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More College Adjuncts See Strength in Union Numbers

TAMAR LEWIN The New York Times
Many college adjuncts are going to the Service Employees International Union for help in organizing a union. Because of low wages and abysmal working conditions adjuncts feel they have on other choice.

In Largest-ever U.S. City Bankruptcy, Cuts Coming for Detroit Creditors, Retirees

BY JOSEPH LICHTERMAN AND BERNIE WOODALL Reuters
Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters based in Washington, said, "Going forward, this is as much about politics and the priorities of public officials as it is about bankruptcy and the court." Schaitberger said that elected officials in the United States are expected to continue to "push for austerity no matter the cost to the lives of workers and public safety."

Wal-Mart Arrests - "A New Political Movement"

Josh Eidelson Salon
Wal-Mart arrests could fuel "A New Political Movement of the Disenfranchised," Florida Congressman Alan Grayson tells Salon. The Congressman questions Obama's praise for Wal-Mart: "What has Wal-Mart given the president in return?"

The Changing American Family

Natalie Angier New York Times
Researchers who study the structure and evolution of the American family express astonishment at how rapidly the family has changed in recent years. Fewer women are becoming mothers, and those who do are having fewer children. Families are becoming more socially egalitarian but, as economic disparities widen, the marital class divide has sharpened. Fewer women are becoming mothers and one big reason is the soaring cost of raising children.

AFSCME 3299 Strikes in Response to UC’s Unfair Labor Practices -

Pragya Parmita The Bottom Line
University of California campuses and medical centers were hit with a one day strike on Wednesday,November 20 by AFSCME Local 3299 which represents 22,000 Service and Patient Care Technical Workers. Local 3299 says the central issue is safe staffing.

MGM Vegas Casino Workers Approve Union Contract

Michelle Rindels AP
Members of the largest local of UNITE HERE, Culinary Union local 226, along with Bartenders local 165, voted to approve a five year contract with the largest Strip employer, MGM Resorts. This is the first new contract with the gaming employer since 2007, prior to the recession. The contract includes an economic package that funds the continuation of health benefits and pension. Currently workers pay no monthly premiums for benefits.