News Video 90620: Rally for Single Payer, 6/15/2009. {LB} –n–
While President Obama addressed the American Medical Association on June 15, 2009 in Chicago, Single Payer advocates held a demonstration. “Single payer is the only option that is really going to provide healthcare for everybody,“ one supporter said. Interviews and scenes.
Mins 7:30
Labor Beat: Raises on the Backs of Lost UIC Jobs / Keep Chrysler Jobs in Kenosha {LB575}
- 1. “Raises on the Backs of Lost UIC Jobs.“
At the University of Illinois Chicago campus, on May 21, 2009, a broad coalition of students, campus workers, graduate employees, doctors, and union representatives picketed the meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Earlier, some of the protesters had been allowed to address the Trustees meeting. Video cameras were not permitted; but Labor Beat obtained stills of the meeting.
The protest was organized by the UIC-ABC Coalition; and it demanded that the “University’s budget not be balanced on the backs of workers, students, and community members“. It called for “no layoffs or bumping, no tuition or fee hikes, healthcare for all, access for all students.“
Earlier in the month the University had declared that over 90 civil service positions would be eliminated or bumped. Many of these positions would affect SEIU Local 73 members.
Toward the end of the demo, it was announced that members of the Board of Trustees had agreed to meet with the protestors, the results of which are yet to be reported. Speeches, interviews, scenes of the protest.
- 2. “Keep Chrysler Jobs in Kenosha.“
The spirited May 18, 2009 rally in Kenosha, WI to stop Chrysler’s plans to close its engine plant there, leaving the work to be done in Mexico.
Scenes of the demonstration at the plant gate, interviews with autoworkers, plus speeches by Kenosha UAW Local 72 President Glenn Stark, and Dennis Williams, UAW Region 4 Director.
The autoworkers call upon President Obama to intervene to save their jobs. On-demand playback is available at laborbeat.org
Order form 
Labor Beat: International Labor Conference / Gaza Protest in Wasat, Iraq {LB574}
- International Labor Conference. A 15-minute video report on the historic March 13-14, 2009 meeting in Erbil, Iraq.
A recent Labor Beat show featured the speech there of Iraq War Veteran Aaron Hughes (“Aaron at Erbil“). This show focuses on the main contents of the International Labor Conference.
Includes interviews and some brief speeches, as well as summaries of the final resolutions. It was attended by 200 delegates from Iraqi unions in 15 of 18 provinces, as well as 15 international delegates. This is an edited-for-English version of a video produced by Sana TV in Japan.
-Gaza Protest in Waset, Iraq. Here is a unique glimpse into a street demonstration in Iraq, as it protests the Israeli attacks on Gaza earlier this year.
The demonstration, organized by Iraq Freedom Congress (a political organization in Iraq
News Video 90521: Keep Chrysler Jobs in Kenosha, 5/18/2009. {LB} –n–
A spirited May 18, 2009 rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin to stop Chrysler plans to close its engine plant there, leaving the work to be done in Mexico.
Scenes of the demonstration at the plant gate; interviews with autoworkers; plus speeches by Kenosha UAW Local 72 President Glenn Stark and UAW Region 4 Director Dennis Williams. The autoworkers call upon President Obama to intervene to save their jobs. Video by Labor Beat.
Labor Beat: Defend Professor Capeheart / Support Cintas Workers / No Games / Daley’s Snowstorm {LB573}
- Defend Professor Capeheart. - Support Cintas Workers - No Games - Daley’s Snowstorm
Note: Descriptions of these segments and their on-demand playback links are provided separately in the Labor Beat show listings.
Labor Beat: Aaron at Erbil {LB572}
On March 13-14 an important International Labor Conference was held in Erbil, Iraq, which is in the Kurdistan region. Along with the 200 delegates from Iraqi trade unions and international unions, attending was a delegation from the U.S., comprised of representatives of U.S. Labor Against the War, and 2 representatives from Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Among those IVAW attending was Aaron Hughes, the subject of this 25 minute video.
