Workers of the nation's only Lipton tea plant overwhelmingly voted to approve their first union contract yesterday. The workers joined UFCW Local 400 last year and this was the first time in the plant’s 60-year history that the workers got a chance to vote on the terms and conditions of their employment. The contract covers 240 workers at the Suffolk, VA facility and includes significant improvements to working conditions and healthcare benefits. “For the last ten years, we saw so many of our benefits taken away,” said Paul Garrison, a 16-year mechanic. “But now that we have a union, we’re getting them back again.” Philip Surace, a mechanic at Lipton, said his first experience with a union was when he called UFCW Local 400 last spring. “I didn’t know much about unions, but I knew something had to be done. Enough was enough. I was looking for help and the union sent people right away.” Philip quickly pulled together a meeting with his coworkers to learn about their rights to form a union. “Two months later, we had our union. I would encourage anyone who wants to make their workplace better to do the same thing we did.” photo: Lipton workers voting on the contract; photo courtesy UFCW 400's Facebook page Sweatshops, violent worker suppression, and "the race to the bottom" were just some of the topics discussed at the "Worker Rights in the Global Economy" briefing for interns and fellows last week. Cathy Feingold, Director of the AFL-CIO’s International Department, hosted the presentation and discussion for DC labor interns to learn about unions' involvement in worker rights and democracy throughout the world. Interns came ready to engage as they asked questions about the rise of American nativism, the issue of automation, and union involvement in sustainable development. Kevin Lam, an intern at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, said he's thankful for DC events organized for labor interns and the opportunity to learn more about the labor movement outside of APALA's work. For more information on upcoming events for DC labor interns – like tonight’s free screening of “The Trotsky” (see Calendar at right above) -- contact [email protected]. photo by Mack Miller Workers stage a general strike—believed to be the nation’s first—in St. Louis, in support of striking railroad workers. The successful strike was ended when some 3,000 federal troops and 5,000 deputized special police killed at least eighteen people in skirmishes around the city - 1877 New York garment workers win closed shop and firing of scabs after 7-month strike –1890 (No Contract, No Peace: A Legal Guide to Contract Campaigns, Strikes, and Lockouts: This book is a must-have for any union or activist considering aggressive action to combat management’s growing economic war against workers. No Contract, No Peace! references recent union activities and NLRB decisions that have affected the labor relations environment. Schwartz’s familiarity with labor and employment law combines with his activist spirit to provide innovative yet practical tips for mounting and maintaining meaningful campaigns designed to build union and workers’ power.) Fifteen “living dead women” testify before the Illinois Industrial Commission. They were “Radium Girls,” women who died prematurely after working at clock and watch factories, where they were told to wet small paintbrushes in their mouths so they could dip them in radium to paint dials. A Geiger counter passed over graves in a cemetery near Ottawa, Illinois still registers the presence of radium - 1937 The Teamsters and Service Employees unions break from the AFL-CIO during the federation's 50th convention to begin the Change to Win coalition, ultimately comprised of seven unions (4 by 2011: SEIU, Teamsters, UFCW and the UFW). They say they want more emphasis on organizing and less on electoral politics - 2005 |