workers' rights
United States: In 2013, workers tried new angles and alliances
North Carolinians mobilised against an anti-worker (and anti-woman
Wildcat strikes push China to write new anti-labour laws
Striking Honda workers, 2010.
By Ellen David Friedman
Bolivia: Workers to take over closed or abandoned firms; The working class and the political process
By Richard Fidler, La Paz, Bolivia
Who really benefits from sweatshops?
Billionaire sweatshop sponger Bruce Rockowitz's CEO in October 2011 Rockowitz married Hong Kong pop
Green Party USA: Economic/ecological crises of the 21st century -- A deep green alternative
Document of the Greens/Green Party USA, submitted to Links International Journal of So
Russia: Moscow workers confront bosses over Metro safety
By activists of the Zashchita union, Moscow, translated by Renfrey Clarke
Hong Kong dockers claim victory after 40-day strike; Interview with dockers' leader
Workers and protesters holding a defaced portrait of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing march on May Day, May 1, 2013. Thousands of workers, local labour rights groups, socialists and striking dockworkers joined in. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said a record 5000 people took part in its march from Victoria Park to government headquarters before ending near tycoon Li Ka-shing’s Cheung Kong Center.
By Ellen David Friedman
May 7, 2013 -- Labor Notes -- The 40-day strike of more than 500 dockworkers at the Port of Hong Kong ended on May 6 with a settlement that included a 9.8 per cent wage increase, non-retaliation against strikers and a written agreement, all of which had been fiercely resisted by the four contractors targeted in the strike.
Strikers accepted the offer by a 90 per cent vote.
Hong Kong: 'We're all on the same ocean' -- dock workers' strike holds firm
April 17, 2013 -- Labor Notes -- A new video shows Hong Kong dock workers walking off the job March 29 and describing apalling working conditions at the world’s third-busiest port, where their dramatic strike has brought transport to a virtual halt.
Their energy is palpable. “It’s like—the things we’ve suppressed for 10, 20 years, it’s all blowing up now”, one worker says (at 3:59 in video above). He points to a co-worker seriously. “Look at his face. He’s done 24. That’s what a 24 looks like.” Then he cracks a smile. “Actually, you know, he used to be pretty [bleep] good-looking—at least if you shave that beard!”
The workers are appealing for protest letters to be send to support their strike. Please visit Dock workers defy Hong Kong's richest person, seek solidarity, attract huge support for sample letters and more background the struggle.
The video was produced by students from Left 21, a left organisation in Hong Kong. Richard Chen, who translated it, writes: