by Doug Collins

A survey of some 10,000 service representatives, directory assistance operators and technicians concluded that complaints of wrist pain among computer workers have increased from 45 percent in 1989 to 76 percent in 1998. Workers experienced a four-fold increase in repetitive-motion injuries during the same period, according to the survey, which was conducted by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The CWA cites the study as evidence that many workers are not being provided with ergonomic (designed for ease on the body) computer equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has almost finished drafting the country's first ergonomic standard, but implementation could be delayed for two years by Republican legislation in Congress. (America@work)

Anarchy but no sabotage

Efforts to repeal Washington's "Anarchy and Sabotage Law" (RCW 9.05) were partially successful, but have also partially backfired. The law, dating from 1919 anti-IWW sentiment among the political establishment, made it illegal to display symbols or express ideas common to the IWW, and made such activities as sit-ins and slowdowns potentially felonious. A group of Earth First! activists were prosecuted under the dusted-off law a couple years ago, which spurred various efforts to repeal the law which were supported by some state legislators. A new replacement law was passed in Olympia this session which removes the ban on IWW-type expressions, but retains the other provisions, plus adds another felony called "aggravated criminal trespass", which makes it even more likely that labor and other activists can be prosecuted for picketing or other actions. The Washington State Labor Council, however, chose not to join with environmentalists to testify against the new replacement bill. (587 News Review)

Longshore and Bike Messenger Union

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has stepped up organizing efforts since a membership referendum in 1997. In addition to organizing maritime workers, the ILWU has branched out to other occupations. In April a majority of the 360 workers at Powell's Bookstore in Portland, OR, joined the ILWU. Now bike messengers in San Francisco, citing low wages and hazardous work conditions, are seeking ILWU representation and have filed a request for union election with the National Labor Relations Board. (America@work)

Union membership still stagnant

The number of union members in the US increased by 101,000 last year, but the percentage of union members in the workforce decreased from 14.1 percent to 13.9 percent (down from 20.1 percent in 1983), reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. All the net membership growth occurred among government sector public employees. There was a decrease in membership in private industries. The occupation with the highest unionization rate is "protective services", which is 41.3 percent unionized and includes police officers and firefighters. (The Outlook--UFCW 1105)

Saipan sweatshop website

Chinese sweatshops in the US Saipan Islands operate on US soil and label goods "made in the USA" without minimum wage or safety requirements. (The Free Press was the first to report on this story in our July 1997 issue.) For updates and information on the Saipan/Marianas Islands issue, consult the website www.takepride.org, which has been developed by the Take Pride in America Coalition, a coalition of liberals and conservatives which supports the "Made in USA" Label Defense Act now pending in congress, and seeks to end the "Saipan Scam".

INS raids labor activists

On May 19, immigration officers raided a downtown Seattle construction site and detained 15 union workers and three union organizers. Among those detained were Latino drywall workers who had organized into a union two months previously. Carpenters Union organizer Jimmy Matta was challenged to prove that he was "legal". He says, "The first people they targeted were Latinos." King County Labor Council President Ron Judd protested the INS sweep and promised that labor "will be mobilizing our political and community allies to develop a comprehensive response." (NW Labor Press)

Painters District targets nonunion firm

Union painters in the Northwest have joined forces in a newly merged Painters District Council 5, which includes formerly Seattle, Portland, and Spokane districts. They have also started a five-state organizing campaign in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Colorado for the finishing trades, which include painters, tapers, glaziers, paintmakers, and floor coverers. The primary focus of the campaign is Redmond-based painting contractor Dunkin & Bush, which also operates in other NW states. Dunkin formerly had a union agreement in Washington state, but refused to sign an "out-of-area clause", an agreement to operate union in other states. The Painters are trying to keep tabs on Dunkin's nonunion operations, and offer a $100 reward for information on the location of Dunkin contract work: call 206-441-5554. (NW Labor Press)