San Nicola Varco is a place in Eboli, near Salerno, where there is a farmers market built in the 80s and never came into operation. The structure had become, for many years, the lodging of hundreds of North African immigrants, mainly Moroccans, day laborers in local fields. Most of them had arrived in Italy regularly, with a contract of employment. But once here, the contract turned out to be a scam. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/news/sannicolavarco111109.htmlSan Nicola Varco is a place in Eboli, near Salerno, where there is a farmers market... more
Combining results from surveys of more than 300 Austin construction workers and industry-related data from federal and state agencies, the 68-page study, "Building Austin, Building Injustice," depicts an industry rampant with poor and dangerous working conditions. Although many builders, developers and contractors are model employers, the study notes, others cut costs by not paying some workers for overtime, not paying some at all, misclassifying others as independent contractors, and failing to provide proper safety equipment such as harnesses and helmets, violations of federal and state regulations.
"The report is just shocking in the way that it shows how the industry (in Austin) is really rife with these conditions that are pretty deplorable in terms of safety and health issues," said Richard Heyman, a UT professor and an adviser and researcher on the study. A specialist in urban development studies, Heyman said the report reveals systemic, structural failures.
Major findings:
Though overtime work in the construction industry is common, half of workers who did so reported receiving no overtime pay, a violation of wage and hour laws.
Nearly four in 10 workers were misclassified as independent contractors, denying them legal protections to overtime pay, workers' compensation coverage and benefits.
Sixty-four percent said they had received no basic health or safety training provided by OSHA. The training is voluntary.
A majority of workers lacked employer-based health insurance, pensions and sick or vacation days. Only 45 percent of workers said they had workers' compensation coverage. In Texas, employers can opt out of workers' comp.
Most workers earned $10 an hour. Using federal guidelines, the report calculated a poverty hourly wage as $10.56 an hour, based on a family of four.
Drawing on existing data, the report also says that Texas led the nation in construction-related deaths in 2007 with 142 fatalities, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Tzintzún said similar data is not available by city. Per capita data is not tracked by state.
Texas had 23,900 construction-related injuries in 2007, an incident rate of 3.7 per 100 full-time workers, according to the Department of Labor. In all private industries, Texas had 242,000 injuries in 2007, an incident rate of 3.3 per 100 full-time workers.
This is a Z Graphix Production, Produced by Jeffry Zavala and Directed by Jason Cato.
On Oct. 5th, 2009Outside the Hunter College West Building Students, Faculty, Staff and Supporters came together in protest of a new company called AVI which have taken over Hunter College Cafeteria, Coffee Stand, and all Deli stands earlier this year. It was on September 3rd, 2009 at the height of lunch hour, that the cafeteria workers courageously organized a work stoppage to protest AVI's decision to slash the health benefits and do away with the pension the employees receive under the union contract signed by the previous owner. While demanding these take-aways, the company stated it will give workers no raise at all this year, followed by 15-cent "raises" in the next two years. AVI runs non-union operations at Baruch and at Sarah Lawrence College. Since coming to Hunter, it has jacked food and coffee prices up, sometimes by 100% or more. Like Hunter Students, the cafeteria workers are largely black, latino, women and others subjected not only to this exploitation but to many kinds of discrimination in this capitalist society we live in. The Hunter Internationalist Club has encourage everyone to work with them and all supporters of workers rights to build active solidarity with the cafeteria workers.. Their cause is our cause too!On Oct. 5th, 2009Outside the Hunter College West Building Students, Faculty, Staff and... more
The reactions to the first two episodes of the news show Annozero have made it very clear to what extent freedom of information is at risk in Italy and so why we need a rally to defend it as the one of 3 October in Rome. The show of Santoro had simply showed what all international newspapers and televisions have reported in recent months: the statements of Patrizia D'Addario and Tarantini.The reactions to the first two episodes of the news show Annozero have made it very... more
Union leaders from around the world gather in Sudbury, Ontario to support Vale Inco workers strikeUnion leaders from around the world gather in Sudbury, Ontario to support Vale Inco... more
True to its principles, truthout.org has unionized in order to provide a better workplace for itself and its employees.True to its principles, truthout.org has unionized in order to provide a better... more
Eddie Cruz (Union, Stussy) discusses what's next with Amp Energy at one his UNDFTD stores in LA. Good stuff.Eddie Cruz (Union, Stussy) discusses what's next with Amp Energy at one his UNDFTD... more
French workers have threatened to blow up their factories if they don't get the wages they want.French workers have threatened to blow up their factories if they don't get the wages... more
I wanted to honor my friend's grandfather who passed yesterday. If you are employed in California he has effected your life.
