INTERNATIONAL ANARCHIST MOVEMENT EUROPE:

ANARKISMO STATEMENT ON THE STRUGGLES IN EUROPE:

The following statement endorsed by European anarchist organizations in agreement with the Anarkismo statement was recently published at the eponymous website.

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Joint statement by the European Anarkismo organizations
Solidarity with the European peoples in struggle!

In recent weeks, the signs of anger among the peoples of Europe have been increasing: a general strike in Portugal, the huge September 29 strike in Spain, demonstrations of historic proportions in Ireland, the student movement in England, the enormous protests in Italy by factory workers and students and the growing mass movement against the privatization of water and, hopefully, the beginning of a lasting movement following the mobilizations over pension reforms in France. Though the slogans may vary from one country to the next, the revolt has the same origin: the peoples' refusal to pay for a crisis they did not cause, to have to put up with austerity measures by themselves, without the capitalists having to pay.


The case of Ireland is emblematic - reduced social benefits, staff cuts in the public sector and cuts to public sector workers' pay, the extension of income tax to those who do not currently pay, the lowest-paid workers. But the government is not touching corporate tax, however, one of the lowest in Europe. The Irish people are refusing to bow down and tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in late November.

In the Spanish State, the Socialist Party government has yielded to the pressure of financial power and has placed itself at the service of big capital, introducing harsh measures that seriously affect the lives and work of the great majority: lowering pensions, withdrawing unemployment benefits, raising retirement age, reforming the collective bargaining system, increased redundancies, excise duties... and this is just the beginning. The opposition - the rightist Popular Party - is making the most of the effects of the crisis and is rising in the polls. The social and trade union Left, where anarchists play an important role, is fighting the government's anti-social measures and the economic and political Right. September 29th was the beginning of a process of mobilization that the most militant unions are leading, ahead of the cozy union bureaucracy which is closely linked to social democracy.

In Britain and Ireland, university fees have shot up, making access to higher education ever more dependant on having money. Once again, students responded with a particularly combative protest movement. In Italy, students all over the country are staging massive protests against the government's bill which would see enormous cuts in university staff, more emphasis on scientific subjects to the detriment of humanities and an end to the current grants system, making university much less accessible for the poorer layers of society. And importantly, the reform will also give a boost to private universities, and give the private sector more say in the country's public universities.

There is also sure to be bad news on 16-17 December, when an EU announcement on Italy's chronic public debt will probably demand the government finds an extra €20-30 bn in the forthcoming budget, meaning more cuts in the public sector. This will come at a time when the capitalist class, led by FIAT, are launching an all-out attack on private sector workers and their rights, with mechanisms in place to get rid of the collective bargaining system and introduce mass casualization of the workforce, as well as job cuts and factory closures.

Do not be fooled: if the European Union (and the IMF) imposes these austerity plans, it is not only out of economic necessity, since these plans will only serve to plunge countries even more into recession - while enlarging the profits of the bosses; it is because they also see the crisis as an historic opportunity to get rid of the few social rights we have left.

Faced with this situation, we must respond with struggle and solidarity between the workers in affected countries. Faced with attacks like these, internationalism is more necessary than ever: we need a Europe-wide social movement!

We stand in solidarity with all people struggling against austerity measures and the barbarism of capitalism.


Federazione dei Comunisti Anarchici (Italy)
Alternative Libertaire (France)
Organisation Socialiste Libertaire (Switzerland)
Liberty & Solidarity (UK)
Workers Solidarity Movement (Ireland)
Libertære Socialister (Denmark)
Libertäre Aktion Winterthur (Switzerland)
Motmakt (Norway)
10 December 2010


Related Link: http://www.anarkismo.net

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:

WRITE FOR FATHER SOLALINDE:





The following appeal is from Amnesty International Canada, and it concerns a priest who has been fighting for Central American immigrants in southern Mexico for some years. Because of this he has fallen afoul of both organized crime and the Mexican government ( are they always different ?). Amnesty is urging you to write the Mexican government to provide the proper protection to Father Solalidene, rather than aid in his persecution. Here's the appeal....

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At Risk:

Father Solalinde threatened for protecting vulnerable migrants in Mexico‏
December 2010


Father Alejandro Solalinde Guerra gives his best to those who have the least, aiding and defending Central American migrants in southern Mexico’s Ciudad Ixtapec from criminals who exploit and abuse them.

Because of this work, gangs, officials and intolerant community members threaten Father Solalinde continuously. His life is at risk..

To protect the safety of Father Solalinde is to protect the hundreds of vulnerable migrant workers in Central America who seek his help and refuge.

Please sign our petition calling on Mexican authorities to provide adequate protection for Father Solalinde.

Father Alejandro Solalinde’s life work has been to provide a place of safety for migrants. He coordinates the Catholic Pastoral Care Centre for Migrants in Southwestern Mexico (Pastoral de Movilidad Humana Pacifico Sur del Episcopado Mexicano). The shelter was set up to provide assistance to migrants who get injured or need help.

Despite the constant intimidation, the authorities have done little to protect him, or to investigate the threats against him.

You can take action and learn more about his work and the grave situation facing migrant workers at Amnesty’s Individuals at Risk website.

Please click here to take action

Sincerely,


Alex Neve, Secretary General
Amnesty International, Canadian Section
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THE LETTER
Amnesty International is urging you to send the following letter to the Mexican authorities.
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To:

Lic. José Francisco Blake Mora
Secretaría de Gobernación
Delegación Cuauhtémoc
México D.F., C.P.06600, MEXICO

Dear Secretary,

I am writing to you out of my concern for the safety of Father Alejandro Solalinde in Ciudad Ixtepec, Mexico.

