Freedom Socialist Vol. 29, No. 3 June-July 2008

LABOR WEATHER REPORT

A glance at how some workers and their unions are faring in the class struggle.

April 2008: Toronto transit strike
Over a weekend, transit workers walk out to hold the line on contracting out and seniority issues. Labor-backed New Democratic Party joins Liberals to pass a law forcing them back to work by Monday’s commute.


April 2008: Union foreign policy
In South Africa, unionists refuse to unload a ship full of armaments bound for Zimbabwe, where they would be used to repress workers’ protests. Other unions follow suit, and the ship is unable to deliver its deadly cargo.


Ongoing: Halting privatization
A movement to stop the selling off of Mexico’s oil employs militant sit-ins led by women, as well as three rallies since March that fill the huge Zocalo plaza of revolutionary fame. No luck yet for neoprivatizers.