Leaders react to Jack Henning's death
Government, union and political officials reacted today to the death of legendary labor leader Jack Henning:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "Jack Henning was a premier labor leader who led a long and distinguished career in public service both at the state and national level. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, revolutionized the labor movement and had an enormous impact on California. Maria and I join all Californians in remembering Jack's service and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis: "Today American workers lost a tireless advocate, and I lost a dear a friend. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of John F. 'Jack' Henning. For most of his life, Jack Henning was on the front lines of the labor movement, fighting for civil rights, equality and justice for working Americans. He was a man of modest means, with a thirst for knowledge and a tremendous sense of compassion for his fellow man. His life story is one that inspires me and many Americans. His career began in his home state of California, where he fought for the most vulnerable - the working poor and underclass - fighting to improve their standard of living. A master orator, Jack began a steady climb within the labor movement and later served in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations as the U.S. undersecretary of labor. As a testament to his work, President Johnson later named him ambassador to New Zealand. Jack Henning was a champion, visionary and unwavering voice on behalf of the working women and men of the United States and of the world. We are all indebted to his leadership, and he will be missed."
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg: "All Californians lost a true friend today in Jack Henning. Jack Henning's commitment to working people and social justice serves as an inspiration to us in these recessionary times. Workers still benefit from his leadership on farmworker rights, workplace safety, worker's compensation and in many other areas. Jack Henning was a giant and he will be missed."
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass: "Jack Henning spent his life trying to make California a better place to live and work. He was a tireless fighter for the labor movement and for social and economic justice. Jack Henning served the public well as Ambassador to New Zealand and as a Regent of the University of California. With his passing we reflect on Jack's love for the working men and women of California and his great love for his family, including his adored late wife Betty and his son Pat, who became his own fixture in the Capitol community. My colleagues and I in the Assembly send our sincere condolences to Jack's children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters in labor and his countless friends. We will adjourn Assembly session in his honor next week."
California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton: "Jack Henning dedicated himself to improving the lives of poor and middle-class workers in California - and across the nation. In 26 years at the helm of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, Jack fought to protect farm workers, men and women who were injured on the job, low-wage workers, the unemployed, women and children. Under his leadership, the Labor Federation set the standard for unions across the country. A San Francisco native whose father was a charter member of the Plumbers union, Jack never forgot where he came from or who he was. Not only was Jack Henning a strong advocate for the working men and women of California, but also he was a personal friend of mine for decades. The California Democratic Party sends condolences to Jack's seven children, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and to the labor community on this loss..."I wanted to honor my friend's grandfather who passed yesterday. If you are employed... more
Both corporate giants have long track records of harassing their workers when it comes to joining unions. Harassment and intimidation are illegal under Federal law, and we won't stand for it.
Finally a campaign standing up for the rights of workers and standing up to Howard Schultz.Both corporate giants have long track records of harassing their workers when it comes... more
A spokesman for the Boston Globe says the newspaper has completed negotiations with its largest union.A spokesman for the Boston Globe says the newspaper has completed negotiations with... more
The New York Times Co. has threatened to shut The Boston Globe unless the newspaper's unions swiftly agree to $20 million in concessions, union leaders said yesterday.