Aaron explains why he attended the Conference, and places his return to Iraq as an anti-war veteran in the context of a similar visit by Vietnam Veterans Against the War to North Vietnam.
At the center of Aaron’s experience in Erbil is his short speech to the delegation apologizing for his role in the US military in oppressing the people of Iraq. This video is a documenting of that speech and the reactions of the audience, as well as Aaron’s anxiety about what the reactions would be.
The work of the Conference is also summarized by Aaron, enhanced with footage from Iraq Peacetv in Japan and Aaron’s own footage of the event. The experience of the Conference provides the basis of the IVAW delegate’s re-dedication of their goal of war reparations for the people and workers of Iraq.
News Video 90425: Defend Professor Loretta Capeheart, 4/23/2009. {LB}
Press Conference in Defense of Professor Loretta Capeheart
A press conference was held at Northeastern Illinois University on April 23, 2009 to defend Professor Loretta Capeheart.
The NEIU administration has attacked her for playing a leading role in the faculty union (AFT) and 2004 strike; for her defense of students arrested for protesting a campus CIA recruitment event; and for her other statements supporting minorities, labor, and academic freedom.
She has been denied appointment to her duly elected post as department chair; denied merited awards; and defamed by NEIU’s vice president in a faculty council meeting.
To sign the petition in support of Professor Capeheart: www.petitiononline.com/j4lc/petition.htm l.
Professor Capeheart is suing NEIUs President, Vice-President, and Provost for violation of her free speech rights and retaliation against her for exercising these rights in defense of labor, minorities, and academic freedom.
In this excerpt from the press conference, Professor Capeheart is joined by: Hector Reyes, Ph.D., Physical Science Dept, Assistant Professor, Harold Washington College; Susan Rosa, Ph.D. Associate Professor, History NEIU; Russell Bennjamin, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Political Science NEIU; Sharon K. Hahs, President NEIU; Samuel Vega, Union for Puerto Rican Students. For more information: 773-552-0394.
News Video 90416: Support Cintas Workers, 3/2009. {LB} –n–
Maria Ramirez and Norma Flieta were fired for not meeting production quotas in the laundry sort area at the Cintas plant at 6001 73rd St, near Chicago.
They say the reason Cintas fired them was because of their national origin and that this was an unfair work assignment.
Though the plant is not organized at the moment, UNITE HERE is organizing there. A protest action is shown in this video. (See http://www.uniformjustice.org/news/detail.php?news_id=1071 for more info.)
Labor Beat: Sixth Anniversary of the War / Chicago Closes 16 Schools {LB570}
-1- Protesting the 6th anniversary of the war in Iraq, a march through Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood took place on March 14, 2009.
The marchers decried the laundry list of outrages now endured by working people as a result of the continuing war crimes: diverting of funds from education, community clinics, social support structures; attacks on immigrant workers; the foisting of more militarism onto Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the list goes on.
Numerous interviews, some speeches, scenes. &qt;Obama has just announced that there are going to be 50,000 troops staying in Iraq. That’s not a withdrawal plan&qt; notes Shaun Harkin (ISO). About 19 minutes.
-2- Protest Against Chicago Board of Education Vote to Close 16 Schools / Feb 25, 2009
A big community, union and student protest at Chicago Board of Education as 16 Schools are slated for closing under Renaissance 2010. Feb 25, 2009. 10 minutes.
News Video 90414: Veteran Against the War Speaks to Conference in Iraq, 3/13/2009. {LB}
(See the description for Labor Beat: Aaron at Erbil)
Mins 25
News Video 90410:No Olympic Games!, 4/02/09 {LB} –n–
Title: Daley’s Snowstorm.
It was no Daley lovefest when city workers, community, immigrant, human rights and anti-2016 activists gathered in Chicago Federal Plaza on April 2, 2009.
It was also the day the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came to town to survey the City’s bid. As far as we know, none attended.
News Video 90407: Sixth Anniversary of the War, 3/14/09 {LB} –n–
Protesting the 6th anniversary of the war in Iraq, a march through Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood took place on March 14, 2009.
