[Onthebarricades] Worker protests, October 2008

[global resistance roundup]

* CAMEROON: Workers take shipyard manager hostage
* NIGERIA: Oil workers pray, wear dresses in protest
* TRINIDAD: Workers walk out over dengue outbreak
* INDONESIA: Workers protest against minimum wage cuts, wage cap
* INDONESIA: Workers occupy factory for unpaid wages
* PAKISTAN: Brick kiln workers protest for bailout
* INDIA: Protest roundup
* GREECE: Strikes bring country to standstill
* BULGARIA: Kremikovtzi steel mill protests continue, without permit
* ROMANIA: Public sector workers warn of protest
* FRANCE: Renault workers storm car show
* UK: Ford workers walk out
* US: Arizona - car salesman attacks pickets
* US: Toledo - council workers protest mayor's plan
* US: Writers' guild protests firings
* NEW ZEALAND: Store workers protest "insulting" offer
* US: Troy - Protest targets Republicans
* UK: Protest for sacked cleaners
* US: San Francisco - Banner drop over union-busting
* US: Detroit - workers rally against labour board, for Obama
* IRELAND: Airline cuts spark protest





http://allafrica.com/stories/200810070121.html

Cameroon: Protestors Hold Shipyard GM Hostage
Joe Dinga Pefok
6 October 2008
A group of protesting temporal Chantier Naval workers October 3, held 
the interim General Manager of the Cameroon Shipyard and Industrial 
Engineering Ltd, CNIC, Antoine Bikoro Alo'o, hostage for six hours.
The over 300 workers, who were demanding the payment of their three 
months salary arrears, as well as the improvement of their working 
conditions, locked the General Manager, GM, and some of his 
collaborators in the administrative block.
The main door was fastened with a chain and barricades were erected to 
prevent intervention by the forces of law and order.The protesting 
workers also carried placards, demanding the immediate payment of their 
salary arrears as well as the granting of certain advantages to improve 
on their very poor working conditions.
A squad of armed policemen who were despatched to the scene did not 
attempt to force pass the barricades, probably to avoid a violent 
confrontation.It was the DO of Douala I who moved in with a message of 
peace and dialogue to the protesting workers. And it was only after 
midnight that Bikoro and his collaborators were released at about 6 pm, 
following the intervention of the DO.
Meanwhile, sources say the situation would not have degenerated, but for 
the arrogance of the General Manager, who in a crisis meeting with the 
aggrieved workers on that day, reportedly said anybody who was unwilling 
to work under the existing conditions, should leave the company.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200810160387.html


Nigeria: NNPC Staff in Protest Prayers Against BPE
Luka Binniyat
16 October 2008
A major stir was caused yesterday at the otherwise, serene corporate 
Headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), at 
the Central Area of Abuja when thousands of its workers appeared in red 
dresses to work.
They barricaded all the gates of the four-tower glass structure as early 
as 8:am just to settle into a two-hour prayer session in what they 
tagged, "a four-point agenda and petition to God" against what they 
believe is the "evil" of the Bureau of Pubic Enterprise (BPE) against 
their well being and that of the country.
Men of the Nigerian Police stood watch at strategic positions, as the 
workers' leaders took turns to mobilise them to pray against, "the low 
morale score card" of the Director General of the BPE, Mrs Irene Chigbue 
and for the immediate reversal of the Sales of the Eleme Petrochemical 
Company Limited, Port Harcourt.
The workers were also enjoined to ask the Almighty to change the heart 
of government on the proposed sales of Pipeline and Products Marketing 
Company (PPMC) and the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC).
The workers were told by their leaders to ask their creator to intervene 
that the N3.5 billion realised from the unauthorised sales of the NNPC 
Pension Fund Limited by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) 
in 2006 be paid back to the coffers of the Fund.
But, at a time, the atmosphere became like a carnival as joyous 
Christians songs from loudspeakers moved the once charged gathering of 
crimson red-dressed workers into dances and songs.
But, the importance of the gathering was not lost.
The prayer session was in faith with the 14 days ultimatum issued the 
Federal Government by the Group Executive Council (GEC). of the National 
Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Petroleum 
and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of the NNPC last 
Thursday.
The workers had promised to stage the prayers session in red from 
yesterday pending the expiration of the ultimatum before a full-scale 
industrial action was declared if government took no heed of their demands.
Comrade John Elibe, Group Chairman of PENGASSAN, who led the last lap of 
the Christian prayers said, "we want to appeal to you our father", he 
began, "that you touch the hearts of our leaders to heed to four point 
demand agenda" as the crowd thunders, "amen!" in response.
Addressing the Press after the prayer session, a livid Comrade Ibiba 
Williams, Group Chairman of NUPENG, NNPC sector said, "the sales of EPCL 
by the BPE, was in the least, criminal and fraudulent.
The integrity score of the DG of BPE, Mrs Irene Chigbue is very low. We 
want her removed with immediate effect. She is no longer credible in 
handling the activity of BPE in any privatisation of government 
parastatal, he said, "we have established and we ready to further 
establish that sales of EPCL was fraudulent.
According to him,. The EPCL was grossly undervalued and that 51 per cent 
equity of the company was sold to Indorama for $250 million. But, that 
the PBE went under and raised the equity to 85 per cent but still at the 
same $250 million in 2005.
According to him, even at that, Indorama only paid 10 per cent Initial 
Deposit and the property was forcefully handed over to them by the past 
Minister of State of Petroleum Resources of the equity only.
"As far as we are concerned the BPE sold EPCL to Indorama on credit and 
handed over without payment. It is the proceeds from EPCL that Indorama 
is now using to pay. Till date we do not know if they have finished paying.
We are challenging it because it is very bad and dangerous precedent for 
this country", said the comrade.
With the ultimatum expiring on the 23rd of October, government is yet to 
make any pronouncement on these demands. But it was gathered that the 
PBE and the NNPC management would be meeting today over the issues.






http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,87658.html

PTSC workers protest workplace environment
By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Wednesday, October 8 2008
click on pic to zoom in

DENGUE THREAT: PTSC workers walked off their jobs again yesterday in 
protest of bad environmental working conditions at the engineering 
department in ...
The management of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) has 
been described as “slack” and “inconsiderate” for not dealing with the 
environmental conditions at the Corpora-tion’s engineering department 
which caused the breeding of mosquitoes.
Yesterday marked the second day workers of the engineering department, 
located on the compound at City Gate, boycotted their jobs to protest 
the unhealthy conditions of their work area. The action came after one 
of their colleagues fell ill with dengue fever more than a week ago. He 
is on sick leave. Dengue is transmitted by an infected Aedes Aegypti 
mosquito. The action by the engineering department caused buses to run 
behind schedule, but a PTSC official said all the buses were working and 
“commuters need not worry.”

In an interview at City Gate yesterday the branch President of the 
Transport and Industrial Workers Union PTSC, Port-of-Spain section, 
Brian Johnson, said mosquitoes have been breeding in tyres and drums at 
the engineering department. He said PTSC was aware that the area needed 
cleaning since March when a team from the Occupational Safety and Health 
(OSH) Department of the Labour Ministry along with PTSC management did a 
joint inspection.

“The corporation has been notified of the dangers with respect to the 
health and safety of workers. PTSC promised to put things in place.”

Johnson said the OSH team commented on the general conditions of the 
compound and in particular the engineering department. “The situation 
with the tyres was also highlighted”.

Apart from cleaning drains, Johnson said nothing else was done prior to 
the workers’ action. He said the union received information from the 
contractor hired to remove the tyres that he was prepared “a long time 
ago,” however “bureaucracy” from PTSC delayed him.

