(2019-09-19). GM endangers the lives of its workers by yanking health care. peoplesworld.org 
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(2019-09-19). California Kaiser mental health clinicians in fight for patient care. peoplesworld.org 
OAKLAND, Calif. — After almost 12 months without a contract, some 4,000 Kaiser Permanente mental health clinicians in California, and their union, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, are continuing to demand that the giant health care corporation establish the conditions the clinicians need to care for their patients in a timely and effective manner. …
(2019-09-19). Indonesian police arrest scores of people linked to huge forest fires. thecanary.co 
Indonesian police said they have arrested 230 people suspected of starting fires that are spreading health-damaging haze across a large part of south-east Asia.They include three men caught on Monday trying to clear land to plant crops in the Tesso Nilo National Park, which is home to about 140 endangered wild elephants, said Dedi Prasetyo, the national police spokesman.Those arrested could be prosecuted under an environmental protection law that mandates a maximum 10-year prison sentence for setting fires to clear land.Firefighters in Riau province (Rafka Majjid/AP)Indonesia's fires are an annual problem that st…
(2019-09-19). DOL nominee Scalia promises to enforce labor law, but ducks policy. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—When it comes to enforcing the nation's labor laws, Eugene Scalia promises to do so. But when it comes to policy recommendations, or to increasing the troops — federal job safety and health inspectors, for example — needed for such enforcement, GOP President Donald Trump's nominee for Labor Secretary sang quite a different tune. It …
(2019-09-19). 25 Ways the Canadian Health Care System is Better than Obamacare for the 2020 Elections. dissidentvoice.org Dear America: Costly complexity is baked into Obamacare, and although it has improved access to healthcare for some, tens of millions of Americans still cannot afford basic medical care for their family. No healthcare system is without problems but Canadian-style single-payer — full Medicare for all — is simple, affordable, comprehensive and universal for all basic and …
(2019-09-19). California Is Ready to Ensure Every Public College Student Has Access to Abortion. aclu.org The state legislature has passed the first bill in the nation ensuring medication abortion is available on UC and CSU campuses. | In a year when we've seen states throughout the South and Midwest move to ban abortion and restrict access to reproductive health, California could soon cement its reputation as a leader in reproductive freedom. This past week, the state legislature passed SB 24 to ensure that medication abortion is available to college students in public universities. | Jessy Rosales, a UC student, stru…
(2019-09-19). Despite progress in childbirth safety, one woman or baby dies every 11 seconds. un.org Childbirth survival rates are now a "staggering success" compared with the year 2000, but one pregnant woman – or her child – still dies every 11 seconds from largely preventable causes, UN health experts said on Thursday.
(2019-09-19). Here We Go Again: Neoliberal Centrists Are Anointing One of Their Own—and It Could Cost Us. commondreams.org Democratic presidential hopefuls former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) speak during the second round of the second Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season hosted by CNN at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan on July 31, 2019. (Photo: Jim Waton/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2019-09-19). Strike date of October 14 set for 80,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers across US. wsws.org The walkout would be the largest strike in the US since 1997 and follow close on the heels of the strike by 46,000 GM autoworkers which began at midnight Sunday.
(2019-09-19). As GM tries to cut health benefits for workers on strike, Federal Reserve prepares more handouts to Wall Street. wsws.org The federal government wants unlimited amounts of cash to be provided to the financial system in the event of a stock market downturn.
(2019-09-19). GM shuts off healthcare for striking autoworkers, begins to use scabs in attempt to break strike. wsws.org Autoworkers are fighting not only General Motors executives, but also Wall Street and powerful global investors who demand further attacks on the working class to fuel the endless rise on the stock markets.