The marchers decried the laundry list of outrages now endured by working people as a result of the continuing war crimes: diverting of funds from education, community clinics, social support structures; attacks on immigrant workers; the foisting of more militarism onto Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the list goes on.
Numerous interviews, some speeches, scenes. &lquot;Obama has just announced that there are going to be 50,000 troops staying in Iraq. That’s not a withdrawal plan,&rquot; notes Shaun Harkin (ISO).
News Video 90405: Cops Union Pickets Mayor Daley, 4/02/09 {LB} –n–
Labor Beat.
Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7 called out its off duty officers and surrounded City Hall demanding a contract from Mayor Daley after 21 months of delay.
Coincidently, it was the same day the International Olympic Committee arrived to survey the city for the 2016 games. Interviews with Mark Donohue, FOP President, Marilyn Stewart CTU President and Leroy Jones City Division Director of SEIU.
Labor Beat: Push Back Wage Theft {LB569}
Kim Bobo, author of the newly published Wage Theft in America, talks about ways to detect and stop the growing trend of wage theft in the U.S.
Drawing upon years of practical organizational experience, Bobo is an engaging and informative speaker. She is the founder of Interfaith Worker Justice.
Her down-to-earth talk is enhanced visually by Labor Beat through tables and location footage.
News Video 90321: IVAW at International Labor Conference in Iraq (Excerpt), 3/13/09 {LB} –n–
Aaron at Erbil
Click here to view on bliptv: http://blip.tv/file/1989250
On March 13-14 an important International Labor Conference was held in Erbil, Iraq, which is in the Kurdistan region. Along with the 200 delegates from Iraqi trade unions and international unions, attending was a delegation from the U.S., comprised of representatives of U.S. Labor Against the War, and 2 representatives from Iraq Veterans Against the War. Among those IVAW attending was Aaron Hughes, the subject of this 25 minute video. Aaron explains why he attended the Conference, and places his return to Iraq as an anti-war veteran in the context of a similar visit by Vietnam Veterans Against the War to North Vietnam. At the center of Aaron’s experience in Erbil is his short speech to the delegation apologizing for his role in the US military in oppressing the people of Iraq. This video is a documenting of that speech and the reactions of the audience, as well as Aaron’s anxiety about what the reactions would be. The work of the Conference is also summarized by Aaron, enhanced with footage from Iraq Peacetv in Japan and Aaron’s own footage of the event. The experience of the Conference provides the basis of the IVAW delegate’s re-dedication of their goal of war reparations for the people and workers of Iraq.
====Iraq Veterans Against the War member Aaron Hughes talks about his speech at the historic March 13-14, 2009 International Labor Conference in Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The Conference was also attended by representatives from U.S. Labor Against the War (USLAW).
This is a short excerpt from an upcoming video from Labor Beat with additional footage from Japan Peace TV/Sana TV.
Labor Beat: Employee Free Choice Act Town Hall Meeting {LB568}
Chicago-area trade unions held an Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) rally on February 17, 2009. Over a thousand trade unionists voiced their support for EFCA, overflowing the old Plumbers Hall west of the Loop. Many workers had to stand in the lobby listening to the speeches.
The EFCA , if passed in Congress, will strengthen employees’ rights to form a union and help restore the living standards of the working class.
Speakers appearing in the video include: Michael Carrigan, Pres. Ill. AFL-CIO; national AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Chicago); Laborers’ International Union of North America President Terence O’Sullivan; Anna Burger, Change to Win labor coalition; and others.
News Video 90316: Antiwar / Immigrants’ Rights, 3/14/2009 {LB}
Labor Beat promoted and covered the 3/14/2009 Chicago Antiwar and Immigrant Rights Coalition march in the Pilsen neighborhood.
The following day, Labor Beat presented a 5 hour cable television broadcast of past marches. Some video clips from that broadcast are posted on the Internet.
The arrest of Mrs. Pat Vogel, local mother of a soldier in Iraq..
Jorge Mujica on immigrants organizing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inAsZHdaLo4&feature=channel.
Andy Thayer, march organizer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfSIaFShm2w&feature=channel.
Earl Silbar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apfd6eTtxGc&feature=channel.
