Labor

OAKLAND, Calif. — The blue T-shirts of the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports were everywhere, proclaiming that port truck drivers, area union members, neighborhood residents and environmental activists are united to win decent pay and conditions for the drivers and a healthful environment for the Port of Oakland’s workers and neighbors.

CHICAGO — Cuatro años después que 150 empleados se salieron del trabajo del histórico hotel Congress Plaza para protestar los recortes de salarios y beneficios de salud todavía siguen demostrando con sus rótulos diciendo que continuarán haciendo piquete hasta conseguir un convenio laboral justo.

Pollsters with their questionnaires were all over the moviegoers waiting in line for the sneak preview of “Sicko” on June 23 in Dallas. They seemed particularly interested in finding out why people were motivated to turn out.

Though the Employee Free Choice Act could not gain the 60 Senate votes needed to end debate June 26 and move to a decision on final passage, its backing by a 51-48 majority contains hope for the future.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — From the opening remarks by New Mexico AFL-CIO President Christine Trujillo to the speeches of various dignitaries at the state labor federation’s biannual convention here, June 15-16, it’s clear the labor movement is readying for the 2008 elections.

WASHINGTON — Animado por la victoria contra la derecha republicana en las elecciones del pasado noviembre, tres mil activistas en la quinta conferencia anual “Take Back America” (Retomemos a América) aplaudieron y vocearon la demanda de los oradores que el Congreso tiene que poner fin a la guerra en Irak, restaurar los derechos sindicales y promulgar servicios de salud universal.

OAKLAND, Calif. — With City Council approval of $250,000 in seed money expected this week, Oakland is poised to launch the nation’s first Green Jobs Corps program to train young people with limited job prospects for good jobs in growing “green” industries.

Even before it officially opens on June 29, Michael Moore’s latest documentary “Sicko” is already impacting the national health care debate. Over 1,000 nurses and supporters braved sweltering heat to join Moore at a June 12 rally in Sacramento, Calif., sponsored by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.

CHICAGO — Four years after 150 employees walked off the job at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel to protest cuts in wages and health benefits, workers continue to picket, saying they are holding out for a fair contract.

Fueron detenidos 22 dirigentes sindicales en el Capitolio Estatal en Hartford, Connecticut, el 1º de junio por exigir el cuidado universal de salud.