(2019-09-19). Purdue Pharma Hired PR Firm That Rebranded BP After Deepwater Horizon Spill. theintercept.com Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical firm that manufactures OxyContin and allegedly helped fuel widespread addiction to painkillers, has turned to some of the same corporate spin doctors hired by BP after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. | The relationship was revealed in a legal document disclosed on September 15 when Purdue filed for bankruptcy protection. The filing, designed to settle thousands of lawsuits over its role in the opioid epidemic, revealed creditors seeking payments from the Connecticut-based pharmaceutical giant. | Bankruptcy documents have offered a window into corporate dark money in recent y…
(2019-09-19). Iraqi Kids Test Positive for Depleted Uranium Remnants Near Former US Air Base. truthout.org | | For the first time, independent researchers have found that the bodies of Iraqi children born with congenital disabilities, such as heart disease and malformed limbs, near a former United States air base in southern Iraq are contaminated with high levels of radioactive heavy metals associated with toxic depleted uranium pollution leftover from the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. | The findings appear to bolster claims made by Iraqi doctors who observed high rates of congenital disabilities in bab…
(2019-09-19). 'Secretary of Corporate Interests' More Like It, Say Critics of Trump's Anti-Worker Labor Nominee. commondreams.org Progressive groups and Democratic lawmakers expressed serious concerns Thursday about corporate attorney Eugene Scalia—President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Labor Department—as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee met to consider his nomination. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2019-09-18). 30,000 Children Risk Sexual Abuse After Mozambique Cyclones: UN. telesurenglish.net Tens of thousands of children are at risk of abuse and exploitation in Mozambique six months after the country was devastated by Cyclone Idai, World Vision warned Tuesday. | RELATED: | 24 Million Children Living in Warzones Need Mental Health Help | As the southern African country is still struggling to recover from Cyclones Idai and Kenneth that hit in March and April, more than 60,000 people, 30,000 of them children, are living in resettlement camps after their homes were de…
(2019-09-18). UAW Strike Enters Day 3 as 50,000 Workers Demand GM to Share Its Billions in Profits. democracynow.org 
As members of the United Auto Workers head into their third day of a nationwide strike, General Motors has cut off health insurance for the nearly 50,000 people on picket lines across the country demanding better working conditions and fair pay. The workers say GM continues to deny employees' demands for better conditions and compensation despite leading the company to record profits following bankruptcy and a federal bailout. It's the first company-wide strike against GM in 12 years. UAW had sought to have GM cover striking workers' health insurance through the end of the month. In New York City, we speak with S…
(2019-09-18). "Beaten Down, Worked Up": Steven Greenhouse on the Past, Present and Future of American Labor. democracynow.org 
As UAW workers stand on picket lines across the country, teachers prepare to strike in Chicago, and thousands of healthcare workers with Kaiser Permanente plan to strike in October, we speak with longtime labor reporter Steven Greenhouse, author of the new book "Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor." Among other issues, Greenhouse discusses how labor and climate activists are teaming up to push for a Green New Deal.
(2019-09-17). Tuesday's Daily Brief: Hope for Myanmar, UN News sits down with new Assembly President, youth speak out on climate crisis. un.org A recap of Tuesday's top stories: Hope for justice in Myanmar rights violations; First major interview with new Assembly President; Youth activists want a platform in solving climate crisis; Five deaths every minute due to unsafe health care; Number of migrants outpacing world population growth.
(2019-09-17). Five avoidable deaths per minute shows urgent need for action on patient safety. un.org With at least five people dying every minute due to unsafe health care, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging medical professionals, policy makers, caregivers and patients to take urgent action to ensure no one is harmed while receiving treatment.
(2019-09-17). 'Trust women, support the bill', say rally-goers. greenleft.org.au 
health care Pip HinmanIssue 1238 Australia pro-choice Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019 SydneySeptember 1…
(2019-09-16). OxyContin maker files for bankruptcy faced with over 2,000 lawsuits over opioid epidemic. rt.com 
Purdue Pharma, accused of fostering the US opioid crisis with its drug OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy protection in a New York court, after a tentative settlement deal faced opposition from multiple states. | The company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in White Plains, New York on Sunday evening, as part of its efforts to finalize a settlement with state and local governments, which sued the pharmaceutical giant en mass for its role in the nation's deadly opioid crisis. | The much-anticipated filing aims to help the company to shield itself from 2,600 lawsuits, including from 26 states. | Also on rt.com…
(2019-09-16). AmeriCorps Adopts Health Screening Process That's Fair to Candidates with Disabilities. aclu.org Susie was disqualified from AmeriCorps NCCC for seeking therapy. Now they're changing their screening process so everyone can apply to serve. | Susie Balcom was overjoyed when she received a conditional offer to serve as a support team leader in Mississippi with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a national, residential service program for young adults. After graduating from college with a 4.0 GPA and spending two terms in the AmeriCorps state program, Susie was ready, willing, and able to fulfill her dream of serving in the national program. | However, a few weeks later, AmeriCorps NCCC to…