Johnson said personnel from the Health Ministry also visited the PTSC 
months ago and “identified the location of mosquitoes breeding. They 
asked that the tyres be removed.”

Johnson said a follow-up visit found mosquitoes, and spraying was done 
in August but nothing was done to deal with the breeding ground. “It is 
six weeks since they promised to have things addressed,” he added.

Approximately 200 people work in the engineering department. Johnson 
said the workers would resume their duties when the situation is 
completely rectified. The union he said was doing ongoing inspections to 
note the progress of the clean up.

Commenting on the situation, PTSC Director of Transforma-tion and 
Infrastructure, Vincent Lynch said, “we have been making arrangements to 
dispose of the tyres.”

He said the contractor was to begin removal over the weekend but “ran 
into difficulties” and began removal on Monday. He said Public Health 
Inspectors did visit the compound “a week or so ago” and suggested the 
area be cleaned.






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Union members rally against minimum wage decree

Jakarta Post - October 30, 2008

Andra Wisnu, Denpasar -- Laborers gathered under
the Bali chapter of the National Front for the
Struggle of Indonesian Workers (FNPBI) rallied in
Denpasar on Wednesday opposing a recent joint
ministerial decree allowing companies to cap their
wages.

Some 100 workers, mostly women, carried banners and
yelled, "No to SKB-4 (in reference to the decree)!
Yes to fuel price reduction!", while marching
through the Bali Provincial Legislative Council
building to the governor's office and Renon Square.

The decree, signed by Manpower and Transmigration
Minister Erman Suparno, Trade Minister Mari Elka
Pangestu, Industry Minister Fahmi Idris and Home
Minister Mardiyanto on Friday, is expected to
discourage local administrations from raising
regional minimum wages beyond the capabilities of
manufacturing firms.

Existing regulations give local administrations
more authority in determining adjustments to the
minimum wage, undercutting companies whose
financial resources may be at stake.

Laborers at the rally complained that companies may
use the decree as leverage to cancel plans by local
administrations to raise the minimum wage amidst an
already dire economic situation in the wake of the
US-led global financial crisis.

The decree would only destroy the lives of
Indonesian laborers, said Ayu Pradewati, a rally
coordinator.

"Food prices are rising, fuel is already high. How
do they expect us to take care of our family when
they're only paying us Rp 600,000 (US$55) a month?

"Not only that, but global crude oil prices are
down now, so how come our fuel prices are still
high? It's just too much," Pradewati said.

Ikhsan Tontowi, another rally coordinator, demanded
the decree be revoked, calling it an "insult" to
laborers across Indonesia.

"If our minimum wage increase is based on the
national economic growth of 6 percent, then we
would receive an average raise of just Rp 48,000,"
he said. "This is just not enough, not even close
to being enough," he said.

The rally demanded the government slash export
tariffs and raise import tariffs, specifically on
consumable goods, and delay payments of national
debts for further spending on social programs in
order to raise the public's purchasing power.

It was the first rally opposing the decree in
Indonesia, although other labor unions in cities
such as Jakarta and Surakarta, Central Java, have
already stated their plans to conduct bigger and
louder rallies.

The government has stated that the decree was only
a temporary measure to protect local economies
against fallout from the global economic crisis,
setting no official timetable for a cancellation of
the decree.

***************************************************







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Workers demand pay rise

Tempo Interactive - October 15, 2008

Dini Mawuntyas, Jakarta -- Around three hundred
workers demonstrated at the Regional House of
Representatives in Surabaya East Java to demand
rise on low pay.

The demo was organized by the Congress of
Indonesian Trade Union Alliance (KASBI) urging the
regional legislators to mediate negotiation to
increase wage with their employers and the Surabaya
city administration.

Workers demanded a regional minimum wage at Rp 1,5
million per month while the city administration set
the minimum pay in the city at Rp 964 thousand
(US$96.59). Workers said the current inflation has
stretched their low income beyond limit.

Workers also demanded the regional representatives
to summon PT Propindo Megah Tama, PT Istana Tiara
Surabaya, and PT Fastfood Indonesia for not
fulfilling the rights of hundreds of workers on
oter violation of workers right, saying the
regional labor office have failed to impose strict
measures against employers.







---------------------------------------------------

Ex-Workers occupy plant in demand for pay

Tempo Interactive - October 15, 2008

Syaipul Bakhori, Jakarta -- Hundreds of workers
occupied a timber company in Jambi demanding their
unpaid salaries and severance pay.

Around 300 ex-workers of PT Loka Rahayu Plywood
demostrated near the company's facility supported
by the provincial legislators to demand the company
to pay severance fund an unpaid salaries of 555 ex-
workers totalled at Rp 31,5 million.

The support boosted the protesters to occupy the
plant and a sleeping quarter for workers, forcing
staff guarding the company's facility to leave.

The company reportedly owned by a Taiwan national,
a regional representatives joining the demo said
the company should fulfill its responsibility to
its ex-workers.







---------------------------------------------------


Seven protest actions to enliven Jakarta today

Detik.com - October 16, 2008

Between 10am and 4pm, it will be the turn of the
Victims of the Curator Employees Alliance (AKKK) to
hold an action at the Supreme Court, the State
Palace and the Constitutional Court.






http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=140454

Brick kiln labourers stage protest Saturday, October 11, 2008
Noor Aftab

Islamabad

A large number of brick kiln labourers Friday staged a protest 
demonstration and urged the government to bail them out from inhuman 
living conditions, ensuring provision of healthier life standard as 
envisaged in the Constitution.

The demonstration was organised by All Pakistan Brick Kilns Association 
(APBKA). The labourers from various cities of Punjab including Sargodha, 
Sialkot, Chakwal, Malakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Multan and 
Phalia marched through the street in front of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad 
Press Club (Camp Office) and staged a sit-in for half-an-hour before 
returned back to their hometowns.

They chanted slogans against the atrocities of owners of brick kilns and 
their contractors who, according to the protestors, subject them to 
severe torture and force them to lead an inhuman life.

The protestors waited with a hope that any of the officials from the 
Labour Ministry or other relevant department would come and listen to 
their grievances but all their hopes dashed to the ground as no one 
bothered to come to them.

During an interaction with ‘The News’ a representative group of these 
protesting labourers alleged that they have been leading an inhuman life 
at the hands of owners of the brick kilns and all their requests to the 
relevant quarters have fallen on deaf ears.

Bashir Ahmad, provincial president of APBKA, said the Federal Shariat 
Court on October 10, 2005 rejected eight similar appeals of owners of 
the brick kilns against Bonded Labour Act and announced its 40-page 
verdict against bonded labour.

He said the Supreme Court in 2006 also ordered the federal and 
provincial governments to take effective measures to curb bonded labour 
and ensure that the labourers lead an honourable life.

He demanded of the government to remove false cases against some 
office-bearers of APBKA and provide land and homes to the labourers who 
have been facing worst crises since decades.

Muhammad Inayat, president of APBKA (Sargodha chapter), said the 
government has failed to implement minimum wages law, alleging the 
officials of the Labour Ministry always favoured the owners of the brick 
kilns.

Zubaida Bibi from Mandi Bahauddin said all her family members work round 
the clock and the owners pay them only Rs200 for 1,000 bricks and they 
have been living hand to mouth over the last fifteen years.

She said they were subjected to torture and inhuman treatment and no one 
cared if any of them got ill and sustained injuries during their hard work.

Bushra Rahim from Gujranwala said the owners cut down their wages at the 
end of each season (six months period) as an interest on the money 
borrowed by their forefathers.

“All my three little daughters work with me at the brick kilns and 
sometimes I wish to die as I cannot see them leading such a disgusting 
life,” she said.

