Tag Archives: labor

Workers of the world (at least Europe) unite

Posted on November 14, 2012 by David S. Meyer

For Marx and Engels, “workers of the world unite” was invective.  Today it’s descriptive.  Across Europe, but particularly in countries implementing harsh austerity regimes, workers are taking to the streets, sometimes landing in violent clashes with police. The global financial … Continue reading →

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Strikes without unions: Walmart

Posted on October 12, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Workers (“associates” to their employers) have walked off the job at several Walmarts sprawled across the United States.  The workers at Walmart, like most workers in retail, and most workers in the private sector, and most workers in the United … Continue reading →

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Chicago teachers, commitment and numbers

Posted on September 15, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of people rallied to support the Chicago Teachers Union, as its representatives moved closer to a negotiated agreement with the city that would bring them back to work–and send 350,000 students back to school. Mayor … Continue reading →

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A day for labor

Posted on September 1, 2012 by David S. Meyer

For Labor Day Weekend, here’s a reminder about the history of this commemoration in America (reposted from 2011). Successful politicians exploit, buy off, and sell out the movements that sometimes buoy their campaigns.  This American story is an old one, … Continue reading →

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Starving postal workers

Posted on June 26, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Ten current and former postal employees stopped eating yesterday in Washington, DC, starting a hunger strike to protest continuing cutbacks at the United States Postal Service.  Organized by Community and Postal Workers United, they do not plan to starve themselves … Continue reading →

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After Wisconsin and the electoral trap

Posted on June 7, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s victory in Tuesday’s recall election isn’t a happy outcome for the activists who have spent nearly a year and a half going after him.  It’s particularly troubling for labor organizers, who will face subsequent challenges with … Continue reading →

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Occupy NATO (in Chicago)

Posted on May 22, 2012 by David S. Meyer

When the leaders of the Western world assemble for a NATO summit meeting, the world press follows and activists see an opportunity to project their messages to a broader audience.  Chicago was the site not only for the meeting, but … Continue reading →

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Occupy on May Day

Posted on April 30, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Occupy didn’t end when police cleared out most of the Occupations, but the sprawling movement became even harder to define.  And mainstream media that could cover the campaigns by strolling to a local park and running tape now had a … Continue reading →

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Cesar Chavez 2012

Posted on March 30, 2012 by David S. Meyer

I’m typing from my office today, March 30, but campus is quiet in honor of Cesar Chavez Day.  Below is a repost on the occasion: On my campus, we commemorated Cesar Chavez Day early, yesterday, rather than March 31 (his … Continue reading →

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Occupy is not an island (I)

Posted on November 9, 2011 by David S. Meyer

How does sleeping out in an urban park do anything about income inequality?  I get this question at least a few times a week, often from one of my kids. One answer is that social movements work when dramatic action … Continue reading →

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