Iraq Veterans Against the War. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBVBsTlTguU&feature=channel.
Rich Berg, SEIU local president. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQbXawdau0o&feature=channel.
Labor Beat: Healthcare Crisis in the President’s Backyard / Nothing About Us Without Us {LB567}
1. Healthcare Crisis in the President’s Backyard
On February 10, 2009, Teamsters Local 743 & Students Organizing United with Labor (SOUL) organized a layoff protest rally at the University of Chicago Campus.
The University is planning to layoff over 400 union workers at the UC Medical Center, while continuing multi-million dollar construction projects. Produced by Gary Brooks for Labor Beat.
2. Nothing About Us Without Us
Video coverage of the 2/10/09 STOP (Southside Together Organizing for Power) press conference at the Mayor’s Office protesting the proposed closing of four mental health clinics on the Chicago’s South Side.
Statements from Ed Shurna of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Mr. Fred Friedman of First Steps, Bill “Dock“ Walls of Committee for a Better Chicago, along with several consumers of these clinics there to tell the Mayor, “treatment works.“
Labor Beat: The Elder Studs Terkel, Activist for Labor / Public Dollars, Public Schools {LB566}
- The Elder Studs Terkel, Activist for Labor
On Oct. 31, 2008 Studs Terkel died at age 96. The event was somewhat overshadowed by the looming Nov. 4 election just days away. It was Halloween, too, something Studs would have been amused by.
Studs’ passing marked the end to an era. His public radio and writer’s personality had been part of the national narrative in progressive and labor history going back to the 30s.
Labor Beat has compiled here selections from our own exclusive footage of Studs appearing at union picket lines and rallies for the past 20 years. Here is Studs speaking at a grape boycott rally with Cesar Chavez, and testifying with Tim Kazurinsky in the Chicago City Council chambers urging their support for the SAG-AFTRA strike.
We spend some time with Studs as he arrives at a big hotel strike rally on Labor Day in 2003 on Michigan Ave. He enjoys schmoozing the crowd and becomes again the old soap box orator of yore. And in 2007 we see Studs in his dotage, perhaps at his last outdoor labor rally--in Chicago’s Millennium Park for Single Payer Health Care. Studs introduces filmmaker Michael Moore, his new film “Sicko“ just released, and Studs and Michael crack a few jokes together. Michael Moore reminds the audience: “Studs, you’re a national treasure.“
Narrated by Al Harris Stein.
- Also, a second, short segment. Public Dollars, Public Schools
Well over 500 parents, children and teachers converged on the Chicago School Board protesting the proposed 20 school closings.
Recognizing the Renaissance 2010 plan of the business class’s Commercial Club and its role in the union busting plan and the sabotage of neighborhood schools, they march to their front doors and rally before heading to City Hall to demand a meeting with Mayor Daley.
News Video 90215: Mental Health Clinics Closing Protest, 2/10/09 {LB}
Nothing About Us Without Us
Video coverage of the 2/10/09 press conference at the Mayor’s Office protesting the proposed closing of four mental health clinics on the Chicago’s South Side.
Statements from Ed Shurna of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Mr. Fred Friedman of First Steps, Bill “Dock“ Walls of Committee for a Better Chicago, along with several consumers of these clinics there to tell the Mayor, “treatment works.“
News Video 90214: Teamsters and Students Protest Hospital Layoffs, 2/10/09 {LB}
Healthcare Crisis in the President’s Backyard.
On February 10, 2009, Teamsters Local 743 & Students Organizing United with Labor (SOUL) organized a layoff protest rally at the University of Chicago Campus.
The University is planning to layoff over 400 union workers at the UC Medical Center, while continuing a multi-million dollar construction projects. Produced by Gary Brooks for Labor Beat.
News Video 90210: Chicago Antiwar and Immigrant Rights March Permit Upheld {LB}
The Chicago Antiwar and Immigrant Rights Coalition has organized a march through the Pilsen neighborhood on March 14, 2009.
The coalition called this February 10 press conference celebrating the January 23 court victory ruling that the City must grant a permit.