Executives from the Times Co. and Globe made the demands Thursday morning in an approximately 90-minute meeting with leaders of the newspaper's 13 unions, union officials said. The possible concessions include pay cuts, the end of pension contributions by the company, and the elimination of lifetime job guarantees now enjoyed by some veteran employees, said Daniel Totten, president of the Boston Newspaper Guild, the Globe's biggest union, which represents more than 700 editorial, advertising, and business office employees.
The concessions will be negotiated individually with each of the unions, said Totten and Ralph Giallanella, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 259, which represents about 200 drivers who deliver the newspaper.
"We all know the newspaper industry is going through great transition and loss,"' said Giallanella. "The ad revenues have fallen off the cliff. Just based on everything that's going on around the country, they're serious."
Totten said the Times Co. officials wanted the concessions within 30 days or else the paper would be shuttered, but Giallanella said officials did not mention a specific timetable.
Catherine Mathis, a Times Co. spokeswoman, declined to comment last night. Globe publisher P. Steven Ainsley also declined to comment.
The newspaper industry, which had already been struggling as readers and advertisers moved to the Internet, has been hard hit by the recession, and the Globe is no exception. The newspaper's advertising revenues have declined sharply in recent years; once robustly profitable, it is now losing money.The New York Times Co. has threatened to shut The Boston Globe unless the newspaper's... more
Usually nice and moderate American actress, performance artist, activist,(sri lankan-american actress) Thushari Jayasekera turns trouble maker on youtube as she gives a piece of her mind to FOX chairman Peter Chernin who has made a statement that there will be no residuals & no fair negotiations on healthcare & pension for SAG. This is support of all the SAG members who are rallying. She attended the Wed. March 4th, 2009 rally organized by actor Scott Wilson, along with the Hollywood Wild Bunch, Dan Kelpine, Ed Asner & others and saw a sign that intensified her upset which was false advertising by FOX which read "FOX Gives" in philanthropy' well then actors will line up to get some of what they are giving.
On early Wed. 4th, she called the studio and Mr. Chernin directly to campaign for a fair deal as an effort to create awareness for actor's plight but she was routed to a message machine and she left a polite and pleasant message expressing her views and concerns as new media-internet was also a broadcast platform and residual agreements should follow for studio generated shows going online.
On the youtube clip, she takes a different turn because "hey its youtube and you can't be just nice on youtube" but keeping true to her range of style she manages to keep some humor in because "well i never met the chairman but saw a picture of him for the first time on a picket later that day- he seems kinda cute."Usually nice and moderate American actress, performance artist, activist,(sri... more
"And if Kinnock had supported us, he would have become the Pm."
Interesting stuff from Scargill on one of the few occasions he has talked about the strike in 25 years."And if Kinnock had supported us, he would have become the Pm."
Interesting stuff... more
Screen Actor's Guild(SAG) member Henry Kingyi speaks up about why he is protesting on behalf of majority of the screen actor's guild members 92% + Interviewed by Thushari J a part-timer for LJ and a screen actor's guild member herself who is out protesting on behalf of the union.Screen Actor's Guild(SAG) member Henry Kingyi speaks up about why he is protesting on... more
WASHINGTON: A group of liberal bloggers said it is teaming up with organized labor and MoveOn to form a political action committee that will seek to push the Democratic Party farther to the left.
Soliciting donations from their readers, the bloggers said they are planning to recruit liberal candidates for challenges against more centrist Democrats currently in Congress.
The formation of the group marks another step in the evolution of the blogosphere, which has proved effective at motivating party activists to give money and time to political campaigns, especially in local races.
But it also illuminates a deepening wrinkle for President Barack Obama, whose attempt to build a broad governing coalition — often by tempering some of his more liberal previous positions — has already angered some of his supporters on the left.
The new organization is in many ways the liberal equivalent of the Club for Growth, a conservative group that has financed primary challenges against Republicans it deems insufficiently dedicated to tax cuts and small government.WASHINGTON: A group of liberal bloggers said it is teaming up with organized labor and... more
William Jackson was a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis during the Civil War. It turns out he was also a spy for the Union Army, providing key secrets to the North about the Confederacy.