Manzoor Ahmad from Tarlai (Islamabad) said he has been suffering from 
multiple diseases for the past few years and whenever he requested 
contractors or any government official for medical help they flatly 
showed their inability to do anything in this regard.

He said they usually could not read or write so they have no knowledge 
about the debt accounts maintained by the owners and added he believed 
that most of these accounts were incorrect and tampered.







http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/oct/15jet2.htm

Jet Airways staff protest against retrenchment

October 15, 2008 15:25 IST

About 300 Jet Airways [Get Quote] employees, including cabin-crew, on 
Wednesday staged a protest outside the airline's office in Mumbai 
against the management's move to retrench nearly 1,000 staffers.
"The (Jet) management cannot take away our jobs all of a sudden and 
without any prior notice," a protesting cabin-crew staff told PTI.
The employees, who staged the protest in suburban Andheri, are also 
contemplating seeking political intervention.
"We might approach Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and 
seek his help in saving our jobs," he said.
A top Jet Airways official had, earlier, told PTI that the airline has 
laid-off up to 1,000 jobs to rationalise its operations.
The entire force of unconfirmed staff is being laid off on a 30-day 
compensation package, the official said.
"It is a part of handling economic slowdown and carefully rationalising 
operations," he said, adding that the downsizing is based on capacity, 
load-factor and traffic patterns.
The rationalisation seeks to optimise operations, the official said, 
adding the air-carrier has stopped some of its existing flights, 
including that to San Francisco in the US.
Among those protesting are customer-care employees and flight dispatchers.
Jet, had on Monday, announced that it was forming an alliance with its 
main rival -- the Vilay Mallya-run Kingfisher Airlines -- to cut costs, 
share resources and routes.
Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal and Kingfisher chief Vijay Mallya had said the 
coming together of the two private airlines was in tune with the global 
practice of reducing 'killing' costs.

The tie-up, however, does not have any equity involvement, they had said.
The airlines together account for 60 per cent market share in the 
domestic civil aviation sector.
The alliance would work together on seven fronts, including route and 
code-sharing as also sharing of crew, a move that would help them cut 
exorbitant costs that had been putting enormous pressures on them, 
especially in the last two years.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101050300200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

CITU warns of protest
Staff Reporter
MADURAI: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has warned of staging 
a protest over the Madurai Aavin management’s decision on the commission 
paid for vendors.
Demand for increasing the current commission rate of 50 paise a litre 
had been made for years, B. Vikraman, Madurai (urban) district secretary 
of CITU, said in a release.
Condemning the “unilateral” move to revise commission rate by 10 paise, 
the CITU called upon the management to hold discussions with the union 
and arrive at an amicable solution.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101461070400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Black badge protest
BANGALORE: Members of Karnataka Raste Mazdoor Sangha Okkoota, employees 
of State Road Transport Corporations, will work wearing a black badge 
from October 16 to 18.
A release from the okkoota said the protest is being held to protest the 
6 per cent increase in salary of corporation employees.
— Staff Reporter





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101651390300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Anganwadi employees protest
Staff Correspondent
Bijapur: Members of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Employees’ Association 
staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on 
Wednesday urging the Government to fulfil their various demands, 
including minimum wages for anganwadi employees. A procession was taken 
out from Sri Siddeshwar temple through the main streets, and slogans 
were raised against the State Government and Chief Minister B.S. 
Yeddyurappa. They agitators demanded that 7,194 anganwadi employees, who 
had lost their jobs owing to the High Court decision, be reappointed by 
making changes in the recruitment rules. They also demanded that the 
Government provide job guarantee to all the association members and 
extend provident fund and retirement benefits to them.
A memorandum in this regard was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101652770400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Wage revision: KSRTC staff stage protest
Staff Reporter
6 p.c. hike too little than what has been offered to State and Union 
government staff
— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Up in arms: Members of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation staging a 
dharna in Bangalore on Wednesday.
BANGALORE: Members of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation held a 
dharna near KSRTC central office on Wednesday protesting against the 
unilateral six per cent wage revision and seeking fulfilment of the 
various other demands of workers.
Federation general secretary H.V. Ananthasubba Rao led the members, who 
marched from the BMTC central office to KSRTC central office before 
commencing the dharna. Six per cent hike in wages for employees of 
KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and NEKRTC was too little than what had been offered 
to State and Central government employees, the federation said.
The managements had been taking unilateral decisions on wage revision, 
the federation alleged and added it was due to the absence of a 
representative trade Union. The federation also demanded an immediate 
halt to the trainee employee concept, saying it violated the Minimum 
Wages Act.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/23/stories/2008102351810300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

Protests dropped
PUDUCHERRY: The Puducherry State Municipality and Commune Panchayat 
Employees Federation have decided to suspend their protests after the 
Chief Minister assured them to implement the recommendations of the 
Sixth Pay Commission immediately. The federation has been holding a 
number of protests demanding implementation of pay-scales recommended by 
the Commission.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101760061200.htm

Sacked Jet staff protest at Delhi airport
Parul Sharma
They shouted slogans against Naresh Goyal and Vijay Mallya
— Photo: V V Krishnan.

ON A WARPATH: Employees of Jet Airways on a protest march at the IGI 
domestic terminal in New Delhi on Thursday.
NEW DELHI: A large number of cabin crew employees of Jet Airways staged 
a demonstration at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on 
Thursday protesting against their abrupt dismissal from service and 
demanding that they be taken back.
Dressed in uniform, the cabin crew staff of the private air carrier 
gathered at Terminal 1-B and shouted slogans against Jet Airways chief 
Naresh Goyal and Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya and in favour 
of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for supporting their 
Mumbai colleagues.
The employees stood in front of the airline counters inside the terminal 
to prevent people from buying tickets, leading to their closure for a 
brief period.
About 300 Jet Airways cabin crew members have been laid off in Delhi alone.
“I was waiting for my cab to take me to the airport on Tuesday. When it 
did not turn up, I called up our rostering office and that’s when they 
told me that I have been de-rostered and no reasons were given. They did 
not even have the decency to call up the crew and inform them about the 
decision,” said a flight steward.
Rahul Jain, who hails from Jaipur, regretted his decision to quit his 
high-paying job with Qatar Airways to join Jet Airways to be closer home.
“My father recently had a heart attack and I wanted to be with my 
family, which is why I took up a job with this airline. I have taken a 
loan for my sister’s wedding. And suddenly, I am out of job. I have no 
idea how I will repay the loan. When we joined the airline, they said 
you have become our family. Is this the way to deal with family 
members?” he asked.
The employees carried out a protest march to Terminal 1-A to meet the 
airline base manager Vipul Bhalla. They even tried to prevent other Jet 
Airways cabin crew from entering the airport.
Not all Delhi-based employees who have been terminated are unconfirmed 
staff. A number of them had already signed their confirmation letter 
sometime ago but were yet to receive a copy of it.
“This seems like a pre-planned move. Why else were our confirmation 
letters not released from the Mumbai office in time? This is no way to 
treat us. There are other ways of cutting costs,” said another steward.
The retrenched staff also feels “cheated” because they spent Rs. 2 lakh 
on their training in Mumbai.
At a meeting with Mr. Bhalla, the staff told him that they were willing 
to work without pay for a certain period. He reportedly assured them 
that he would convey it to the management in Mumbai.
Actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar, who was flying out of the airport, 
assured the employees that he would speak to the Jet Airways chief.
Raktima Bose reports from Kolkata:
Members of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Ground 
Workers’ Union, supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Union, 
threatened here on Thursday to stall Jet Airways flight operations from 
the city if the airline’s decision to lay off 1,900 airline staff was 
not repealed.
They submitted a memorandum to Jet Airways authorities demanding 
reinstatement of the laid-off employees.
The union members staged a demonstration in front of the domestic 
terminal on Thursday along with some of the retrenched staff. Twenty-one 
cabin crew have been handed the pink slip by the airline in the city.
Ground staff of Air India and Kingfisher Airlines also joined the 
demonstration.
“We want our jobs back even if that means a compromise on our salary,” 
said Soumen Chakroborty, an entrenched cabin crew member. He had joined 
the airline in February 2008 and was on probation.
He added that they were not served any termination letter and the 
airline has not yet contacted them personally.
“The deposit amount of Rs. 55,000 that we had to pay at the beginning of 
our training with the airline as well as our salary for the months of 
September and October are still not been cleared by the authorities,” 
said another retrenched cabin crew member Rumela Mukherjee.
“We support the All India Airport Employees’ Union’s demand for Civil 
Aviation Minister Praful Patel’s resignation,” said Swapan Gupta, 
general secretary of the NSCBI Airport Ground Workers’ Union.
He also pointed out Air India’s declaration to offer leave without pay 
for three to five years to 15,000 employees and threatened to “launch 
greater movement if such irrational policies are adopted by the airlines 
in the name of cutting costs.”