Because of Father Solalinde's work to protect vulnerable migrants, he and his team have been subjected to intimidation and death threats. He needs protection from the authorities to ensure he can continue his work securely.

I am requesting that you, as Secretary for the Interior:

* consult with Father Solalinde and his team to determine what protection they wish.

* provide safety measures as completely as possible so that Father Solalinde and his team can carry out their human rights work without fear.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.

CANADIAN LABOUR:
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR CALLS ON HEAD OF TORONTO POLICE UNION TO "COME CLEAN":


The following news item comes from the Marketwire news service. Since the revelations from the Ontario ombudsman that the powers granted police during the G20 summit were excessive and probably illegal and that there were "massive violations of rights" the Ontario Federation of Labour has called on the head of the Toronto Police Union to deal effectively with what has been exposed. Here's the story from the OFL.
CLCLCLCLCLCL


Union Leader to Union Leader:
Ryan Calls on McCormack to End the Code of Silence on G20 Beatings

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 8, 2010) - OFL President Sid Ryan is urging Toronto Police Association President Mike McCormack to call upon his members to own up to the beatings of innocent members of the public during the G20.

"I'm calling on McCormack, in his role as president of the association, to take action to actively advocate for the identification of the officers involved. As a union leader, it would be important for him to use his authority to disassociate reputable police officers from the actions of the few," says OFL President Sid Ryan.

"When police remove their identification, hide their faces, and use brute force to terrorize citizens, they become an illegal paramilitary force. This constitutes such a serious threat to democracy and the safety of citizens as to warrant the full cooperation of McCormack and his members."

The OFL notes that any action to the contrary is a subversion of union principles: criminal behaviour of members warrants criminal action.

"We do not accept that in a democratic state, the illegal behaviour of rogue police officers carrying guns and other deadly weapons and overwhelming the citizenry should be protected by a 'code of silence'," says Ryan.

The Ontario Ombudsman André Marin's report, the Toronto Star's investigation, hundreds of hours of available footage, and the sophisticated technology available for identification would, under normal circumstances, make identification easy.

The OFL organized the largest demonstration of the week that brought 30,000 people together for family-friendly events. Some of those people were intimidated and interfered with by police actions.

"Both McCormack and Police Chief Bill Blair should use their full authority to support the public demand for accountability," says Ryan.



For more information, please contact

Ontario Federation of Labour
Sid Ryan
President
416.209.0066 (mobile)
or
Ontario Federation of Labour
Lynn Simmons
Communications Director
416. 668.7480 (mobile)
www.ofl.ca

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR MEXICO:

'WALMEX' DEFICIENT IN LABOUR AND SOCIAL EFFECTS PRACTICES:

Somehow I don't find the following story from the Maquila Solidarity Network surprising at all. Walmart is hardly likely to be nominated for either the Nobel Peace Prize nor for sainthood anywhere in the world. It's expected that its Mexican operations would be no better. The only surprise is that Walmart cooperated with the survey at all, let along incompletely. Here's the story....

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MSN report finds holes in Wal-mart de Mexico's CSR reporting and underlying policies
December 7, 2010

A new report by the Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) and Red Puentes Mexico concludes that although Wal-Mart Mexico (Walmex) has made significant efforts in recent years to improve its corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, the company has considerable room left for improvement both on its CSR reporting and on the underlying social and environmental practices.

Authored by MSN, the report reviews Walmex's 2009 Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Report, to evaluate and rate the company's CSR reporting, and offer recommendations on how it can improve both its reporting and practices.

"As Mexico's largest private sector employer and the second largest retailer in Latin America, Walmex has an enormous impact on our country and region," says Jorge Molina, of Red Puentes Mexico, which coordinated the assessment.* "Walmex has a responsibility to improve its environmental and social policies and to keep the Mexican public better informed of the actions it is taking to meet or exceed national and international standards," he adds.

Overall, MSN found significant gaps in Walmex's reporting particularly on its labour and environmental practices. Based on its findings, MSN recommends that the company commit to more thorough reporting on important topics such as the presence of unions and collective bargaining agreements at its stores, as well as the negative economic and social impacts of its business practices on the communities in which it operates, two areas on which the company was silent.

"Walmex needs to better address underlying policy issues such as the presence of protection contracts in most of its retail outlets, its treatment of over 23,000 "volunteer" youth baggers and the lack of consultation with civil society stakeholders on social and environmental issues," says Beatriz Lujan, of the Authentic Labour Front, a member organization of Red Puentes Mexico.

According to Lynda Yanz of MSN, the report has been shared with Walmex, and the company has provided additional information that improved the final version. "We look forward to working with Walmex in an effort to improve the company's CSR reporting and its social and environmental policies and practices based on the report's recommendations," says Yanz.

*MSN's report was conducted as part of an assessment of five Mexico corporations (Walmex, Petróleos Mexicanos, Telefónica, S.A., CEMEX, and Industrias Peñoles) coordinated by Red Puentes Mexico. Each company's CSR reporting was assessed by a different team of researchers, using a common methodology based on the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines.

•Download a summary of MSN's new report (pdf)
•Download the full report (pdf)

CANADIAN POLITICS:
CANADA'S ROLE IN THE WAR IN IRAQ:


The Canadian army continues its role in the unwinable war in Afghanistan, with the federal Conservatives gradually "softening up" the public for participation that may last yet another decade (or until the USA realizes defeat and declares victory and gets out). This attempt at 'extension by attrition' is, of course, rather deceptive, but it is hardly the first instance of our federal government waging "war by deceit". Canada did indeed participate in the American invasion of Iraq, no matter how loudly the governments of the day stated that they were not a party to that conflict. Here's a new book out from the Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade (COAT) that lays out this hidden story.
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Canada at War in Iraq!
New 54-page COAT report‏

"At last the surprising truth of the Canada's military complicity in the Iraq War.
A cry for peace. Brilliantly orchestrated."
Victor Levant, author, Quiet Complicity: Canadian Involvement in the Vietnam War

Did you know that about 2,000 Canadian sailors -- aboard eight, multi-billion dollar Canadian warships -- participated in the Iraq War?
Or that Canadian pilots flew warplanes in Iraq-war missions, including U.S. C-17s, a British MR2 and Canadian C-130s and CP-140s?
Or that Canadian Army generals received Canadian and American medals after leading tens of thousands of troops in Iraq?

