Search

Elsewhere in the world, sectoral bargaining has allowed labor movements to help more workers, more quickly, than by relying on the shop-by-shop organizing strategy common in the US. Compared with workers in other wealthy countries, few American workers are in unions, and they have lower standards of living, less employment security, and fewer organizing rights. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents responses to "Bitter Winter at NYU," by Scott Sherman, featured in the January 9/16, 2006 issue. Letters both praise and dispute the Sherman's reporting on the New York University graduate student strike. Sherman offers a response to his critics and provides new information on NYU's handling of the students' grievances.

The article reports on the condition of the telecommunication industry in the U.S. Due to deregulation, privatizations and destructive competition, shareholder values lost amount to more than $1 trillion. Executives of telecommunications companies including Gary Winnick of Global Crossing and Joe Nacchio of Qwest were said to be involved in anomalies but are not yet sued for criminal charges. Many employees in the industry are losing not only their jobs but also their retirement savings because of worthless company stocks.

The author discusses a labor movement in the U.S. that seeks to address economic disparities and improve working conditions for laborers by eliminating inequalities in the democratic process. Topics include voting, health care, organizing rights, collaboration between laborers, and the Democracy Initiative of groups interested in implementing reforms. The Communications Workers of America group is mentioned.