http://story.indiagazette.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/701ee96610c884a6/id/419927/cs/1/

Guruvayoor priests protest colleagues' suspension over cigarette in 
prasadam
India Gazette
Saturday 18th October, 2008
(IANS)
Guruvayoor (Kerala) Oct 18 (IANS) Junior priests in Kerala's famed Sree 
Krishna Guruvayoor temple Saturday decided to delay the preparation of 
prasadam (holy offering) to protest the suspension of four of their 
colleagues following the discovery of a cigarette stub in the prasadam.

Four junior priests (keezhu shantis) were suspended Friday after they 
were held responsible for the presence of the cigarette stub in the 
prasadam, which was found by a devotee from Bangalore Oct 11.

Everyday at 5 a.m devotees queue up to receive the prasadam, which is 
kept ready by keezhu shantis by 4.30 a.m. However, the distribution of 
the holy offering was delayed by about 90 minutes Saturday since the 
priests took an inordinate amount of time to prepare the prasadam to 
protest the suspension of their colleagues.

'Since the keezhu shantis were on a 'go slow' mode there was a delay of 
90 minutes. They demanded that we certify all the raw material they use 
to make the prasadam and revoke the suspension of the four junior 
priests. We agreed to the former demand but not the latter,' temple 
official P.A. Ashok Kumar told IANS.

'There are about 178 keezhu shantis who are drawn from 13 nampoothiri 
(Brahmin) families and do the work of preparing the food in the temple. 
They are not employees but are here on the basis of hereditary rights. 
They are given a share of the collection made out of the sale of food 
items,' Kumar added.






http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_sacked-jet-employees-hold-demonstrations_1198706

Sacked Jet employees hold demonstrations
IANS
Thursday, October 16, 2008 20:11 IST

NEW DELHI: Dozens of Jet Airways employees, who were sacked by the 
airline, held a demonstration at the Indira Gandhi International Airport 
here on Thursday.
"We are jobless. This is a wrong practice and shows the high-handedness 
of our employer," said an agitated employee, who joined the 
demonstration at the domestic 1B terminal at the airport.
Hundreds of retrenched staff, including pilots, cabin crew and ground 
staff, held protests at the Jet Airways office in Mumbai Wednesday and 
even knocked on the doors of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj 
Thackeray, seeking his intervention in the matter.
The airline has laid off 850 employees following a strategic and 
operational alliance with rival Kingfisher Airlines. Jet said 1,900 jobs 
were on the block.
Senior Commandant of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Udayan 
Banerjee told IANS the airline employees were holding a peaceful 
demonstration. CISF oversees security of the airport.
"They (the sacked Jet employees) have been on demonstration since 10 
a.m. today (Thursday). They are holding agitation peacefully. But 
despite that, we have beefed up the security and have deployed security 
personnel from the CISF and the Delhi Police," Banerjee said.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100453210300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

Loadmen stage demonstration
Staff Reporter
SALEM: Members of Salem Railway Loadmen Association staged a 
demonstration here on Friday urging the Railway administration to create 
basic amenities in the Salem Market Railway Goods Shed.
The shed, which employs over 250 loadmen, lacks amenities such as rest 
room, drinking water supply provisions, proper lighting, toilets and 
bathrooms.
The workers have to sleep on the platforms.
Despite repeated representations, the administration continued to 
neglect the demands of loadmen, they charged.
Adequate facilities should also be created in the goods sheds in Erode, 
Tirupur and Coimbatore, they said.






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7681504.stm

Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:48 UK

Strike-hit Greece at standstill

The government plans have provoked a series of nationwide strikes
Air traffic, urban transport and public services have ground to a halt 
in Greece, where hundreds of thousands of people have walked out on strike.
Thousands marched through Athens in protest at privatisation, caps on 
pay and reforms to the pension system.
A small group of protesters threw stones and clashed with riot police, 
who fired tear gas.
But there were no reports of injuries and for the most part rallies in 
the capital passed off peacefully.
Country 'at a halt'
Public offices across the country were forced to close, with hundreds of 
thousands of people thought to have joined the nationwide strike, called 
by two unions representing some 2.5 million people.
Nearly 200 domestic and international flights and many train services 
were cancelled, and ferries were forced to remain in port.
State hospitals ran on skeleton staffs, while schools, universities and 
post offices kept their doors closed.
Bank staff, lawyers, journalists and civil engineers also joined the 
strike.
Thousands of people take to the streets in Greece
"The country has effectively come to a halt," said union spokesman 
Efstathios Anestis.
"Participation is very high, in many sectors it exceeds 90% of the work 
force."
There was no confirmation of that estimate from the government, and with 
journalists also on strike, reliable news was sparse.
Two marches wound their way through Athens, displaying opposition to the 
2009 draft budget, due to go before parliament this week.
Many of the protesters called for increased government support - 
demanding the minimum wage be doubled.
They decried a 28bn-euro (£22bn) government rescue package to banks hit 
by the international credit crisis - one banner read: "Not one euro to 
support the capitalists."
The unions are also opposing the government's plans to privatise the 
loss-making Olympic Airlines.
The conservative government of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis wants to 
press ahead with its privatisation plans and the overhaul of the 
country's debt-ridden pension system.
The plans include eliminating most early retirement schemes, merging 
pension funds and capping auxiliary pensions.
Mr Karamanlis has promised to shield consumers from price rises and 
compensate workers from privatised firms.
However, the plans have provoked a series of nationwide strikes and 
demonstrations.





http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=97905
Bulgaria Troubled Steel Mill Remains without Permit, Unions Stage New 
Protests
15 October 2008, Wednesday

The troubled Bulgarian steel mill "Kremikovtzi" is not going to receive 
its complex environmental permit by the October 23 deadline because the 
mill is still not complacent with ecological requirements. Photo by 
Nadiya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
| buy photo |

The troubled steel mill "Kremikovtzi" is not going to receive its 
complex environmental permit by the deadline because the mill is still 
not complacent with ecological requirements, according to the Bulgarian 
Deputy Environmental Minister Chavdar Georgiev.

The Deputy Minister stated Wednesday that the biggest difficulty before 
"Kremikovtzi" has been the unspecified legal entity supposed to lead the 
negotiations with the mill. He declined to determine the exact extension 
to be granted to the mill to obtain the permit. The deadline is October 
23, 2008.

Georgiev further said that the goal of his Ministry was not to 
close"Kremikovtzi," but to assist in realizing the mill's ecological 
program, adding that the fact that the permit was not going to be issued 
was not the Ministry's fault.

