Labor Radio-Podcast Daily

Pension issue sparks strike prep at Safeway

Safeway’s refusal to fully fund pensions for its workers has become the main sticking point in contract negotiations. Today’s labor history: Supreme Court rules sit-downs illegal. Today’s labor quote by Eugene V. Debs.

AFGE blasts FLRA’s latest union-busting move

Decision will make it “even harder for rank-and-file federal employees to speak up, defend their rights, and serve the American people.” Today’s labor history: 20-week strike by 70,000 Southern California supermarket workers ends. Today’s labor quote by Reverend George W. Lee.

Fairfax Connector drivers get TA; strike averted

“I am proud of these workers and the solidarity, resolve and unity that they have shown.” Today’s labor history: labor organizer and civil rights activist Edgar Daniel Nixon dies. Today’s labor quote by Edgar Daniel Nixon.

Updating “The Grapes of Wrath”

Actor Tony Sancho talks about “Mother Road” at Arena Stage. Today’s labor history: Police beat striking women and children textile workers. Today’s labor quote by John Steinbeck.

Labor History Today (2/23/20): African American Lumber Workers in the Jim Crow South

William P. Jones on “The Tribe of Black Ulysses: African American Lumber Workers in the Jim Crow South,” plus a letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to AFL-CIO urging the formation of a “Committee on Inquiry Into the Administration of Justice in the Freedom Struggle.” Interviews by Chris Garlock and Alan Wierdak. 2020 Bonus: Patrick Dixon on Chaplin’s “City Lights” as a labor film. (Show originally released 2/24/2019)

Trump budget con game

This is money that should have been used to make life better for working people. Today’s labor history: California enacts 8 hour day law. Today’s labor quote by Cesar Chavez.

Giant settles; Safeway strike possible

“None of us want to strike, but if this is the only option to gain a fair contract, we’re ready.” Today’s labor history: Unemployed arrested for demanding jobs. Today’s labor quote by Richard Trumka.

MontCo bill: no representation without dues

“It’s only fair that workers who reap the benefits of collective bargaining agreements pay their share of the costs.” Today’s labor history: International Association of Fire Fighters formed. Today’s labor quote by director Julia Reichert.

How the VIP changed red to blue

Tefere Gebre: “Our VIP program ended up registering 117,000 community members to vote.” Today’s labor history: Supreme Court decides Weingarten Rights. Today’s labor quote by Eugene Victor Debs.

From Ethiopian refugee to American labor leader

AFL-CIO Executive VP Tefere Gebre: “Having a welcome mat for refugees and immigrants has attracted the best and the brightest who are brave enough who wanted to be free.” Today’s labor history: Yale unions strike in solidarity with teaching assistants. Today’s labor quote by Robert F. Kennedy.