News and Views from the People's Struggle
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following July 1 statement by Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee, International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS). On the implications and consequences of the Brexit
Fight Back News Service is urging all of our readers to participate in the July 6 call-in day demanding permits for the rally and march at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Cleveland, Ohio. On July 1 the city of Cleveland contacted the Coalition to Stop Trump and March on the RNC and said that permits for the July 18 rally in Cleveland Public Square would not be granted.
Houston, TX – Over 80 protesters gathered at the corner of Westheimer and Post Oak, July 1, to stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. Many were from the local Arab and Middle Eastern community. The protest caught a lot of attention.
Cleveland, OH – Organizers of the ‘Stop Trump’ march set for July 18, the opening day of Republican National Convention, held a press conference at City Hall, June 30, to press the demand that the city issue permits for the protest.
Las Vegas, NV – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters began the second day of its 29th convention today in Las Vegas. Nominations for Trustees and At Large Vice Presidents occurred immediately. In order to be nominated a candidate must receive the vote of at least 5% of the delegates. This is an important part of the convention because the candidates that are successfully nominated run in an election this fall in which all Teamsters will vote to determine the union’s national leadership.
Las Vegas, Nev. – Teamster President James P. Hoffa has decided to spend millions of dollars in union members’ dues money to showcase himself at the International convention which opened June 27 in Las Vegas. Hoffa demands that delegates wear red vests to show loyalty to his presidency as he seeks another five-year term in office.
Washington D.C. – On June 23, the Supreme Court made an announcement that crushed the hopes of over 5 million undocumented parents. The Supreme Court split in 4-4 tie vote, meaning that the lower court decision blocking Deferred Action for Parents of American Citizens (DAPA) and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs was not overturned.
Minneapolis, MN – Nurses who are part of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) wrapped up a powerful seven-day strike on Sunday, June 26.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following June 24 statement from the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). On the result of the referendum in Britain in relation to Britain’s withdrawal from the EU
Minneapolis, MN – AFSCME 3800 members – clerical workers at the University of Minnesota – joined nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) on the picket lines June24 to show their solidarity.
Cleveland, OH – Organizers of the main protests set for the Republican National Convention met today, June 23, with Cleveland city officials, including high-level representatives of the mayor’s office, public safety and others, to press their demand for permits to march on the Republican National Convention. The meeting followed a ruling in federal court this morning which undercut the city’s attempt to curtail the right to protest at the RNC.
Chicago, IL – About 1000 protesters converged on Chicago City Hall, June 22. The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) was there to demand an elected, civilian police accountability council (CPAC). The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) raised their demand for progressive revenue to fund the public schools, but also supported the demand for community control of the police. The CPAC rally also included Black Lives Matter, the Pilsen Alliance, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), and AnakBayan, the Filipino patriotic youth organization.
Minneapolis, MN – Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) were on picket lines in force today, June, 20, as more than 4800 nurses began the second day of their seven-day unfair labor practices strike at five Allina Hospitals. A key issue is Allina’s demand that nurses take a big hit on health care benefits.
Houston, TX – On June 17 over 200 activists and community leaders protested Donald Trump in River Oaks, a wealthy area. Trump was holding a campaign fundraiser at the home of the right-wing lawyer Tony Buzbee. Supporters who attended the fundraiser paid $5000 dollars to have their photo taken with Trump, and as much as $250,000 to spend an evening with the Republican nominee.
Minneapolis, MN – About 40 organizations from across the U.S. have decided to back the large protest organized the Coalition to Stop Trump and March on the RNC that will take place on July 18, the first day of the Republican National Convention. The protest will put forward the slogans, “Dump Trump, Say No to the Republican Agenda. Stand against Racist, Anti-immigrant and Anti-Muslim Attacks. We demand Peace, Justice and Equality.”
Minneapolis, MN – 4800 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) from five Allina Hospitals in the Twin Cities Metro Area walked off the job today, June 19 , beginning a seven-day strike. Allina management is insisting that the nurses settle for a new contract that would change their health care plan to the same ‘corporate plan’ that non-contract employees have. This would dramatically increase their out of pocket expenses to receive the same health care that the nurses provide for the community at Allina Hospitals every day.
Minneapolis, MN – Nearly 5000 nurses, members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), went on strike this morning, June 19, at Twin Cites metro area Allina hospitals. At issue is an attempt by Allina to take away the nurses’ health care plan. The strike will last seven days. Workers from a spectrum of the Twin Cities labor movement are joining nurses on the picket lines.
Washington DC – China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang condemned President Obama’s June 15 White House meeting with the Dalai Lama, stating “Tibetan affairs fall entirely within China's domestic affairs which brook no foreign interference. The 14th Dalai Lama is not a pure religious figure, but a political exile that has long been engaged in anti-China separatist campaigns under the cloak of religion. The so-called ‘middle path’ he peddles boils down to ‘independence of Tibet.’ The meeting between the U.S. leader and the Dalai Lama in whatever form goes against the U.S. commitment of recognizing Tibet as part of China, and not supporting ‘Tibetan independence’ nor activities that attempt to split up China.”
Los Angeles, CA – On June 11, community members and Centro CSO (Community Service Organization) activists gathered at Boyle Heights Mariachi Plaza, supporting Deferred Action for undocumented immigrants. Demanding the Supreme Court continue the Deferred Action programs, people from the neighborhood came out to make and send their own messages to the Supreme Court.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following June 14 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.
Over 100 people from all over the Midwest gathered in Detroit to support Rasmea Odeh as she, her attorneys, and the prosecution appeared before Judge Gershwin Drain for a status conference on Monday, June 13, 2016.