffing

Vol. 85/No. 28 - July 19, 2021
Over 400 hospital workers on strike in Chicago area rally June 29 outside Cook County president’s office in fight for more pay and against high cost of health care coverage.

CHICAGO — Some 2,000 Cook County Health hospital workers went on strike here June 25 in a fight for higher pay. The workers, including custodians, technicians, health care professionals and clerks, are members of Service Employees International Union Local 73.…


Kansas Frito-Lay workers strike over pay, forced overtime

Vol. 85/No. 28 - July 19, 2021

Some  800 workers at the PepsiCo-owned Frito-Lay plant in Topeka, Kansas, went on strike July 5. Members of Local 218 of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union  are fighting for a pay raise, better conditions and against…


Quebec poultry workers make gains, defend right to strike

Vol. 85/No. 28 - July 19, 2021

MONTREAL — Some 550 poultry workers at the Exceldor packinghouse, who went on strike May 23, made gains in a new contract and defended their right to strike. The plant is in Saint-Anselme, south of Quebec City.  By a vote…


Alabama strikers picket NY hedge fund mine bosses

Vol. 85/No. 27 - July 12, 2021
Members of United Mine Workers on strike against Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama, and supporters picket one of company’s owners, BlackRock hedge fund, in New York June 22.

NEW YORK — Ten coal miners on strike against Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama, were joined by officials and staff members of the United Mine Workers here June 22 at informational pickets outside the hedge funds that own controlling…