These are just a few of the surprising facts detailed in this new 54-page report:
"Operation SILENT PARTNER: Canada’s Quiet Complicity in the Iraq War"
This report, published by the Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade (COAT), will be mailed to subscribers of Press for Conversion! this week. (Would you like a copy? See below for details.)

COAT's latest publication is the most comprehensive resource available on the role of Canada's Navy, Air Force and Army in the Iraq war. It contains many original, previously-unpublished articles, with over 300 references, and is illustrated with dozens of photographs showing:
* high-ranking Canadian military officers involved in the Iraq war,
* the U.S., Canadian and British medals they received for their roles in Iraq, and
* Canadian warplanes and warships that were deployed by Liberal and Conservative governments alike.

Preview some of the articles in this issue

When Liberal politicians proclaimed that Canada was refusing to join the U.S. “Coalition of the Willing” against Iraq, many Canadians were understandably proud. Unfortunately, it was all a smoke-and-mirrors game. In reality, Canada did join the Iraq war in 2003 and has contributed in many significant ways ever since. However, Canada's quiet complicity in the Iraq War has gone largely unnoticed. By exposing the remarkable yet largely-unknown history of Canada's participation in the Iraq war, we can try to avoid a similar fiasco from happening again. Please learn more, and help...

Be among the first to read this latest COAT exposé. Order a copy of this issue ($8) or subscribe ($25). (Subscribers receive copies of four different issues.)
Visit the COAT website and use Paypal, a safe easy way to send money online. Or, simply mail a cheque to COAT, at 541 McLeod St., Ottawa ON K1R 5R2.

cheers,
Richard Sanders
Coordinator, COAT

P.S. A limited number of free copies are available for journalists, and activists who will help spread the word. Reply to this email asap if you'd like a sample copy of this issue.

P.P.S. This report was kindly printed by the Canadian Labor Congress (CLC) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

P.P.P.S. Press for Conversion! makes a good stocking stuffer.

AMERICAN LABOUR:

ONLINE DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE JOBLESS:



Tomorrow there will an "online day of solidarity" with the unemployed in the USA. Here's the story and appeal from the AFL-CIO Blog.
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Join Online Day of Solidarity with the Jobless Dec. 7
by Mike Hall, Dec 3, 2010

Republican lawmakers continue to hold hostage vital unemployment insurance survival help for millions of jobless workers, vowing to keep the Senate gridlocked until the nation’s wealthy are guaranteed continued tax breaks.

More than 900,000 workers already have lost their unemployment insurance since Republicans pulled the plug Nov. 30. Every day another 38,000 job-seekers lose their unemployment insurance.

So please join us Tuesday, Dec. 7 for an online day of solidarity with the jobless via Facebook and Twitter. It’s simple.

•Update your status on Facebook and Twitter to say you’re “in solidarity with jobless workers.”
•Sign our petition urging Congress to extend emergency unemployment aid here.
•Change your Facebook and Twitter profile pictures with images here.
Click here for complete instructions.

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THE PETITION:

Please go to this link to add your name to the following petition.

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"Letting emergency unemployment benefits expire will hurt our fragile economy just as we're struggling to recover. With five job hunters for every one opening, long-term unemployed workers need uninterrupted help to keep food on the table. I urge you to renew the federal unemployment insurance programs immediately!"

FEMINISM:
WOMEN WON'T FORGET VIGIL:


Here's a reminder of the 14 women murdered at the École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989. A vigil being held in Toronto for the victims.
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Women Won't Forget Candlelight Vigil
Time Monday, December 6 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm

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Location Philosophers Walk, U of T

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More Info
December 6th is the National Day of Action and Remembrance on Violence Against Women

We will gather at the memorial boulder in Philosopher's Walk to mourn the 14 women murdered because of their gender at l'Ecole Polytechnique in 1989. We vow not to forget these women and all women who live with violence, who have died due to violence, and those who have survived.

This year's speakers and musical performers...
...*Judy Rebick* is a writer and activist and fmr President of the
National Action Ctte on the Status of Women.

*Aruna Papp* is a survivor or forced marriage and domestic abuse.


*Kiran Mehdee* is a writer, performer, and a University of Toronto student, who is herself a survivor of childhood abuse, and dedicated to helping and empowering people who have suffered from and survived abuse of any kind.

*Neena Saloiya* is a visually impaired poet, U of T student and facilitator of women's support groups at COSTI.

*Samba Elegua*

Join Women Won't Forget as we remember and tell the stories of those women who can no longer speak for themselves. It is the job of those of us who go on living to speak for them and to change the world we live in.

Please Note:
You do not need to have lost a woman to violence to participate or gain meaning from the vigil. We do this to learn, to raise awareness of an incredibly important issue and to take a stand. People come to the vigil representing a voice that says "Violence against women, anywhere in the world, is NOT acceptable"

*Following the Vigil there will be a screening of the documentary "Dishonour Defied" presented by the Women and Gender Studies Student Union.

