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BRUSSELS (ITUC Online) — The 2009 survey of violations of trade union rights around the world, published last week by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), reports more widespread and serious anti-union practices than in recent years in Europe, despite the fact that this region is still portrayed as being a model on social matters. The trend has been confirmed both in the traditional trade union strongholds of Western Europe and in the transition economies of Eastern Europe. What is more, nearly 50 workers were arrested for their union activities, mainly in Russia and Belarus.

When the factory where I worked for 23 years closed down, I ended up in the health care industry. Working in the factory I became a strong union supporter. I learned that workers need a collective voice on the job to stand up for our needs and rights.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials from Rocky Mountain states urged Congress on Tuesday help them avert a potential catastrophe this summer as they grapple with millions of acres of beetle-ravaged pines that are prone to fire.

(AFL-CIO Now) For three hours before the formal opening of their annual legislative conference, members of the Alliance for Retired Americans got down to business by taking part in workshops on health care reform and Social Security. They will be joined by speakers such as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill..

TEHRAN (Tehranbureau.com), June 15 — Dusk on Monday witnessed the most shocking scenes so far from the aftermath to Iran’s disputed election. Events have have now escalated to a level of intensity unprecedented since the Iranian revolution of 1979.

CHICAGO -- Thousands of union members, their families and supporters marched in solidarity with Unite Here's Congress Hotel workers on the sixth anniversary of the strike, June 15. Gov. Pat Quinn and city aldermen were among the rally speakers.

WASHINGTON — Labor and human rights groups as well as political commentators have reacted with alarm to the May 31 murder of Dr. George Tiller, the Wichita doctor who performed abortions, and, 12 days later, the shooting of security guard, Stephen T. Johns, an African American, at the Holocaust Museum in the nation’s capital.

Men are almost 40 percent more likely than women to die from cancer, according to a new report published Monday.

CHICAGO — The Communist Party USA has established a new Religion Commission to strengthen its work among religious people and organizations. In its leadership are activists representing various religious traditions from around the country. Tim Yeager, a Chicago trade unionist and a member of the Episcopal Church, serves as its chair.

On International Justice Day, June 15, thousands of security and cleaning workers around the world will call on Allied Irish Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank and others to sign a responsible contractor policy ensuring basic rights for security guards and cleaners.