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**** The YCL wishes everyone a Happy Internaional May
Day *****
I. Submissions needed for Upcoming Dynamic
Issue
II. At Chrysler it's the workers, as usual,
who come to the rescue
III. Tell President Obama's Auto Industry
Task Force to stand up for workers
IV. YCL NC Meeting Updates
V. YCL helps to make UM cancel ties with
corporation that runs sweatshops
I. Submissions needed for
Upcoming Dynamic Issue
Dynamic Magazine is looking to hear from you about how
youth and students have been impacted by the current economic crisis.
We want to hear about how you, your friends and family have been
personally impacted and what you think is needed to get us out of this
mess. Please submit your stories, thoughts and ideas to
ate...@yclusa.org
II. At Chrysler it's the
workers, as usual, who come to the rescue
by John Wojcik
The rank-and-file approved, on April 29, a deal between
the United Auto Workers union and Chrysler LLC that involves major new
concessions by workers that will help the automaker slash costs and
hang on in its bid for survival.
As the workers, once again, did more than their part to
keep the car company in business, refusal by some of the car company's
creditors' to do theirpart threatened to sink the deal.
To read the whole story, visit the PWW's website.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
1. How do you think the union fared in these
negotiations? Did they give up too much? Not Enough? Did they do the
right thing?
2. Do you think this will impact negotiations at other
car companies?
3. Were there other things the union could have done
besides giving the concessions?
III. Tell President
Obama's Auto Industry Task Force to stand up for workers
Congress and the Treasurey Deptartment handed out
billions to keep banks solvent with no strings attached, even shrugging
off obscene bonuses out of "respect for the sanctity of contracts."
Yet the same Treasurey officials insist that help to the
auto industry requires workers to tear up their contracts, give up pay
and retirement security.
The United Auto Workers union is deeply involved in the
complicated restructuring negotiations with Chrysler and General
Motors, but the administration must hear from all of us that we want a
plan that gives priority to workers, retirees and long-term fairness
and sustainability.
Sign Jobs
with Justice's petition and let President Obama know you support a
restructuring plan that prioritizes the needs of autoworkers.
IV. YCL NC Meeting Updates
Last weekend, April 25th and 26th, the YCL held its
National Council meeting at the Unity Building in Chicago, IL. YCLers,
members of the Communist Party and friends and allies gathered to
discuss the growth and direciton of the YCL, made initial plans for the
YCL National Convention in 2010 and engaged in collective discussions
around the role of the YCL in the currents struggles around the
economic crisis, education and workers rights. You can read the opening
report on the YCL's website.
Questions or want more info? Email Ursula at urs...@yclusa.org
V. YCL helps to make UMD
cancel ties with corporation that runs sweatshops
After a 2 year campaign against Russell Athletics,
YCLers, United Students Against Sweatshops, Feminism Without Borders
and other student groups at the University of Maryland succeeded in
cutting its campus contract wih the corporation whom recently shut-down
a factory it employed called Jerzee's de Honduras.
In solidarity with workers of this sweatshop that were
displaced by a serial labor rights abuser hit the corporation where it
hurts the most, in the pocket. The University of Maryland is the 28th
school across the nation to cut its licensing contract with the
corporation and a significiant win because UMD is so highly recognized
in the Sports arena.
This victory was a result of our negotiations with the
University of Maryland administration, submitting proposals through the
SGA, student outreach and education, coalition building, and various
actions carried out through several semesters to put pressure on the
administration to cut its contract.
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