The Bulgarian Environmental Minister Dzhevded Chakarov also spoke 
Wednesday and stated that the complex permit was extremely important to 
the steel mill and the distribution of quota for the greenhouse gases, 
but was adamant that "Kremikovtzi" was not going to receive the permit 
until the mill complies with all ecological requirements. The minister 
did, however, promise that the Environmental Ministry would negotiate 
with the European Commission (EC) to avoid imposing sanctions on the 
country.

In the meantime, the mill workers declared that they were preparing new 
protests for next Tuesday. The reason is the failed contract with the 
Ukrainian company "Vorskla Steel" for work with raw materials supplied 
by it.

The Trade Unions at the mill have stated that the government had one 
week to schedule a meeting between the mill management and the unions to 
discuss ways to solve the crisis at "Kremikovtzi." The Unions are 
requesting an emergency meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey 
Stanishev and Environmental Minister Dzhevded Chakarov.

The Unions further insist that the contract with "Vorskla Steel" becomes 
annulled due to the lack of promised investments and salaries, which 
have not been paid since August

The Chair of the "Steel Workers" Federation Vasil Yanachkov, said that 
the Ukrainian company has not provided the EUR 180 M supposed to lead to 
the normal functioning of the mill. According to Yanachkov, it was the 
Cabinet's fault that they have turned down the bigger and better 
investor "ArcelorMittal," who could obtain the complex permit.

The Unions further promised that they would not allow any repressions of 
workers at the mill due to warnings that some of them might be fired.

During the summer of 2008, "ArcelorMittal" of the Indian tycoon Lakshmi 
Mittal, and Vorskla Steel of the Ukrainian billionaire Konstantin 
Zhevago competed for months with offers to purchase the steel mill. The 
previous contract with ArcelorMittal was renounced after workers' 
protests and the Podkrepa trade union at the mill voiced their firm 
support for "Vorskla Steel."






http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/237928,bulgarian-steel-mill-hit-by-new-protest.html

Bulgarian steel mill hit by new protest
Posted : Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:45:19 GMT
Author : DPA
Category : Europe (World)
Sofia - Workers at Bulgaria's moribund Kremikovtzi steel mill Tuesday 
protested to reiterate their demand for unpaid salaries. Hundreds of 
workers blocked the front gate of the mill near the capital Sofia, 
complaining that they have not been paid since July. The protest had 
been on hold after the mill management had promised "all measures" and 
find money for August and July salaries.
The unions are unhappy with the Kremikovtzi majority stakeholder, the 
Indian-born steel magnate Pramod Mittal, brother of Lakshmi, the chief 
executive of the world's largest steel concern, ArcelorMittal.
ArcelorMittal expressed interest in buying the remaining 25 per cent of 
the Kremikovtzi capital from the Bulgarian government, but the deal 
never materialized.
Another potential investor, the Ukrainian tycoon Konstantin Zhevago's 
Vorskla Steel, also seemed interested and has backed Kremikovtzi by 
supplying raw material since August, when the mill went into a deep 
liquidity crisis.
Vorskla director for Bulgaria, Victor Demyanyuk, however announced 
Monday it was terminating the deal with Kremikowtzi, saying its workers 
"became accustomed to holding strikes instead of working."
The current output of Kremikovtzi, a Communist-era giant, is at 70,000 
tons, less than half of its 150,000-ton capacity.
One of the key hurdles to efficient investment into the mill is the cost 
of upgrades needed to be in line with EU environmental standards.
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=98106

Kremikovtzi Management Reaches Agreement with Protesting Workers
21 October 2008, Tuesday

Workers in Kremikovtzi steel mill staged yet another protest over unpaid 
salaries. Photo by BGNES
The management of Kremikovtzi announced they will take all measures 
necessary to pay the August and September salaries to the workers in the 
steel mill, who staged yet another protest on Tuesday morning.

"The management said they need to hold more meetings, including with 
Vorskla Steel and the Ministry of Economy and Energy," Reneta Petrova 
from the KNSB trade union said after the discussions.

Vorskla Steel, the company of the Ukrainian tycoon Konstantin Zhevago, 
announced Monday it is planning to annul its contract with the troubled 
factory, which was signed in August and provides for work with raw 
materials supplied by Vorskla.

"The workers have become accustomed at organizing strikes instead of 
working," the company's Executive Director for Bulgaria, Victor 
Demyanyuk, had declared in connection with the unions at the mill 
staging rallies over unpaid salaries.






http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/25/content_10248201.htm

Romanian public servants demand wage hikes, threaten street protests

BUCHAREST, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Romanian public sector employees, except 
those staff in the education system, said Friday they demand a 50 
percent wage hikes will start ample street protests and general strikes, 
after President Traian Basescu passed a law hiking teachers' wages.
Public servants said they will stick to their planned protests and start 
a general strike on Nov. 13, Sed Lex Union leader Vasile Marica said.
"Basescu and the Parliament made the right decision. Now we're keeping 
the government under pressure," Marica said.
Unionists in healthcare said they are sticking to their protest plans as 
well, and they are expecting the health minister's wage hike offer by 
Nov. 3.
President Basescu approved on Friday a 50 percent wage hike for 
education system employees, a law that the government warned would 
jeopardize economic stability.
Early October, the Romanian Parliament adopted a 50 percent wage 
increase for education system employees. Following the decision, the 
government contested the law at the Romanian Constitutional Court, but 
the court decided the law was constitutional.
Mid-October, Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said such an 
increase cannot be supported financially and would trigger a major 
crisis in the Romanian economy.
According to some local analysts, if the law goes through, the salary 
increase for education system employees would trigger an avalanche of 
wage hike requests from all other sectors, including the private one.





http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/10/business/EU-France-Auto-Protest.php

Protesters disrupt Paris auto show

The Associated Press
Published: October 10, 2008


PARIS: Hundreds of angry Renault workers and other protesters stormed a 
Paris car show Friday to register their discontent about expected job 
cuts at the French automaker and restructuring in the industry.
Blaring horns and setting off firecrackers, the demonstrators showered 
union leaflets on prototype cars and unfurled banners as police kept 
watch at the Mondial de l'Automobile auto show.
Renault management last month announced 6,000 job cuts in Europe — or 
about five percent of its total work force — in hopes of keeping the 
automaker competitive and ensuring its long-term development.
Renault workers led the protest, which also included employees of French 
auto parts maker Valeo, U.S. car maker Ford, French tire maker Michelin 
and domestic Renault rival Citroen.
Protesters said some 5,000 people took part, though police put the 
number at around 2,400.
Separately Friday, Renault SA said it had named Patrick Pelata as chief 
operating officer, a newly created position aimed to help boost its 
operational capabilities.
Pelata, 53, will keep his previous responsibilities as leader of 
Renault's European management committee.
In July, Renault reported a 37-percent increase in six-month net profit 
but said it's falling behind sales targets. The company has said it 
plans to ease back on output to adjust for expected lower sales and 
economic slowdown.





