MUST WATCH
Alabama coal miners protest BlackRock in NYC (Video)
USA Today
November 4, 2021
Striking miners from Alabama protested outside BlackRock headquarters in New York on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
JOINING TOGETHER
7 Months Into Strike, Alabama Coal Miners Keep The Fire Burning
The Real News Network
By Marc Steiner
November 5, 2021
As we have been covering at The Real News, coal miners in Brookwood, Alabama, represented by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), have been on an unfair labor practices strike against Warrior Met Coal since the beginning of April. Now entering their eight month on strike, workers and their families are facing violence on the picket line, vilification from the company, and even court orders that infringe on their legally protected right to picket. And yet, striking miners and their families continue to hold the line and provide support for one another—and they say they will continue to do so for as long as it takes.
The New York Times
By Ben Smith
November 7, 2021
Mr. August is also passionate about the subjects covered by The Chief. Asked why he had bought the paper, he told me, “Labor is underrepresented, organized labor might be making a comeback, and I would like to fan those flames if at all possible.”
Mine Workers From Across Appalachia Arrested Outside Blackrock Headquarters In New York City (Video)
The Intercept
by Addison Post and P. Nick Curran
November 6, 2021
Striking workers are demanding higher wages and better health benefits — and voiced concerns about the future of their union in the transition away from coal.
Striking Alabama Coal Miners Return to NYC; 34K Kaiser Permanente Workers Poised to Strike
Democracy Now!
November 5, 2021
In labor news, striking Alabama coal miners returned to New York City this week to bring their protest to the offices of hedge fund BlackRock, the largest shareholder of Warrior Met Coal. Six rallygoers were arrested during a peaceful sit-in protest. One thousand members of the United Mine Workers of America have been on strike for over seven months. This is union leader Brian Sanson.
Transit workers issue notice of intent to strike against Akron Metro RTA starting Nov. 15
Yahoo! News
By Emily Mills
November 5, 2021
Transport Workers Union of America Local 1 members are set to strike against Akron Metro RTA beginning Nov. 15 unless a tentative agreement for a new contract is reached before then, the union told the Beacon Journal. Timothy Piatt, the union's attorney, said the union issued a notice of intent to strike the week after next "after negotiations just did not go well." According to Metro, the TWU and Metro ended a bargaining session at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday without a tentative agreement for a new contract.
From Striketober to the Great Resignation: Pandemic pushes workers to rise up
Salon
By Jon Skolnik
November 6, 2021
As the nation slowly recuperates from the brunt of the pandemic, American workers — many of whom were lauded as "essential" only months ago — are making it clearer than ever that enough is enough. Corrina A. Christensen, Director of Public Relations & Communications of the BCTGM International Union, which represents workers at Frito-Lay, Kelogg, and Nabisco, told Salon that workers are capitalizing on a "newfound sense of leverage" as the employers reckon with the consequences of the pandemic.
City transit workers ratify new contract with SEPTA
The Philadelphia Inquirer
November 6, 2021
Members of the union representing workers in the city transit division have ratified a two-year contract with SEPTA that includes raises, a hazard bonus for working during the pandemic, and parental leave. The vote was 1,450-631, a ratio of about 2-1, Transport Workers Union Local 234 announced Saturday. Members cast ballots all day and into the evening Friday at bus depots and other work sites across the city. Negotiators reached agreement Oct. 29, avoiding a strike that would have shut down public transit in Philadelphia as SEPTA struggles to recover from a steep drop in ridership triggered by COVID-19.
Energized USW library and museum workers in Oakland rally for contract
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By Kris B. Mamula
November 7, 2021
Unions representing Carnegie library and museum workers rallied outside Carnegie Library’s main branch in Oakland Sunday as the Pittsburgh landmark institution marked its 125th year with music and kids launching toy catapults in the grass for prizes. Members of the United Steelworkers’ United Museum Workers and United Library Workers called for a labor agreement as contract talks continued for each group.
IN THE STATES
Several Indiana city councils declare support for pro-union legislation in Congress
WFYI
November 5, 2021
City councils including Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Evansville have all passed resolutions supporting the PRO Act. The federal legislation would combat so-called “right to work” laws like those in Indiana. It would also increase penalties for labor law violations and remove restrictions on who unions can and can’t boycott. Brett Voorhies, president of the Indiana AFL-CIO, said he hopes it sends a message to U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). But, he said it could be a long shot to get the Hoosier senators on board. "We’re putting pressure on them," he said. "We’ll make a big issue about it. They don’t care for working people, they don’t like unions, point blank."