ANARCHIST MUSIC:
ANNE FEENEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS:



Here's a little promo from the union maid herself Anne Feeney, now recovering from cancer chemotherapy. I can't think of any better Christmas gifts than one of her albums. Promotion duly noted.
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DECEMBER 2010 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - VOLUME SIX #9‏
You can buy my CDs at http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD. They make great grab-bag gifts!
4 December 2010


UPCOMING BENEFIT SHOWS - FT. LAUDERDALE and PITTSBURGH



Tomorrow afternoon (well, today if you're reading this on Sunday...) some of the finest of Florida's musicians as well as some superb touring musicians will join forces in Ft. Lauderdale at the legendary Labyrinth Cafe in a benefit for my "paid sick days" fund. It's so overwhelming and very touching to see musicians coming together for me. If you have friends near either one of these cities, please spread the word.


Sunday, December 5, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Anne Feeney Benefit Concert
Labyrinth Café
UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 3970 NW 21st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
http://www.labyrinthcafe.com/Cosponsored.html

Anne Feeney has been a force to be reckoned with for many years. She has sung out and stood up for political and social injustice in every area of her life. She has helped many people in need. Now she is fighting cancer, and we want to help her in her struggle.

Performers include: Ellen Bukstel, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Ray Del Papa, Jennings & Keller, Rod MacDonald, Marie Nofsinger, The Raging Grannies, Joan Rose, Vicki Ryder, The Solidarity Singers, Amy Speace, Amy Carol Webb, Doug & Telisha Williams, Valerie C. Wisecracker...


For more info about Anne, you can check out her website (http://www.annefeeney.com/ ) or go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney , where you can read the journal updates and/or write in her guest book - Ms. Feeney's Wild Ride indeed!
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There is also a raffle planned. You could win a $2000.00 handmade guitar. This guitar, handmade by S. L. Smith, with a hard case is being raffled off for Anne's benefit. There will be only 250 total tickets sold at $10.00 each. For more info about who made the guitar: http://guitars.slsmith.info/


We expect to hold the drawing during the concert on December 5. If all 250 tickets are not sold by that time, an equitable time for the drawing will be determined and the winner will be posted. Michael Stock, of WLRN's Folk and Acoustic Music Show, on Sundays from 2 - 5 PM, has kindly agreed to assist with the drawing and announcement of the winner if it does not take place at the fundraiser.


(Let me know if you're interested in a raffle ticket. If they don't sell all the tickets by tomorrow, I'm sure they'll be happy to sell one to you! email me @ anne@annefeeney.com)

PITTSBURGH, PA - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12th - MR. SMALL'S - 2PM

You'd have to be a student of Pittsburgh musical legends to understand how completely amazing the lineup is for the December 12th show at Mr. Small's. RUSTED ROOT will be turning in a short set. Blues giant BILLY PRICE will sing. THE GRANATI BROTHERS will rock out. Justin Sane from ANTI-FLAG will add some hard edged punk to the show. Fresh from his night of performing with Bruce Springsteen, JOE GRUSHECKY AND THE HOUSE ROCKERS will dazzle us. My dear friends THE NEWLANDERS will perform, as will JACK ERDIE, BRAD YODER, TRES LADS, JOE MUNROE, SUE POWERS AND JEFF BERMAN. This concert was the brainchild of MIKE STOUT and the HUMAN UNION who will perform songs from their fabulous new CD. Many of Pittsburgh's finest side musicians (ROBBIE KLEIN, NELSON HARRISON and so many more!) will be filling out the lineup, and (I hope) joining me on stage if I feel up to it. Many many thanks to Senator Jim Ferlo for his generosity, support and guidance in the planning of this event.


There's going to be an incredible silent auction during the show with some impossible-to-find-anywhere-else items donated by local musicians and artists. All the musicians will have CDs on sale, so please come to buy some recordings too - support all our fabulous live local musicians!


Advance tickets available at http://ticketweb.com/mrsmalls or charge by phone @ 866-468-3401 and various locations around Pittsburgh.


I hope to have some photos from this for the January Fellow Travelers' Advisory.
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Many many thanks to the Mother Jones Committee in Springfield, IL who dedicated their 2010 annual banquet to me. They had a silent auction before dinner and a hat pass afterward, and folks were exceedingly generous.

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STRANGELY ABSENT FROM THE ELECTORAL DEBATE

You would have never guess we're still in the middle of two wars. All during the recent election campaigns there was hardly any mention of the high cost of the 2 invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. Besides the deaths often estimated over 1 million people, over $1.1 trillion or more has already been spent with no end in sight. It is estimated that it has cost the U.S. $50 million to kill each Taliban. The proposed U.S. embassy to be built in Kabul will cost $500 million. A new audit shows that the U.S. cannot account for nearly $18 billion earmarked for the Afghan occupation. (Democracy Now, 10/29/10). U.S. soldiers sent to Iraq and injured will need $600 billion for their healthcare. However, there is hardly a peep from the Tea Party, which usually vehemently complains about the overspending of tax payer money. Over 55% of federal taxes are spent by military bureaucrats and lobbyists at the Pentagon. If we cut military spending by only 1% we could completely eliminate poverty in the U.S. (Online Journal Sentinel, 11/19/10). If we used the tax money for basic human needs instead of invading and occupying countries for economic reasons we could guarantee all our citizens, not just some, education and healthcare. In other words, we could have what most Europeans already have. All we have to do is follow their example and drastically cut military spending. It would be a step in the right direction towards a more peaceful and just world. We get what we pay for. -------Don Timmerman

This piece appeared in "The Sparrow Sings" - the wonderful monthly newsletter from my friends Don Timmerman and Roberta Thurstin. If you'd like to subscribe, send an email to: don2roberta@yahoo.com and tell them so.
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SOAW UPDATE

This just in from Don and Roberta: Some of the 29 people taken into custody outside Ft. Benning during the rally at the annual School of the Americas Watch Vigil on Nov. 20 in Columbus GA were undercover agents, one of whom was arrested with the others. Fr. Bill Brennan, S.J., a former Casa Maria community member, at 90 years old, was one of those arrested and later released. Good going, Bill! Fr. Louis Vilale and Davvid Omondi, both Catholic Workers, were arrested for civil disobedience or divine obedience and sentenced to 6 months in prison. -----SOA Watch Enjoying your freedom? Thank a protester!