Jackson was Davis' house servant and personal coachman. He learned high-level details about Confederate battle plans and movements because Davis saw him as a "piece of furniture" -- not a human, according to Ken Dagler, author of "Black Dispatches," which explores espionage by America's slaves.
"Because of his role as a menial servant, he simply was ignored," Dagler said. "So Jefferson Davis would hold conversations with military and Confederate civilian officials in his presence."William Jackson was a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis... more
Screen Actor's Guild member goes out on
Oscar day to create awareness with a Union/SAG sign & a note that read:
i m a SAG member Thushari Jayasekera.
To create awareness about Screen
Actor's Guild. I support my union.
Support Alan Rosenberg who is gagged. Here inspired by actor Scott
Wilson who stood up.
to make aware we have no new contract. our voices still shut.
in support of union actors who are nominated - congrats!
At Sunset & Highland in Hollywood, CA
Her statement-
"Many union actors are a part of projects that are honored
at the Oscars. we are also a part of this industry and
our voice have to be heard. many actors out there
may not be aware of the situation. I wanted to create
awareness without detracting from the achievements of
the nominated individuals/actors. That is why
I used the symbolism of taped mouth & just the sign.
Mr. Doug Allen & Alan Rosenberg & team had many good
ideas to benefit a majority of the actors but there were many
hindering issues & wool pulling over eyes & when rest of the
members become aware of true intentions of the AMPTP it is
too late for the rest of us." states Thushari.
She had been out to rally inspired by Scott Wilson.
at Sherman Oaks, CA Feb 17/18th for the contract talks.
She protested alongside with the Hollywood Wild Bunch, Mobin Khan,
Gladys Khan, Larry Gelman, Rob Schneider,Dan Kelpine,
Tom F, James McAlly, and many others. LJ highlighted
the past rallies of the group on Feb 3rd-5th-info gotten through
the grapevine via sagwatchdog, thehollywoodprep web-site & the ricobueno.comScreen Actor's Guild member goes out on
Oscar day to create awareness with a... more
*Anthony DeSantis a voice of middle class actors who had writen a confrontational letter to celeb producer signers was there as well
*livejelly will cover/covered this news documentariously & will put it out a noose news clip soon.protesters ask for yr support 2
*One actor had his mouth taped shut to symbolize the gag order or forced silence imposed on our leader who speak for 92+% of us
*there was also an empty dvd case on a stick floating around to symbolize past kick in da pants to union actors by producers
*more union jobs for existing sag members, fair new media deal for sag, future benefits pension & welfare,sagoustings addressed
*sometime before Alan Rosenberg had been gagged & Doug Alan ousted from SAG for having a great restructuring plan
*debonair Rob Schneider also was there to show support & stand with his fellow union actors in solidarity to protest unfair AMPTP
*Rico Bueno of the Wild Bunch & Scott Wilson among others stopped to give a sound byte to Live Jelly. KTLA. ABC. NBC. Fox- were there
*John Saigan creator of 'Elephant in the Room' was there to speak up on his view as well as Chuck Loring who can be spoted on Lvegas
*Scott Wilson was among the organizers with the Hollywood Wild Bunch IATSE Back 2 Work & other individuals like SLAM actres Thushari
*SAG Actors took on the likes of Matt Damon, Meryl Streep, George Cloony, Tom Hanks, Sally Field & Amy Brennaman
*the real Saga of SAG. many strong individuals & groups came to protest & create awareness for a fair deal-contract
*Hollywood SAG Rally 2/17 morn Sherman Oaks Galleria. those not afraid to speak up standing up in the cold & the rain.Above link is from the sagwatchdog site.
Scott Wilson & members take on the SAG... more
Wow? it will be interesting to see how this turns out? it?s about time people started stepping up and speaking out. As people have pointed out in comments, all of these (except for HI) are explicit restatements of what has always been in place, but not necessarily enforced, as detailed by the 10th Amendment.Wow? it will be interesting to see how this turns out? it?s about time people started... more