http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7681785.stm

Tuesday, 21 October 2008 14:00 UK

Ford workers in protest walkout

The Southampton factory employs 1,100 people
Workers at the Ford Transit factory in Southampton have downed tools in 
a protest over the firm's future plans.
The company branded the walkout by up to 100 of the 500 staff on site on 
Monday as "unconstitutional" and having "no legal basis".
Employees left at 1200 BST - two hours before the end of their shifts.
The factory has already implemented a four-day week due to "softening 
market conditions". Ford also wants to cut production by about 50% by 2011.
A Ford spokesman said: "This is taken seriously as an unnecessary 
distraction from the task in hand - satisfying Transit customers in a 
shrunken and tough market."
Future fears
He stopped short of promising that workers would face disciplinary 
action but said the company would respond with the "right reaction".
"The plant was not fully manned and it obviously had some impact on 
delivering what our customers need," he added.
The Unite union has said it feared future plans could lead to the 
long-term closure of the Hampshire plant, which employs 1,100 people.
It opposed the introduction of the four-day week, brought in at the 
start of this month until the end of the year, in response to the 
downturn in the market.
Ford said it was planning to continue making the Transit panel van at 
the plant until 2011.
After that it wants to use the site to only make the "chassis cab" 
version of the Transit, cutting production from 75,000 to 35,000 a year.






http://www.azcentral.com/community/peoria/articles/2008/10/09/20081009gl-peopicket1009-ON.html

Peoria car salesman clashes with pickets, gets arrested
133 comments by Cecilia Chan - Oct. 9, 2008 08:49 AM
The Arizona Republic
Pickets are alleging that a car salesman assaulted them in front of 
Power Chevrolet-Arrowhead in Peoria as they carried signs denouncing 
Nissan's handling of a recall problem.
The pickets are making the rounds of Valley auto dealerships, including 
those owned by AutoNation, like Power.
Peoria police have forwarded the incident to city prosecutors for 
possible charges against the Chevrolet employee, who was arrested.
“The case is under review and a decision has not been made,” said 
Sherine Zaya, city spokeswoman.
Zaya said prosecutors hadn't indicated when they would complete their 
review.
“On the day of the attack, we had been there from 9:30 (a.m.) to 2 
(p.m.) without any incidents,” said Chris Caplanis of Black Canyon City. 
“We were 30 minutes from leaving when the guy came through the line.”
Caplanis, a plumber, and fellow protester Debra Wescott, also of Black 
Canyon City, claim that salesman Max Cohen charged and pushed both of 
them on Sept. 21. Three Black Canyon City teens, ages 14, 15 and 16, 
also took part in the picketing.
“There were no profanities or threats,” said Wescott, a medical 
assistant who is having problems with her 2006 Nissan Altima. “We didn't 
impede anybody, we didn't shout at anybody or stop any sales.”
Wescott said they have faced harassment by employees at other dealerships.
Cohen told police that Caplanis and Wescott were yelling and scaring off 
potential car buyers. Upset, he made a cardboard sign that read, “I am 
with Dumb and Dumber,” and went to the sidewalk. After putting his sign 
up, he said, he began walking toward the pickets.
Cohen, in the police report, claims he tripped over the pickets' ice 
chest on the sidewalk and then was pushed, losing his balance and 
falling into the two victims. His version was supported by two fellow 
employees.
Officer Michael Lesher viewed a video shot by Wescott of the incident 
and said in his report, “I observed Max swing his right arm with a 
closed fist toward Chris. I cannot tell if impact is made with the 
closed fist. Max then laughs and walks away.
“It appears in the video Max charged through the group, and at a fast 
pace. With Max being (the) larger male, he collided with Debra Wescott. 
I cannot tell if Max tripped or was pushed.”
The officer also noted that the ice chest, which blocked almost half of 
the sidewalk, did not appear to have been moved or disturbed during the 
incident.
Lesher said he informed Cohen that the whole incident was on tape but 
that Cohen did not change his story.
In the meantime, both Caplanis and Wescott plan to return this Saturday 
and Sunday to the Peoria dealership with signs in hand.





http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081015/NEWS16/810150373/-1/RSS

Wednesday, October, 2008
Councilmen protest Toledo mayor's plan
Mandatory 2-day furlough criticized
By IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The Finkbeiner administration's plan to force more than 100 city 
employees to take two days off without pay was met with disdain 
yesterday by some Toledo councilmen who are being asked to approve the 
budget-cutting measure.
"I just don't think that it should be mandatory," council President Mark 
Sobczak said. "They are asking us to change the Toledo Municipal Code so 
the city doesn't get into a position where those who were off for two 
days could challenge it."
The measure, which would save $61,184, is part of Mayor Carty 
Finkbeiner's plan to balance a potential $7 million deficit in Toledo's 
general operating budget.
Robert Reinbolt, the mayor's chief of staff, announced last month that 
64 "executive exempt" employees, which includes commissioners and 
directors, would take the mandatory two-day furloughs.
Exempt classified employees also will be required to take two days off, 
Mr. Reinbolt said.
Since those employees have civil service appeal rights, the Finkbeiner 
administration wants the city code to be modified to allow for "this 
short term off payroll without an argument being made that layoff 
procedures or pre-determination hearings are required," according to the 
ordinance.
Mr. Sobczak, during yesterday's council agenda review meeting, said, 
"That would make it easier for the administration to lay people off.
"That being said, we are broke and need to find ways to cut," he said. 
"I'm just not sure this is the right way to go."
Councilmen Michael Ashford, D. Michael Collins, Mike Craig, and Joe 
McNamara questioned the plan to mandate furloughs.
"You can't plug the dam with a grain of sand," Mr. Collins said.
Mr. Craig suggested the move would be unwise because the city would have 
to spend money defending the action legally.
Council will vote on the request next week during its regular meeting.
The Finkbeiner administration earlier this month ordered three layoffs, 
shuffled seven employees into new positions, and said it would use 
unspent 2008 capital improvement money to close the budget deficit.
The plan will be released in detail at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow to council's 
finance committee.
Also included in the mayor's plan is creating a four-day work week for 
some employees, taking away city-funded cell phones, requiring employees 
who use city-owned vehicles to pay for their own commute fuel costs, and 
voluntary and temporary work furloughs for unionized city employees.
Mr. Reinbolt said he has heard concerns about fairness from the nonunion 
employees who are required to take two days without pay.
"We are hoping that by leading by example that we will encourage those 
in the unions ranks to take furloughs," Mr. Reinbolt said.
"There is probably some reluctance on the part of some people because 
some of them have not gotten a raise for quite awhile … and I am sure 
council has heard what I have heard - that it's unfair to be mandated 
when those in the unions don't have to."
Don Czerniak, president of American Federation of State, County, and 
Municipal Employees Local 7, said he did not think many of the city's 
union employees would volunteer to lose two days' pay.






http://www.wsbtv.com/news/17628868/detail.html?rss=atl&psp=news
Tyler Perry's Studio Opening Draws A-List Stars, Angry Protesters
Sunday, October 5, 2008 – updated: 3:31 pm EDT October 5, 2008

But not everybody was happy with the celebration.
Protesters and a few recently fired writers formed a picket line across 
the street from Perry’s new studio facility.
The Writers Guild of America, West, planned the picket because Perry 
terminated four writers from his TV show “House of Payne.” Some said the 
writers were fired because of their union activities.
Perry's attorney, Matt Johnson, maintained the four were fired "because 
of the quality of their work."








http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10536038&ref=rss

Farmers staff protest 'insulting' pay rise offer
12:02PM Monday Oct 06, 2008
Workers at Farmers stores in Auckland are today taking industrial action 
against what they claim is an "insulting" 20 cents an hour pay rise.
Laila Harre, from the National Distribution Union representing the 
workers, said most staff had been offered an increase of 20c an hour on 
their $13.50 wage.
She said a small number were being offered 60c and others were being 
offered nothing.
Members were to demonstrate outside the company's Queen St branch around 
midday and wear stickers saying "I'm Underpaid".
The union would also visit the Remuera neighbourhood of the company's 
owners and distribute leaflets about the issue to residents.
"We will be bringing the reality of life on low wages to their 
doorstep," Ms Harre said.
She said the latest offer was "insulting", and that the company could 
certainly afford to pay its staff what the union considered a fairer 
wage of at least $15 an hour.





