Monthly Archives: February 2016

The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies is accepting applicants for its MA in Labor Studies. The early admission deadline is March 15, 2016.

The Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies provides higher education programs for working adults and union members, and serves as a resource center to labor, academic, and community leaders. The MA in Labor Studies degree program strengthens the ability of students to advocate for equity and social justice in their communities and workplaces, and offers courses in labor law, organizing, collective bargaining, international perspectives, labor relations and strategic research.

The early admission deadline for the MA in Labor Studies in March 15, 2016. Applicants who apply for early admission are encouraged to apply for the Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship for Diversity in Labor, which provides up to $30,000 for graduate study or up to $20,000 for undergraduate study. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must first be admitted to the MA in Labor Studies program. The application deadline for the scholarship is April 15, 2016.

A recent video uploaded to Facebook by UFCW Canada depicts the owner of Best Western Seven Oaks in Regina, Saskatchewan pushing and shoving UFCW Local 1400 members who are currently on strike for a living wage, fair benefits, and back pay.

The video was posted to demonstrate the bullying that the workers at the hotel have endured. Now, UFCW Canada Local 1400 is asking for support from our union family. Instead of harassing and abusing workers, they want the owner to get back to the bargaining table so they can reach a fair agreement.

The workers have been on strike for nearly two months, but their employer is refusing to respect the collective bargaining process after negotiations came to a standstill back in December.

“We’re willing to sit down at the table at any time, as the members are eager to negotiate, but the company refuses to budge on several issues, and they do not seem interested in negotiating, so our fight for fairness continues,” said Norm Neault, President of UFCW Canada Local 1400.

To advance the call for a fair contract, the Best Western workers and their families are asking consumers, supporters, and friends to join the campaign for fairness at Best Western Seven Oaks by sending a letter to Best Western’s President and CEO, David Kong.

The strike has gained the attention of local media and has garnered support from surrounding communities. You can help show that our entire union family stands behind these hard-working brothers and sisters by sending your message, as well as by sharing the above video on social media.