This time of year the apple trees are stunning. Delicate, paper-like pink flowers crown the crooked branches in a halo of soft color. Once the blossoms drop, it is time for farm workers to sort out the branches of the apple trees to make more room for the apples to receive the sun, and to [...]

Today is Workers’ Memorial Day, and every year NYSUT holds a simple and solemn ceremony to mark the memory of those who have lost their lives on the job in the past year. A red rose is laid down on a table as each name is called; a symbol for each life lost in the [...]

Tomorrow, NYSUT will celebrate the work of its locals’ newsletters and websites from across the state at its 3rd annual journalism conference. In addition to receiving awards for their work (NYSUT has been giving awards for years, not just the last three), the editors and webmasters will participate in trainings on how to tell their [...]

“Union Town,” a jaunty pro-labor singalong, is the title cut from Tom Morello’s latest release under the name the Nightwatchman. All profits from the EP, which will be available digitally on May 17th and on CD and vinyl on July 19th, will go to the America Votes Labor Unity Fund via SaveWorkers.org. You can visit that site now to join the fight and download the “Union Town” MP3 for free.

Labor and community activists in the Oneonta area have put together a panel discussion on “Wisconsin, New York and the Imperiled American Middle Class” for this Thursday on the SUNY Oneonta campus. It starts at 7 p.m. at Craven Lounge in Morris Hall.

…and start making some sacrifices for children? That’s the question Jon Stewart asked last night. Go to www.thedailyshow.com. to be reminded of the “debate” why the Bush-era tax cuts could not be extended for those making more than $250,000. But let’s stick it to the average Wisconsin teacher who makes $51,000. The Daily Show With [...]

Yes, the state Senate Education Committee will vote tomorrow to end seniority rights for every teacher in the New York City school system. If it happens there, how long before it happens in Buffalo, Syracuse, Yonkers? How long before Schenectady, Ithaca, you name the district? Call your State Senator at: 877 255-9417. When prompted, press [...]

The early morning vote followed three days of debate and sends the bill to the state Senate. Fourteen Senate Democrats remain out of state, denying Republicans a quorum and blocking action in that chamber.

In Wisconsin, two-thirds of the corporations pay no taxes even as the governor pushes to slash services and end collective bargaining.

Compiled from our national affiliates AFT, NEA and AFL-CIO.