Feature Archives

11/8 Charleston, SC: After an unrelenting campaign, victory for the Charleston 5 – union dockworkers charged with "inciting to riot" following a January 20, 2000 protest. Negotiated settlement report. When 150 longshore workers, members of the predominantly black ILA local 1422 and its fraternal Local 1771, picketed the loss of their jobs to a non-union stevedore company, they were attacked by 600 riot police in the port of Charleston, SC. The unions and its members were fined $1.5 million dollars, and 5 members were placed under house arrest and faced 5 years in prison. Worldwide demonstrations and port shut-downs had been planned for 11/14 in support of the Charleston 5. Video

A student coalition has organized a protest to take place in front of the downtown Berkeley Taco Bell at 12pm. Farm workers from South East Florida have been traveling the country informing people about the abuse they have experienced working for one of the nations leading tomato growers, a contractor for Taco Bell, their largest client.

The workers' struggle for a first time contract at the SF Marriott Hotel continues. On July 31, a 16-hour picket line was held to mark the one-year anniversary of the historic two-day strike at the hotel. Despite the escalating anti-union campaign launched by management, 75% of the workers scheduled to work honored the strike and did not cross the picket line. The intent of the noisy protest was to raise guests' awareness of the boycott and lengthy labor dispute at the hotel. Watch video of the picket line, and read a comprehensive history of the labor dispute.

The workers\\\' struggle for a first time contract at the SF Marriott Hotel continues. On July 31, a 16-hour picket line was held to mark the one-year anniversary of the historic two-day strike at the hotel. Despite the escalating anti-union campaign launched by management, 75% of the workers scheduled to work honored the strike and did not cross the picket line. The intent of the noisy protest was to raise guests' awareness of the boycott and lengthy labor dispute at the hotel. Watch video of the picket line, and read a comprehensive history of the labor dispute.

Labor and media activists from around the world gathered for Labor Tech 2001 Conference this weekend at the University of San Francisco. Labor Tech seeks to strengthen labor solidarity, education, and communication through the strategic use of media and technology. Details

12/13: Oakland day laborers are holding a march and rally calling for a repeal of the city’s "Anti-Solicitation Ordinance." The act has caused police to continually harass the workers, forcing the loss of numerous jobs. The day laborers are also demanding that city officials respect their rights and address their needs- for instance, by providing adequate, accessible bathroom facilities. The combination of an impending recession and escalating anti-immigrant sentiment following 9/11 has had a resounding effect on day laborers. Already facing low wages and very little job security, the workers struggle as jobs become increasingly scarce. On 11/21, the San Francisco Day Labor Program held a press conference and march through the Mission District to call attention to this situation and alert San Franciscans to the availability of this reliable workforce. Video

FTAA Feature: The House of Representatives passed the "Presidential Trade Promotion Authority" bill (aka "Fast Track") on 12/6, moving a step closer to giving Bush unilateral negotiating power on matters of trade. If passed by the Senate, Fast Track would prohibit the addition of enforceable protection for workers' rights and the environment in "Fast-Tracked" agreements. Read more.
EPI's report on the impact of trade deregulation | Public Citizen on the FTAA