I was so sorry to miss the gathering at the gates of SOA this year. The musical collective was in grand form, with the lovely new addition of our pal Roy Zimmerman. It's hard to say how long it will take to close this evil place, but I believe that we will. I was very pleased to hear that the musical collective sang "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" on Saturday, and dedicated it to me.
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I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

Please keep the cards and letters coming. I get so stir-crazy sitting at home day after day after week after month (although it sure beats being in the hospital...). I wish I felt up to more phone calls, but my energy level is VERY low. That's why I love reading your comments at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annefeeney and getting mail from you. As soon as I feel up to it, I'm hitting the road to come and thank you all in person. That could be a while though. In the meantime, know how very much I cherish our connection and look forward to our next meeting.

Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
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SEBASTIAN

I don't know if you all will be able to see this 54 second video of my grandson, Sebastian, at home in Ecuador. (If not, trust me, he's cute. Very cute.) I'm so looking forward to having him and the rest of my family here from December 18-26th. It will be wonderful! http://sharing.theflip.com/session/b65c0d92ccb4955b65d476a038bf2729/video/31896261

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WHATEVER YOU'RE CELEBRATING

I hope the coming weeks bring you plenty of days off, the light and love of family and friends, good health and that 2011 will be a wonderful healthy year for us all.

Much love
Anne

Anne Feeney
http://annefeeney.com

http://cdbaby.com/all/unionmaid - Buy CDs!

412-877-6480 (cell)

"Anne Feeney is the greatest labor singer in North America." -- Utah Phillips

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR COLOMBIA:

COLOMBIAN FLOWER WORKERS FACE BITTER STRIKE SOLIDARITY NEEDED:



It's the holiday season, and floral gifts are a large part of tradition at this time of year. Yet down Colombia way those who grow the flowers are facing some very scrooge-like employers who aren't reluctant to use violence against their employees. Here's the story and appeal for solidarity from the US Labor Education in the Americas Project (LEAP).

••••••••••••••••••••
URGENT ACTION:

Colombian Flower Workers Strike to Protest Wage Theft!‏
Sent: December 1, 2010 4:31:01 PM

Hundreds of flower workers in Colombia have gone on strike to protest the failure of the country’s largest grower to pay wages and legally-required benefits. The recent strikes began on November 16 when flower workers at the Guacarí plantation in Zipaquira, Colombia, near Bogotá, went on strike in response to Floramerica’s labor rights violations. These include withholding pay for more than a month and neglecting to provide other legally-required benefits for several months, including social security and health insurance.



On December 1, workers at several of the company’s other plantations went on strike as well. Workers were not paid on November 15 or 30, and have not received benefits for months. Union leaders are concerned that the company will use the current crisis as an opportunity to replace permanent workers with contract labor.



Take Action Now!



The struggle at the Guacarí plantation highlights the systemic labor rights violations affecting flower workers in Colombia. On September 7, 2010, workers on the Guacarí plantation organized a union in response to the company’s failure to pay its workers in more than a month or make the legally-required health care and social security contributions for more than three months. Soon after the formation of the new union, Sintraguacarí, affiliated to Untraflores, seven prominent union members were illegally fired.



On September 18, the Sintraguacarí union went on strike, facing violence as the police used tear gas and physical force to intimidate strikers. Several workers were injured.



Guacarí is one of the plantations owned by Floramerica, which took over Dole’s flower operations in Colombia in 2009.



When Sintraguacarí met with representatives of Floramerica and the Ministry of Social Protection (Colombia’s Labor Ministry) on September 22, the company refused to give a timetable for paying workers and would not accept the union’s demands. Floramerica maintains that it is unable to pay workers as a result of the appreciation of the Colombian peso, and that it is incumbent upon the Colombian government to take action to address the issue.



Today, the situation remains the same. The company has not paid its workers in more than a month or made the legally-required health care and social security contributions for more than three months.



On December 1, workers at the Fragancia and Splendor plantations, where unions won collective bargaining agreements in 2008 with the support of USLEAP and others, went on strike. Workers were not paid on November 15 or 30, and have not received benefits for months. Union leaders are concerned that the company will use the crisis to replace permanent workers with contract or “indirect” workers who have virtually no legal protections and cannot form a union.



According to the Sunburst Farms website, the Nannetti Family purchased Floramerica-Sunburst Farms from Dole Fresh Flowers on January 16, 2009, creating one of the largest flower growing and distributing operations in the world. Although Sunburst has claimed in e-mails to USLEAP that it is only the flower distributor for Floramerica and is therefore relieved of responsibility to Colombian workers, its website defines Floramerica as the “growing operation of Sunburst Farms.” Regardless, it is the responsibility of both growers and distributors to ensure that they treat their workers with dignity and respect and abide by national labor laws.



Ironically, the Guacarí plantation is Rainforest Alliance-certified, highlighted on the Sunburst website as evidence of the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. Rainforest Alliance has agreed to look into the situation, but it remains to be seen if Rainforest will respond effectively to the blatant violation of labor rights standards at this plantation.



To learn more about flower worker rights and economic justice, visit the USLEAP website.