News Video 90208: The Elder Studs Terkel: Activist for Labor {LB}
(See the description at LB568)
Mins 20
Labor Beat: The Struggle Against Renaissance 2010 {LB565}
The Struggle Against Renaissance 2010.
Here are excerpts from the Community Hearing at Chicago’s Malcom X College on January 10, 2009, highlighting testimonies of teachers union members, community organizations, students and parents.
The hearing considered: At the current pace, 50% of all the Chicago Public Schools will be privatized by 2020. How will this impact students, parents, teachers, communities? The meeting was Sponsored by: Caucus Of Rank-and-file Educators (CORE); The Chicago Teachers Union; The Pilsen Alliance; PACT; CSDU; Substance News; Blocks Together; Kenwood Oakland Community Organization; Parents United for Responsible Education; Teachers for Social Justice; The Southwest Youth Collaborative.
Selections of speeches from Professor Pauline Lipman, Educational Policy Studies; Julie Woestehoff, Parents United for Responsible Education; Lourdes Guerrero, Teacher Representative; Jesse Sharkey, Social Studies teacher; Lanetta Thomas, High School student; Alina Mojica, former charter school student; Kristen Chapman, High School teacher; Marilyn Stewart, President, Chicago Teachers Union; Meg Sullivan, terminated charter school teacher; Lorenza Ramirez, parent of former charter school student; Carol Reynolds, charter school teacher; Lou Pyster, retired school teacher; Alfred P. Rodgers, Parents United for Responsible Education; and Debbie Lynch, Former President, Chicago Teachers Union.
Lynch, with much audience support, expresses disappointment over President Obama’s appointment of Arne Duncan, responsible for so many of these destructive policies in Chicago public education, to become the new Secretary of Education.
News Video 90202: Closing and Privatizing Chicago Public Schools, 1/28/09 {LB}
(See the description at LB568)
Mins 8:30
Labor Beat: Mass Chicago Rally For Gaza / Republic Workers / Confronting Bigots {LB564}
Mass Chicago Rally for Gaza, And 3 Other Segments
- 1: Mass Chicago Rally for Gaza.
On January 2, 2009, some 4,000 supporters of the people of Gaza rallied at Tribune Plaza on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue and then marched across the Michigan Ave. Bridge to hold a protest in front of the Israeli Consulate on E. Wacker Drive.
They could not fit everyone into the cleared street on the block in front of the Consulate, so huge was the demonstration. Scenes and speeches. 4 minutes.
- 2: Republic Workers Protest at Bank of America
Scenes and interviews from the powerful workers’ protest at Bank of America Center in Chicago’s financial district on Dec. 10, 2008.
This protest represented a culmination of labor and community support of the members of UE Local 1110 who decided to occupy the Republic Windows and Doors plant because they were being laid off without legal notice or severance.
- 3: “Workers Republic“ Excerpts
When the workers at Republic Windows and Doors were notified their factory would close in three days, they took matters into their own hands. The union work force seized control of the factory for 6 days to demand the severance they are owed by law.
On the sixth day of their occupation, they won all their demands, and showed the world’s working class a classic example of people power (something not seen in the USA for decades).
This is a 9-minute excerpt from the soon-to-be-released full 30-minute episode, “Workers’ Republic.“
- 4: Confronting the Bigots of the Westboro Baptist “Church“
On December 13, 2008, activists in Chicago’s “Boys Town“ neighborhood confronted the notorious bigots from the Kansas Westboro Baptist “Church.“ Fred Phelps and his followers have been picketing the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq, saying God hates America for its tolerance of homosexuals. His vile posters often include “Fags Die, God Laughs,“ and other such hate mongering.
When activists for LGBT Equal Marriage rights heard Phelps would soon protest their community center, they organized to shut down his message of hatred. Produced by Andrew Freund of Labor Beat.
News Video 90120: Testimonies Against Schools ’Renaissance 2010’, 1/10/2009 {LB}
(See the description at ’Labor Beat: The Struggle Against Renaisasnce 2010’, LB567.)
Mins 29