Vol. 71/No. 34      September 17, 2007

“We arrive home at 3 a.m. and then we have to turn around and leave to go back to work at 1 p.m. the same day,” said union president Guillermo Grancke.

El Peñón is a high-grade gold and silver mine known as one of the lowest-cost producers in the world, reported the Santiago Times.

The work stoppage is one in a series of actions by workers and students that have taken place around the country in recent months to demand better working conditions, and against government austerity measures.

Thousands marched August 29 in Santiago, the country’s capital, to demand higher wages, better health, education, and other services. The march, called by the country’s largest labor association the Federation of Workers, was attacked by the police. Dozens were wounded and 750 arrested.

“Never mind how just the demands are, we will not tolerate violence.” said President Michelle Bachelet. She said, however, that the action was a warning signal “that workers need better conditions.”

—Róger Calero

Boston janitors march for contract
with higher pay, health care
BOSTON, August 25—Hundreds of janitors, members of Service Employees International Union Local 615, marched through downtown today after voting to strike if they don’t reach an agreement before their contract expires August 31.

The union local represents about 16,000 workers that clean buildings in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, including about 1,000 state buildings.

They are demanding a raise from about $10 per hour, more full-time work, and better health care. Many janitors only get part-time work.

The janitors waged a month-long strike the last time their contract expired in 2002.

—Ted Leonard
 
 
Related articles:
Minnesota meat packers expand fight to defend union against company attack
New York cab drivers begin 2-day strike  
 
 
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