Take action now! Urge Sunburst Farms to respect the basic rights of workers at the Guacarí, Fragancia Herradura, Fragancia Ipanema, and Splendor El Rosal plantations and negotiate with democratic unions to ensure that workers receive what they are legally owed and are not replaced by contract or “indirect” labor. Simultaneously, urge the Colombian Minister of Social Protection to hold Floramerica-Sunburst responsible for past and present violations of worker rights.
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THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to the Colombian authorities and to the management of Sunburst Corporation.
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The Honorable Mauricio Santamaría Salamanca
Minister of Social Protection
Ministry of Social Protection
Bogota, Colombia

Mr. Geno Valdes
President
Sunburst Farms
Miami, FL 33122

Dear Minister Santamaría Salamanca and Mr. Valdes:

As a U.S. consumer concerned about the treatment of workers producing the goods I buy, I write to express grave concern over reports I have received about flower workers in Colombia who produce for the U.S. market, and the struggle of workers at Floramerica (Sunburst) plantations such as Guacarí, Fragancia Herradura, Fragancia Ipanema, and Splendor El Rosal.

At the Guacari plantation, for example, workers have been asking to be paid their legally required benefits and back pay for more than three months. A protest launched on September 18 was met with violence, followed by negotiations with the Colombian Ministry of Social Protection on September 22. I understand that workers resumed their strike at the Guacarí plantation on Tuesday, November 16 to protest not being paid October wages and other legally-required benefits, including health and social security pensions, family assistance subsidies, bonuses, and aid for purchasing uniforms. On December 1, workers at the Fragancia Herradura, Fragancia Ipanema, and Splendor El Rosal plantations also went on strike in opposition to not receiving paychecks or benefits for the month of November.

United States trade policy permits flowers to enter the U.S. duty-free so long as Colombia takes steps to respect the basic rights of workers. In addition, Sunburst Farms promotes the fact that Rainforest Alliance has certified that flower plantations producing for Sunburst Farms meet minimum social standards. Failure to pay workers their legally-required pay and benefits falls far short of fulfilling basic labor rights and meeting minimum social standards.

I respectfully request that Floramerica and Sunburst Farms meet its legal obligations, providing back pay and all legally-required benefits, and respectfully request that the Ministry of Social Protection enforce the law to ensure that the workers at the Finca Guacarí and all plantations associated with Sunburst Farms are provided their legally-mandated wages and benefits. I also urge the company not to replace permanent workers with contract, temporary, or “indirect” workers, and that you negotiate with Sintraguacari, Sintrasplendor, Untrafagrancia, Untraflores, and the CUT (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia) to come to a quick, fair resolution.

Update: I have just learned that on December 1, Floramerica reportedly sent in thugs to beat and intimidate workers at the Guacarí Plantation, and that they replaced strikers with subcontracted labor. Reports also reveal that all permanent Guacarí workers resigned in protest to the violence and financial insecurity. I strongly urge Sunburst to end its support of violence and union busting, and the Ministry of Social Protection to take swift action against such a flagrant disregard for Colombian law, bringing to justice those who perpetrated the violence.


Sincerely,

AMERICAN LABOUR MADISON WISCONSIN:

NO OUTSOURCING AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN:

This following appeal for solidarity with workers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison comes from the United Students Against Sweatshops.

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Tell Chancellor Martin to stop union busting


Join USAS activists at the University of Wisconsin and stop the university of outsourcing away good union jobs for campus workers: E-mail Chancellor Martin now

Stop Outsourcing Away Union Jobs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!
Hello,

Here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we are waging a campaign to stop the outsourcing of good union jobs on campus. The university and private sources are opening a new building on campus as part of a "public-private partnership." The university and private companies want to privatize the food service at this new building, which would result in low wages, no benefits, and no union representation for all workers. It would also undermine the power of the AFSCME local here, which represents all 1,600 blue collar worker on campus.

Please take a second and email Chancellor Martin and the Managing Director of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation today and stand up for campus workers!

Take action now: Tell Chancellor "Biddy" Martin to stop privatization and union busting!
In solidarity,

Jonah Zinn
Student Labor Action Coalition, University of Wisconsin-Madison
United Students Against Sweatshops
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THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to Chancellor Martin of the University of Wisconsin.
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I am deeply upset about the current situation taking place at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. The plan to outsource the food service jobs in this building is unacceptable. AFSCME 171 has a long history and tradition of representing the hard-working people of this campus and striving to secure a living wage and respectable working conditions. The outsourcing of these jobs will undercut AFSCME and will result in workers being exploited on the University of Wisconsin campus. One of the greatest strengths of the Madison Community is the strong union voice which maintains living wages and keeps the economy of the city afloat while most of the country is wading deep in the waters of recession.

The attempt to privatize these jobs is a blatant attempt to weaken AFSCME 171 as a whole and to move the entire university towards a privatized workforce. This is not what the university needs, the community wants, or the Wisconsin Way.

I urge you to resolve this issue immediately. The only acceptable resolution is to make these jobs public and to guarantee that these workers will have union representation under AFSCME 171. I trust that we can count on you to not let Madison fall by the wayside.

PERSONAL:

HERE AT MOLLY'S BLOG:

Well it seems like the flood of links from the conservative blog 'Small Dead Animals' is over,and I'm back to my usual visits (about 150/day). SDA has done this before, and I actually appreciate the opportunity to explain anarchism to those who will see nothing about it except play acting riots. After the over 1500 hits from SMA I hope that I have convinced at least three people to investigate the idea beyond what is spread to them from the conservative media. To be honest I received an actual intelligent conservative post (alongside a lot of nonsense that reminds me of he worst sent out by my own "comrades") Yes, a lot of conservative beliefs depend upon ignorance, but so do a lot of leftist beliefs as well. That is simple sad history. I know how to answer the intelligent conservative bit by bit, but I must sat that I am pleased beyond measure about the attractiveness of this blog to "non-anarchists". That really my great goal.

