“The most important word in the language of the working class is ‘solidarity’” Harry Bridges, Australian-born dock union leader, died at age 88 on this date in 1990. He helped form and lead the Int’l Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) for 40 years. photo: Harry Bridges addresses a labor rally in San Francisco, 1965. Union leaders cheered Tuesday as the U.S. Supreme Court tied, 4-4, on a key labor case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association et al. The tie upholds lower court rulings for the teachers and for unions’ right to collect agency fees. AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman called it “a significant victory for all working people and a defeat for corporate interests.” Goldman added that “We should enjoy the victory but get ready for additional cases that are in the pipeline that aim to take away our rights and bust our unions.” Unions appeared headed for a 5-4 loss in the Supreme Court after the Jan. 11 argument of the case, but Justice Antonin Scalia, leader of the court’s conservative bloc, died a month later, and no successor has been confirmed. “Today, working people have persevered in the face of another attack on our rights,” said AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka. “All over the country working people are showing that we won’t allow wealthy special interests or their politicians to stand in our way to join collectively and make workplaces better all across America. In the face of these attacks we are more committed than ever to ensuring that everyone has the right to speak up together for a better life.” - includes reporting by Mark Gruenberg, PAI; photo: January 11 Supreme Court demo; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City The Metro Council’s leadership list has been updated on the Council’s website to reflect the results of last week’s elections. On the Council’s “Contact Us” page you’ll also find names, phone numbers and email addresses for all Council staff. And while you’re on the Council’s website, be sure to check out our Affiliates page to make sure that your local’s information is up to date for the forthcoming 2016 Director of Affiliates! Email any changes to us at [email protected] photo: MWC Executive Board after being sworn in March 21; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City
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