http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/23/ddn102308palinprotestweb.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=16

McCain-Palin protestors join crowd in Troy
Related content:
• Palin: 'Now is not the time to experiment with socialism'
• Palin attacks Biden during Troy visit
• Rally energizes supporters
• Spectators comment on the rally
• Rally photos | Video of her speech
By Nancy Bowman
Staff Writer
Thursday, October 23, 2008
TROY — As people continued to join the line snaking around Hobart arena 
Thursday morning, Oct. 23, for Republican vice presidential nominee 
Sarah Palin's rally, a group of more than 20 protesters from Change To 
Win gathered outside.
The group is a coalition of unions protesting McCain-Palin economic 
policies.
Some carried signs, some wore empty six packs around their necks as they 
chanted "John McCain More of the Same."
Grant Williams of Change To Win said McCain and Palin claim to be for 
the "Joe Six Pack" worker but their policies speak the opposite. "If you 
believe they are for Joe Six Pack, I have some oceanfront property in 
California I want to sell you," Williams said.
Jayne Ruiz of Troy joined the protesters, saying she is concerned about 
continuing job losses.
"I am really worried about the economy. I don't think we can take four 
more years of the same," she said.





http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081020/NEWS09/810200339/-1/RSS

Article published Monday, October, 2008
Protesting plumbers flush with plans for 'Joe'
But McCain supporters at rally like his ideas


Chris James of Toledo picks out a McCain/Palin button from vendor Lee 
Kurtz as he waits outside the SeaGate Centre to attend the John McCain 
rally yesterday.
( THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT )
Zoom | Photo Reprints


By ANGIE SCHMITT
BLADE STAFF WRITER

About 20 members of a local plumbers' union held a protest outside the 
SeaGate Centre yesterday, site of Republican presidential candidate John 
McCain's campaign stop in Toledo.
"The real Joe the plumbers support Barack Obama," said Tom Joseph, 
business manager for Local 50 of the United Association of Plumbers, 
Steamfitters, and Service Mechanics in Northwood.
Mr. Joseph said the union has extended an invitation to Samuel "Joe the 
Plumber" Wurzelbacher to enroll in an apprenticeship program at the 
union's training center.
Mr. Wurzelbacher, 34, a Springfield Township resident, was catapulted 
into the national spotlight after being referenced by Senator McCain 
during last week's presidential debate. Mr. Wurzelbacher had questioned 
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's tax plan when the 
senator made an unscheduled campaign stop in Mr. Wurzelbacher's 
Springfield Township neighborhood Oct. 12.
Part of Mr. Obama's response -"I think that when you spread the wealth 
around, it's good for everybody" - became a lightning rod for 
conservative commentators.
Mr. Wurzelbacher was later found to be unlicensed and to be the subject 
of a tax lien.
Members of Local 50 shouted "McCain's the same," to the people waiting 
to attend the speech, which stretched two blocks down St. Clair Street.
"Joe's being used by this campaign," Mr. Joseph said. "He needs to get 
into a program, he needs to go to work for somebody who can offer him a 
good standard of living and education and benefits … the things that any 
working Joe would like to have."
Among those who waited in line to see Mr. McCain, however, many 
expressed support for Mr. Wurzelbacher's position. He since has said he 
is ideologically opposed to increasing taxes on the wealthy.
Walter Schmidlin, 67, of West Toledo brought a plunger in honor of Mr. 
Wurzelbacher, who has been a patron at his store, Schmidlin Heating & 
Cooling Inc. in Toledo.
"He brought out some of the truth about Obama," Mr. Schmidlin said. "I 
just feel a person should have a chance to work for something rather 
than have it handed to them."
Temperance resident Kevin Meade, 50, a volunteer with the McCain 
campaign, wore a homemade button with an image of a toilet. It said 
"Friends of Joe the Plumber say Flush Obama."
"I think Joe the Plumber has a great point and I think Barack Obama's 
response to him tells us exactly where he's coming from," he said. "We 
need to keep this country from going socialist."
Many of those in the crowd at the speech expressed concern that Mr. 
Obama's proposals diverge from the country's basic economic principles.
"No-bama. No socialism," attendees chanted as they waited to enter the 
convention center.
West Toledo resident Josh Mudse, 33, said he doesn't believe that Mr. 
Obama represents the common man. The financial adviser wore a T-shirt 
that said, "Bitter, typical white person clinging to God and my guns."
"We need smaller, more efficient government," Mr. Mudse said. "People 
need to be responsible for themselves and not look to government for 
solution."
Those in the crowd blamed a Democratically controlled Congress and a 
variety of sources for the global financial crisis.
Robert and Jessica Louy of Genoa said Mr. McCain's solutions represented 
stability, hard work, and fairness.
"He's not trying to give my money to other people," Mrs. Louy, 29 said.
"He's not a Marxist," said her husband.





http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/10/411438.html

Demonstration for sacked Colombian cleaners
Campaign Against Immigration Controls | 23.10.2008 17:54 | Migration | 
Workers' Movements
More than forty people demonstrated outside the Institute of Engineering 
and Technology in Savoy Place in support of Colombian cleaners unfairly 
dismissed by the cleaning company Amey. There was a simultaneous 
demonstration in Bristol outside Amey’s offices there.
One of the sacked cleaners and a former trade unionist in Colombia, 
Julio Mayor, said:

‘We were sacked for trying to communicate with the other staff at the 
National Physical Laboratory about Amey’s violation of the employment 
rights of cleaners there. We are protesting here to publicly request the 
National Physical Laboratory to take action against Amey to stop 
victimising cleaners.’

The cleaners, who are members of the Prospect and Unite unions, had been 
working for the company since it took up the contract at the 
government’s National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, Middlesex. The 
protest is timed to coincide with the 25th Intelligent Sensing 
Programme, an international conference supported and advertised by the 
National Physical Laboratory.

They were suspended for criticising the company for putting an excessive 
workload onto ever fewer staff, for unilaterally changing working terms 
and conditions and for disrespecting grievance procedures. The five were 
sacked on 14th September 2008.

The cleaners were charged with bringing the company into disrepute after 
they sent a leaflet to other NPL staff explaining what was going on in 
the cleaning department and asking for their support, especially against 
victimisation and bullying they were facing from their manager.

Since Amey took over the contract in December 2006 the number of 
cleaners has been reduced from thirty-six to ten as the company has 
looked to cut costs wherever possible, in the process virtually getting 
rid of the living wage won by the original workforce. Four of the 
current ten are temporary workers being paid the minimum wage.

In May 2007 two workers were deported to Brazil and one to Colombia 
after Amey called in the Home Office to check the immigration status of 
workers who were active in the cleaners’ union.

Amey, which posted a £75 million net annual profit, is a majority 
shareholder in Tubelines, which cleans parts of the Underground. Tube 
cleaners who went on strike for a living wage this summer were faced 
with paper checks, immigration raids and deportations to countries 
including Sierra Leone and the Congo.

The action was organised by several solidarity groups including the 
Trade Union and Community Campaign Against Immigration Controls ( 
http://caic.org.uk/) the Latin American Workers Association, London 
Coalition Against Poverty ( http://lcap.org.uk), Colombia Solidarity 
Campaign, Unite-Justice for Cleaners activists at Schroders investment 
bank and others.