As to other matters I am continuing the editing of my links. It's is coming close to the situation where "facebook pages" outnumber actual websites or blogs. Is this a good thing ? I have my doubts. Hence 'Molly's Blog' is the central site for what I want to say, not my facebook page. What dies Facebook lack ? Obviously content, and blogs can have such content. That is why this blog will stay as it is, whatever the fact that I announce a lot of things over at Facebook.

Usually nothing of great importance. but sometimes Facebook is usable. Blogger has its advantages, but so does Facebook. Interesting contrast.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR IRAN:

LATEST ATTACKS ON IRANIAN SUGAR WORKERS - HOW YOU CAN HELP:

The following appeal for solidarity with imprisoned Iranian trade unionists comes originally from the Justice For Iranian Workers organization. In their appeal for help they are being assisted by the IUF. Here is the story and appeal.

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New attacks on Iranian sugar union – president, activists sentenced to prison
Urgent Action 03-12-2010
In the latest crackdown on Iran’s independent union at the giant cane growing and processing Haft Tapeh complex in the southern city of Shush, Executive Board President Reza Rakhshan was sentenced to 6 months in prison on December 1 by the Court of Appeal in the city of Ahvaz. The charge was “spreading lies” – the consequence of an article Rakhshan recently published entitled ‘Happy Birthday Sugarcane Workers!’

In the article, published on Farsi-language internet sites, Rakhshan wrote: “It is now two years since the union came into being – two bittersweet years.
“On the one hand, after much ebb and flow, five members of our executive – Fereidoun Nikoufard, Ali Nejati, Jalil Ahmadi, Ghorban Alipour, and Mohammad Heidari– were eventually sentenced by the Dezful Revolutionary Court to jail terms and transferred to prison after being fired from their jobs. Following several prison stints, I was, fired from my job over ten months ago.

“On the other hand, the establishment of the union has been something of an achievement for the other workers since the authorities have taken a sudden interest in the company’s affairs– after three years of continual neglect t– by virtue of the union’s mere existence. The result: the condition of workers and that of the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company are in much better shape than before.”

He could have added that the fired union members have all been expelled from their homes and are blacklisted from employment throughout the region. And that improvements in the workers’ situation are the result of repeated strikes and other actions to claim huge wage arrears and protest deteriorating working conditions. The union was officially founded in June 2008 following a 42-day strike and is an IUF affiliate.

Every word that Rakhshan wrote is true – but in Iran speaking the truth can result in losing one’s job, expulsion from one’s home, imprisonment and torture.

On November 18, three Haft Tapeh members - Behrouz Nikoufard, Alireza Saeed, and Behrouz Molazadeh - were convicted and sentenced to 6 months in prison by the Ahwaz Court of Appeal on charges of “showing disrespect to the Supreme Leader”. They were all arrested in the general crackdown following election protests last year.

Over and above the daily repression which marks the dictatorship in Iran, the authorities are reinforcing security measures and cracking down on labour and human rights activists to preempt anticipated protests as they prepare to radically cut subsidies for fuel and basic foodstuffs. Last month another member of the Vahed union of Tehran bus workers was jailed, bringing to 5 the number of Vahed members in prison (updates at Justice for Iranian workers).

CLICK HERE to send a message to the Iranian state and judicial authorities demanding immediate and unconditional freedom for all Haft Tapeh members and their reinstatement in their jobs and homes. Your message will be conveyed to the Haft Tapeh workers.

Please note that some messages may bounce back - do not be discouraged! Server overload is a common condition in Iran - some messages will get through, making the point that the persecuted trade unionists enjoy international support. The Haft Tapeh union leaders and members are also supported by Amnesty International.

You can also send a message to the Iranian embassy or diplomatic representation in your country - or pay them a visit! A complete list of embassies/consulates is available here, and you can generally find e-mail addresses by searching the internet for the individual representation in your country.

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THE LETTER:

Please go to this link to send the following letter to the Iranian authorities.

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To His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Republic
To His Excellency Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani, Head of Judiciary
To His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President

Dear sirs

Your government continues to arrest, imprison and victimize members of the Haft Tapeh Sugar workers Union for democratic trade union activity which is protected under international law. President Reza Rakhshan was sentenced to 6 months in prison for “spreading lies” on December 1 by the Court of Appeal in the city of Ahvaz. On November 18, three Haft Tapeh members - Behrouz Nikoufard, Alireza Saeed, and Behrouz Molazadeh - were convicted and sentenced to 6 months in prison by the Ahwaz Court of Appeal on charges of “showing disrespect to the Supreme Leader”. Five Haft Tapeh officers convicted last year, Ali Nejati, Gorban Alipour, Mohammad Heidari, Jali Ahmadi and Feridun Nikfar have been fired from their jobs and expelled from their homes after having served their unjust sentences.

We call on your government to immediately and unconditionally drop all current and past charges against all Haft Tapeh officers and members and to have them reinstated to their jobs and their homes. I am closely following your government’s action in this regard.

Yours sincerely

AMERICAN LABOUR IOWA:

SUPPORT ROQUETTE WORKERS IN IOWA:

The following appeal for support for locked out workers in Keokuk Iowa come from the international union federation the IUF.

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Lockout at Roquette America enters month 3
Urgent Action 02-12-2010
Workers at Roquette America’s corn milling plant in Keokuk, Iowa, represented by the BCTGM, have been locked out of their jobs for over 2 months – and the union is calling for international support to end the lockout as it moves into month 3.

