Wal-Mart: Always Low Wages, Always! Mike Konopacki cartoon

Holiday wishes & end of the year reflections... website *postcard* excerpt from Anne Feeney
Pittsburgh, December 3
There are more people out on the streets for peace, for fair labor standards, for human rights. There are more people involved in direct action, in politics and general hellraising than any time that I can remember... more people seeking answers and educating themselves. The coming year brings great opportunities to us. As 2003 comes to a close, I hope each of you will stay out of Walmart and purchase only union-made goods and the work of independent artists and artisans.

Eddie Starr, Presente!


The very sad news of my friend and comrade Eddie Starr's passing came to me from dozens of friends who knew how much I loved and admired him. Only 47 years old, Eddie died of a massive heart attack at work. Like so many Steelworkers, his job increased in stress, with constant mandatory overtime. He was a great union brother and songwriter. I recorded his wonderful "Spoiled Brats of the Ruling Class" on "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" Check his obituary & read the many touching tributes in his guestbook. Eddie was a true working class hero.

Steelworkers Demand Investigation USWA Press Release
PITTSBURGH — The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) is calling for a Congressional investigation into "a massive police state," created in part with federal funds, to intimidate union members and others critical of the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and limit their rights during FTAA meetings in Miami last week.
 
"Last week, the fundamental rights of thousands of Americans … were blatantly violated, sometimes violently, by the Miami police, who systematically repressed our Constitutional right to free assembly with massive force, riot gear and armaments," said Leo W. Gerard, USWA international president, in a letter to Congressional leaders.

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Miami Police Conduct During FTAA Ministerial Meeting Protests
The AFL-CIO is deeply disturbed by the unwarranted and unjustifiable use of intimidation and force by police against peaceful protesters during the FTAA ministerial meeting.