There will be further actions outside the Amey offices in Farringdon and 
Colindale next Wednesday and Thursday. Please e mail for more details.
Campaign Against Immigration Controls
e-mail: contact at caic.org.uk
Homepage: http://caic.org.uk/




http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/10/411264.html

Join NPL-Amey cleaner protest Oct 22
cleancake | 20.10.2008 19:07 | Migration | Social Struggles
This is to invite you to our next action in support of the five sacked 
Colombian cleaners working for Amey Plc at the National Physical 
Laboratory (NPL). ( see background story at http://caic.org.uk/node/18 )

Date: Wednesday 22 October Time: meet 12.30 Embankment station (south / 
river exit) to walk together to the Institute of Engineering and 
Technology, next to the Savoy Hotel, Savoy Place (south side), where 
there is an all-day conference which NPL is supporting

Bring: anything visible or noisy.
cleancake






http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=prnw.20081021.DC40560&show_article=1

Oak Harbor Freight Teamsters Protest at Gap Headquarters

Oct 21 12:57 PM US/Eastern Write a Comment

San Francisco Headquarters Scene of Banner Drop
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Teamsters 
rappelled down the side of a building adjacent to The Gap's headquarters 
in San Francisco to bring attention to the company's support of 
union-busting freight firm Oak Harbor Freight Lines. Oak Harbor Freight 
Lines, the company that transports Gap merchandise on the West Coast, 
recently cut health care benefits for its workers and retirees.
"We are here today at Gap Inc. to let the people of San Francisco, and 
the country, know that Gap, Inc. supports union-busters," said Dan 
Jurpik, a striking worker who participated in the banner drop. "I have 
worked for Oak Harbor for 14 years. Now they are slashing our health 
care and bringing in professional strikebreakers to coerce and scare 
loyal long-time employees."
In protest over Oak Harbor Freight Lines' violations of U.S. labor laws, 
workers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho were forced to strike on Sept. 
22. The company also made hostile attempts to intimidate workers. One 
day later, Oak Harbor took the extraordinary step of cutting off health 
care benefits to its workers and retirees.
"This company is treating its employees badly," said Al Hobart, 
President of Teamsters Joint Council 28 and International Vice 
President. "Not only do they not want to negotiate fairly, but now they 
have taken the outrageous step of slashing health care benefits for 
workers. And, to add insult to injury, they cut health care for retirees 
- the very workers who built Oak Harbor into a strong company."
Oak Harbor's biggest freight customer, retail giant Gap Inc., continues 
to provide support to Oak Harbor even after it cut retiree health care 
benefits, froze workers' retirement income and slashed sick leave.
More than 600 Teamsters remain on strike in Washington, Oregon and Idaho 
against Auburn, Washington-based Oak Harbor, after bargaining 
unsuccessfully for a fair contract for the past 11 months.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and 
represents 1.4 million hard working men and women throughout the United 
States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters






http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081018/METRO/810180407&imw=Y

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Metro Detroit union members protest NLRB and rally for Obama
Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- Hundreds of union members from across Metro Detroit gathered 
Saturday at the federal building downtown to protest President Bush's 
administration and the National Labor Relations Board for what union 
members called an assault on workers' rights and the middle class.
The Workers NOW! Coalition organized a march from Michigan and Trumbull 
to the rally at the federal building near Michigan and Cass. It was also 
a show of support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. 
Many attendees wore Obama campaign shirts, held signs showing support 
for Obama or other campaign-related items.
Mark Gaffney, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO told the crowd to take 
Nov. 3 and 4 off to help get Obama elected. He said this would send a 
message to corporations and Republicans that unions have clout.
"That is union power," he told the cheering crowd. "That is what we need 
to do."
Participants in the rally held signs deriding the NLRB and calling for 
more workers' rights.
Congress created the NLRB in 1935 to administer the National Labor 
Relations Act, the primary law governing relations between unions and 
employers in the private sector, according to the NLRB's website.
NLRB officials told The News Thursday that it does not take sides in 
labor disputes, but makes decisions based on facts.
"We enforce the statutes, case law and policy decisions," Stephen 
Glasser, the NLRB's regional director, said earlier in the week. "When 
we investigate a case we take what evidence is available to us and make 
a decision based on both sides. There's no bias."
Ronald Meisburg, general counsel for the NLRB, said in a statement 
released after the rally on Saturday that NLRB collected more than $110 
million last year that was then reimbursed to employees who suffered 
discrimination and helped 2,456 workers get back to work."
"Because of the (board's) highly efficient operations, the great 
majority of parties involved in labor disputes who filed charges of 
unfair labor practices with the NLRB learned quickly whether their 
charges had merit and, if so, secured a remedy," Meisburg said.
Downtown streets were blocked by 9 a.m. for the event as buses, vans, 
trucks and cars loaded with union members parked and prepared for the 
event.
Keith Barnett and Eric Erwine, both installers of insulation, brought 
their children to the rally to show support for unions and Obama.
"I wanted them to see what it means for me to get up every morning at 5 
a.m. to go to work," the 40-year-old Barnett of Flat Rock said as he 
explained why he brought his 13-year-old son Santez and 9-year-old son 
Jaylen. "I don't just sit at a desk, I am making a difference."
Santez said his father has talked about union matters at home and he 
believes his father is right to support unions.
"It would be terrible (without unions)," Santez said. "We wouldn't be 
able to have the things we have at home."
Carpenters Emmett Hassen and Josh Geiser said Obama could help restore 
the middle class.
"We need a candidate that is for the working man," the 45-year-old 
Hassen of Dearborn Heights said. "There is no middle class anymore."





http://www.rte.ie/business/2008/1006/aerlingus.html

Aer Lingus to cut up to 1,500 jobs
Monday, 6 October 2008
Aer Lingus has set a deadline of 1 December for the implementation of a 
€74m cost-cutting programme involving up to 1,500 job cuts through 
redundancies and outsourcing.
At a 2.5 hour meeting this afternoon, management told staff that €50m 
would have to be eliminated from staff costs, €14m from a reduction in 
advertising and distribution costs, airport costs and professional fees, 
and €10m by reducing its long haul aircraft fleet from nine to eight.
SIPTU workers at Aer Lingus have said they would ballot for all-out 
industrial action following the airline's proposal.
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The decision was taken at a meeting of shop stewards this evening.
However, a spokesperson said that the union would be engaging in the 
consultation process with management chaired by the Director of 
Conciliation at the Labour Relations Commission, Kevin Foley.
The Aer Lingus plans are far-reaching.
The airline said its plan includes a voluntary severance or early 
retirement package on the same terms as in 2004 for cabin crew and 
ground staff in airports, catering and cargo divisions.
Sick pay entitlements are to be reduced.
Contracts based on performance-related pay will be introduced from January.
Staff who do not take redundancy may transfer to a new service provider, 
but there will be no opportunity to redeploy within the airline.
In Shannon, the cabin crew base will close entirely. Aer Lingus said 
between 250 and 280 jobs will be lost in Shannon.
Ground operations including check-in, boarding and baggage handlers will 
be outsourced to other companies.
However, Aer Lingus will retain a hangar and a maintenance operation in 
Shannon.
A cabin crew base at Heathrow will also be closed.
Staff may be offered redeployment to Dublin or Cork or alternatively 
will face redundancy.
Services from New York, Boston and San Francisco will be staffed with 
US-based cabin crew from the summer of next year.
The company will commence a programme to move its head office to 
smaller, open-plan facilities.
Aer Lingus has already reported losses of €22m for this year, and is 
forecasting potential losses of over €100m next year - depending on the 
cost of fuel.
Last Friday, the Aer Lingus board finally authorised management to 
proceed with what it described as a cost reduction programme to deliver 
substantial savings necessary to ensure the company's long-term 
viaibility as an independent airline.
The company also stressed that the cost savings must be delivered as a 
matter of urgency.
IMPACT trade union said after the meeting that it regards the proposals 
as draconian and severe.