Greetings from the Burgh,
Things are very busy today as we prepare for some exciting projects covering the IATSE strike.
Studios Forcing Overtime on IATSE Members Before Strike
With a strike set to begin on Monday, many Hollywood studios are forcing employees to work weekends and extra overtime to finish production before the strike begins.
“It is SHAMEFUL that during a negotiation focused on unsafe hours and other abusive working conditions, some @AMPTP companies are intentionally choosing to risk the health and safety of our members to serve their own selfish interests,” IATSE announced on its Twitter page. “It highlights the urgency of our issues.”
For more, check out IATSE’s Twitter page.
10,000 John Deere Workers Strike
At John Deere factories in Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois, more than 10,000 John Deere workers have gone on strike, demanding better wage increases than the $1.20-an-hour increase offered by the company.
“Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules,” Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAW’s Agricultural Implement Department, said in a statement.
For more and to see a full gallery of photos, check out the Quad City Times.
Rural Kentucky School Bus Drivers Strike
Right outside of Louisville, Kentucky in Bullitt County, more than 30 school bus drivers went on a sickout strike over low wages that can start at $16.67 an hour.
“We want to be there for our students and parents,” bus driver Nicole Marshall told WLKY.” We love all of them but we also need to get more money coming in so we can get drivers in here before we lose even more and they have to self-transport all year long.”
Starbucks Closes Two Stores Wanting to Unionize
With Starbucks workers unionizing at five Starbucks locations in Buffalo, New York, Starbucks has decided to suddenly close two of them, citing the need to remodel as the justification.
However, union activists question if that was their true motive.
“We were supposed to get a refurbishment earlier this year, but it’s happening now,” barista Jaz Brisack told Vice. “As soon as we petitioned for a union election, they said ‘[the remodel] is definitely happening.’ Their goal is to separate and disconnect us.”
Strikes and News Happening Elsewhere
- In Warren, Ohio, 50 medical waste management workers went on strike over unsafe conditions.
- In Warwick, Rhode Island, bus drivers are threatening to strike on Friday.
- Netflix trans employees to launch walkout on October 20 over Dave Chappelle comedy special, citing lack of support.
- RNs at San Francisco Chinese Hospital win first contract after unionizing in 2019 and then holding a patient safety strike in May 2021.
- Denver airport security officers vote to authorize a strike that could happen as soon as next week.
- Finally, a look at how the looming IATSE strike showdown impacts the way British crews and their union BECTU approach their union bargaining.
Alright, folks, that’s all for today. Please keep sending tips, stories, ideas, questions, and comments to melk@paydayreport.com.
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Love & Solidarity,
Melk
