Portside

This is an edited version of a piece by Leopoldo Tartaglia of the international department of the CGIL, Italy’s largest union federation. Thanks to Peter Olney for the translation.

When things get dire enough, the working class fights back. In dealing with the outbreak of the coronavirus, people across the United States have organized at their workplaces, and also won major reforms in the housing sector.

It is in our power to decide how to meet this crisis.  We could deepen divisions and set off on the fool’s errand of building “Fortress America.” Or we could use it to build community, forge solidarity, revive internationalism, renovate democracy.

As fallout from the coronavirus pandemic hits the economy, it’s slamming the American workforce: Some 18% of adults reported that they had been laid off or that their work hours had been cut, a new poll found.

As fallout from the coronavirus pandemic hits the economy, it’s slamming the American workforce: Some 18% of adults reported that they had been laid off or that their work hours had been cut, a new poll found.

Unions want to see employees supported directly instead of funds for airline companies.

The New York Times has put together three useful articles with graphics over the past week, highlighting worker rights and worker safety. Two pieces focus on COVID-19 and worker safety. The third is about the dangers of construction work.

Organizers started a union drive for flight attendants at Delta last November. Uncertainty about the pandemic is stoking a desire among workers for labor protections.

The legislation passed by the House doesn’t actually guarantee paid sick leave to most American workers.

The European country hit hardest by coronavirus, Italy has announced a near-total shutdown of shops and public venues, but many nonessential workplaces are still running. Refusing to let bosses risk their safety, workers are now going on strike.