Roquette Frères is a French-based manufacturer of starch and sugar derivatives and polyols, which have a broad range of food, beverage and other manufacturing applications. The fourth largest global company in its sector, with 18 plants worldwide, family-held Roquette is notoriously secretive about its finances and general operations. This doesn’t prevent them from boasting of their market capitalization (over €8.8 billion, or some USD 11.5 billion) on their corporate stationary just below the address and phone number. A sample is visible on the letter the company CEO wrote last year to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon when they joined the UN global Compact and committed to respecting labour rights and integrating them along with other principles into the “strategy, culture and day-to-day operations” of the company.

Management at Roquette America apparently hasn’t been brought up to speed on this. BCTGM Local 48G represents 240 workers at the Keokuk plant, which manufactures starches including the high-fructose corn syrup sourced by companies including Coca-Cola and Heinz. Negotiations for a renewed contract officially began on September 14, with the company demanding, among other major reductions and concessions, the right to hire temporary workers at less than half the wages of the permanent workforce with no benefits, an end to seniority in layoffs, an end to overtime for weekend work, the elimination of sick, personal and maternity leave, enormous increases in worker contributions for health care, the end of the company pension scheme and a 4-year wage freeze.

When the members rejected these proposals, the workers were given a 24-hour ultimatum to approve the company’s final offer – and locked out of their jobs when the contract expired on September 28, despite the union’s offer to continue working under the terms of the expired contract while negotiations continued.

The Roquette workers are the latest union workforce to be attacked by a vicious corporate offensive to profit from high unemployment by rolling back wages and conditions at a time of healthy profits and cheap credit. Despite sub-zero temperatures, members of Local 48G have maintained a round-the-clock informational picket at the plant. They are fighting for the rights of current and future Roquette workers. The union has two demands: an immediate end to the lockout, and an unconditional return to negotiations. You can support their struggle by clicking here to send a message to French and US management.

We thank you for your solidarity and support.

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THE LETTER:

Please go to this link to send the following letter to French and American management of Roquette.

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To Marc Roquette, Président Roquette Frères
Guy Talbourdet CEO

Dear sirs,

Roquette Frères claim to be committed to upholding international labour standards and integrating them into the company's operations, strategy and culture. The punishing lockout of BCTGM Local 48G at your plant in Keokuk, Iowa which continues since September 28 is in violation of ILO standards, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the principles of the UN Global Compact which you have signed on to. I urge you to act to ensure that the lockout is immediately and unconditionally lifted and good faith negotiations for the renewal of a collective agreement commence without delay.

Yours sincerely

LOCAL EVENTS WINNIPEG:
THE 'HOLIDARITY' PARTY:



It's winter in Winterpeg, and our local IWW branch, the Winnipeg Wobblies (see also their Facebook page ) are inviting people to a 'Holidarity Forever' get together this coming December 16. Here's what it's all about.
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Holidarity Forever!
Time Thursday, December 16 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

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Location Black Sheep Diner
540 Ellice
Winnipeg, MB

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More Info
It's that time of year again...

Time to spend some quality time with your fellow workers and comrades. Time to reminisce about the struggles of the past year, and hope for revolution in the new. Time to dust off the old little red songbook and sing classic IWW carols.

Yes, it's Holidarity Forever, the annual get-together for folks interested in social justice (and by "social justice" we mean smashing capitalism, patriarchy, racism, homophobia, colonialism, etc.). Come down and enjoy the company of your comrades in the struggle!

There will be food, beer and songs.

ENVIRONMENT:
SHAKING UP THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:


Happening next Tuesday, a 'noise demo' in Toronto sending a message to the corporate elite who are responsible for environmental degradation. Here's the promo...
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Shaking Up the Financial District
Time Tuesday, December 7 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm

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Location Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON

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More Info
Shaking Up the Financial District:
Celebrating Community Sovereignty and Environmental Justice in Toronto

Think climate change is a problem?
Think tar sands are unacceptable?
...Tired of false solutions and undemocratic policy from government and industry?

JOIN US: Dec. 7th at NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE, 4pm
***Please bring pots and pans for making noise and please dress up creatively to help rock the party!***

In opposition to the False Solutions promoted through the Copenhagen Accord, La Via Campesina, a global movement of peasant farmers, has called for 1000 Cancuns, an international day of solidarity actions on December 7th in support of the social movements in the global south who are converging on Cancun to fight for climate and environmental justice.

This summer we took to the streets of Toronto as part of ongoing struggle for economic and migrant justice, gender justice, environmental justice, indigenous sovereignty, and justice for our communities. By coming together as one diverse but united group, we showed how strong we can be. As the puppets of global capital were cowering behind security fences and hired thugs, the real power was in the streets... it was ours.

Now the same brokers of the global financial system are gathering in Cancun to continue negotiations for the next international climate treaty. Instead of working through the consensus process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the large industrial countries have created their own side-agreement called the Copenhagen Accord and are now bullying everyone they can to submit to a deal which will be the doom of us all.

Canada sabotaged climate negotiations in Copenhagen while building the most destructive project on earth, the tar sands gigaproject. This year, the government of Canada undemocratically killed Bill C-311, the Climate Accountability Act, voted down Bill C-300 - an act to hold Canadian mining companies to account for human and environmental rights violations and signed an empty UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by excluding the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Government and industry are digging up our country and the planet while ignoring the global climate crisis.

Fighting for climate and environmental justice means standing together to say we will not allow indigenous people to be forced off their land through carbon market forest deals, we will not allow the lives and health of poor people to be endangered while social programs are slashed, we will not let farmers have their crops threatened by unpredictable weather patterns and corporate control, will not allow forced migration of the inhabitants of small island and low-lying nations as their homelands drown under rising seas, we will not let our most valuable resources, be it clean water or sacred homelands go up for sale,and we will not let those in power to silence our fight for the justice for people and the planet, we call upon our allies to join us as we march on the financial district to MAKE SOME NOISE and remind them just who owns the streets in Toronto.

In Sol,
Environmental Justice Toronto