(2019-09-16). Headlines for September 16, 2019. democracynow.org U.S. Threatens Military Action Against Iran After Oil Attacks in Saudi Arabia, United Auto Workers Strike to Demand Fair Wages, Healthcare & Job Security from GM, Purdue Pharma Files for Bankruptcy, Calls Mount to Impeach Justice Kavanaugh After NYT Report on Sexual Misconduct, Hong Kong Protesters Appeal to U.S., U.K. as Uprising Shows No Sign of Slowing Down, Outsiders Lead Tunisia's Presidential Exit Polls, Algeria Announces Elections Amid Ongoing Protests Against Ruling Elite, U.K. Judge Says Julian Assange a Flight Risk, Must Remain in Prison, Appeals Court Revives Emoluments Case Against Trump, Felicity Huf…
(2019-09-16). Women's pain, medicine's shame. greenleft.org.au 
books women's rights Diana McGinnIssue 1238September 18, 2019Pain & Prejudice: A Call to Arms for Women& Their Bodies
| By Gabrielle Jackson
| Allen and Unwin, 2019
| 360 pp, $29.99 | Women's health and chronic pain has been ignored throughout medical history, writes Gabrielle Jackson. Pain, and more specificall…
(2019-09-13). 3rd Democratic Debate: Medicare for All as the Bogeyman? (1/3). therealnews.com 
The third Democratic Party's presidential debate featured all ten front-runners for the first time. In segment one of our debate discussion, we take a closer look how candidates discussed the healthcare issue. Our panelists are Osita Nwanevu, Helena Olea, and Jacqueline Luqman, with Greg Wilpert as host…
(2019-09-13). Clerical workers confront U of MN President Gabel, Board of Regents. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – University of Minnesota AFSCME members confronted soon-to-be-inaugurated University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel at the September 13 Board of Regents meeting in the McNamara Alumni Center. | Steph Taylor, AFSCME 3800 vice-president, said, "We presented over 1000 petition signatures demanding that our contributions should be respected with a contract that includes real wage increases and moves people to the top of the pay scale faster, with no increases to health care costs." | She added, "President Gabel has met with every employee group but refuses to meet with us while we are in negotiati…
(2019-09-13). Medicare for All: Sanders & Warren Defend Plan to Expand Healthcare Coverage to Everyone. democracynow.org 
At Thursday's debate, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren defended their Medicare for All plan. They faced criticism from several rivals, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, who described it as a "bad idea," and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who claimed the bill shows Sanders and Warren do not "trust the American people."
(2019-09-13). Joe Biden Faces Criticism over His Healthcare Plan & His Support for Iraq Invasion at Third Debate. democracynow.org 
The 10 leading Democratic presidential candidates appeared for the first time on the same stage Thursday night at a debate at Texas Southern University in Houston. It was the third debate of the primary season, but it marked the first time former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Elizabeth Warren took part in the same debate. Biden repeatedly faced criticism for his healthcare plans and for his vote to support the war in Iraq.
(2019-09-13). Bernie Sanders on Democratic Socialism: We Want to Create an Economy That Works for All of Us. democracynow.org 
After being questioned about the crisis in Venezuela, Senator Bernie Sanders defended his vision of democratic socialism. "I agree with what goes on in Canada and in Scandinavia: guaranteeing healthcare to all people as a human right. I believe that the United States should not be the only major country on Earth not to provide paid family and medical leave," Sanders said. "I believe that every worker in this country deserves a living wage and that we expand the trade union movement."
(2019-09-12). The Insurance Industry's War of Words Against Medicare-for-All. progressive.org Why are we seeing all the hand-wringing about "losing" private insurance when so many people's experiences with it are so negative?
(2019-09-12). Another Flint? Newark, NJ, Faces Public Health Crisis over Lead Contamination in City's Water Supply. democracynow.org 
Thousands of residents in Newark, New Jersey, remain unable to drink their tap water in an enduring public health nightmare. Lead contamination has plagued the city for years, but lead levels have spiked even higher in 2019. The crisis recently came to a head following revelations that water filters distributed to residents may not have been effective. New Jersey's political leaders are facing mounting criticism for their handling of the water crisis. Advocates say the city downplayed the severity of the problem for years and has been slow on solutions, comparing Newark's water crisis to Flint, Michigan. We speak…
(2019-09-10). Planned Parenthood Has an App for That. progressive.org Health provider counters funding setbacks by expanding access to new technologies.
(2019-09-05). California health-care workers prepare to strike at Kaiser. liberationnews.org 
On Labor Day, Sept. 2, around 2,200 people, comprised of health-care workers, union organizers, and allies, gathered at Los Angeles City College to demonstrate their readiness to strike.
(2019-09-05). Three Percent Security Force's Split Highlights Plague of Infighting. splcenter.org The incessant power struggles that plague militia groups prompted defections in the Three Percent Security Force, robbed its leader of control and delivered the well-known antigovernment militia to the man who defied his commander.
(2019-09-01). Kennewick teachers' strike shows power of the union in Washington state. liberationnews.org 
Teachers win gains on important issues including pay and insurance.
(2019-06-19). House Casts Historic Vote to Repeal Authorization for Endless War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 19, 2019 — In response to the House of Representatives passing H.R. 2740 (Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020), which includes language to repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) eight months after …