[Educationforall] spam con huevos labor news, views and concerns, 3.14.12‏‏‏

Thu Mar 15 06:07:40 UTC 2012

Former Intern at 'Charlie Rose' Sues, Alleging Wage Law Violations‏Keeping Up the Pressure on Escondido by Commenting Online or By Writing a Letter to The Editor‏ A.F.L.-C.I.O. Endorses ObamaVenezuela:Sobre la nueva Central Sindical‏ Capitalism, Version 2012 Why We Have to Go Back to a 40-Hour Work Week to Keep Our SanityWho Is Securing the Texas Border? How Private Contractors Mislead the Public, Then Get Rich Off Taxpayer Money @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Former Intern at 'Charlie Rose' Sues, Alleging Wage Law
Violations
STEVEN GREENHOUSE
March 14, 2012, 12:31 PM
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/former-intern-at-charlie-rose-sues-alleging-wage-law-violations/?scp=2&sq=steven%20greenhouse&st=cse

A former unpaid intern for the "Charlie Rose" show has
filed a lawsuit against Mr. Rose and his production
company, accusing them of violating New York State wage
laws by not paying the show's interns for the work they
performed.

In a lawsuit brought in State Supreme Court in
Manhattan, the former intern, Lucy Bickerton, complained
that she was not paid at all when she worked 25 hours a
week for Mr. Rose's show from June through August 2007.
Ms. Bickerton and the law firm representing her, Outten
& Golden, said they were seeking to bring the lawsuit as
a class action on behalf of all unpaid interns who have
worked for the show since March 2006.

"Central to the show's lean production are the
substantial number of unpaid interns who work on the
'Charlie Rose' show each day, but are paid no wages,"
Ms. Bickerton's lawsuit states. "The show's own Web site
makes clear that 'interns are highly involved with every
aspect of running a daily television show.' "

Document: Complaint Against Charlie Rose
The lawsuit said Ms. Bickerton, a 2008 graduate of
Wesleyan University, had various responsibilities at the
show, including providing background research for Mr.
Rose about interview guests, assembling press packets,
escorting guests through the studio, breaking down the
interview set after daily filming and cleaning up the
green room.

"Despite the significant work they perform, 'Charlie
Rose' interns are not compensated for any of their
work," the lawsuit said.

Paul C. Curnin, a lawyer for Charlie Rose Inc. and a
partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, said: "We will
review the complaint and respond. We are confident that
Charlie Rose Inc.'s employment practices are
appropriate."

The lawsuit noted that unpaid internships have
proliferated among many white-collar professions,
including film, journalism, fashion and book publishing.
Elizabeth Wagoner, a lawyer for Ms. Bickerton, said:
"Systematic violation of federal and state laws that
coverage internships appears all too common at some
media companies. More and more unpaid interns are
standing up for their right to earn a wage for their
work."

Labor experts say hundreds of thousands of young
Americans work as unpaid interns each year as they seek
to gain experience and get a foot in the door with
coveted employers or within coveted industries. But some
interns and worker advocates maintain that many
employers who use unpaid interns are violating federal
and state labor laws by using them essentially to do the
jobs of other workers and by not providing a bona fide
educational experience.

Ms. Bickerton's lawsuit states that according to the New
York State Department of Labor, "an unpaid internship is
only lawful in the context of an educational training
program, when the interns do not perform productive work
and the employer derives no benefit." The lawsuit cites
guidance from the state Labor Department that says: "If
an employer uses trainees as substitutes for regular
workers or to augment its existing work force during
specific times or in general, these interns would be
treated as employees."

Ms. Wagoner said the lawsuit was filed under New York
State law rather than federal law because the state
allows suits over wage violations that go back six
years, while federal wage law sets a three-year limit.

Many employers defend the use of unpaid internships,
saying that the interns often voluntarily and
enthusiastically agreed to take the positions and that
the internships are a valuable educational experience.
Employers also often contend that the labor guidelines
are ambiguous and largely obsolete for today's rapidly
changing workforce.

Ms. Bickerton's lawsuit criticizes the whole system of
unpaid internships, saying: "Employers' failure to
compensate interns for their work, and the prevalence of
the practice nationwide, curtails opportunities for
employment, fosters class divisions between those who
can afford to work for no wage and those who cannot, and
indirectly contributes to rising unemployment."

Last month, Outten & Golden filed a lawsuit on behalf of
a former unpaid intern for the fashion magazine Harper's
Bazaar, accusing its parent company, the Hearst
Corporation, of violating wage laws by not paying her
even though she often worked there full time. Last
September, the law firm filed a lawsuit against Fox
Searchlight Pictures, asserting that it violated wage
laws by using unpaid interns on "Black Swan" and other
films. Hearst Corporation and Fox Searchlight have
denied any wrongdoing.

Adam Klein, one of Ms. Bickerton's lawyers, said: "This
lawsuit should send a clear message to employers that
the practice of classifying employees as interns to
avoid paying wages runs afoul of federal and state wage
and hour laws."

____________________________________________

PortsideLabor aims to provide material of interest to
people on the left that will help them to interpret the
world and to change it.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Subject: Keeping Up the Pressure on Escondido by Commenting Online or By Writing a Letter to The Editor Dear Allies/Friends,Your help is important in keeping up the pressure on Escondido by commenting online or by writing a letter to the editor!  Can we count on you?As our previous communication on this issue noted, yesterday the San Diego ACLU released an important new report, Wrong Turn: Escondido’s Checkpoints and Impound Practices Examined, which takes a comprehensive look at how the city’s checkpoints are being used to bring millions of dollars into city coffers and serve as a warning and threat to undocumented individuals and those in mixed-status families.  This report includes new information uncovered by documentary journalistJohn Carlos Frey, whose 5-min documentary on the issue is online here. Today, media interest is still high, and John Carlos Frey is doing an amazing job of getting this story covered everywhere. In response to our report and John Carlos’ film, and subsequent work, Escondido City Manager Clay Phillips has called for the City Finance Department “to conduct a review of [its] towing fees.”  We do not think this is enough. The review should be conducted by an outside agency with meaningful independence. A review by City staff whose colleagues played a role in the original figures won’t be seen as “independent” in anyone’s books.  Please take the time to add your own comment to one of the many online stories or to send a letter to the editor of your own local rag.  Feel free to use our draft talking points included below. Attached is a list of local media outlets that you can send your own letter to.  This is just an abbreviated list, so please feel free to send to any outlet!  The media attention so far includes: KPBS, the Union Tribune (here and here), the North County Times, San Diego 6, NBC 7, Univision, the Latin American Herald Tribune… and the list goes on and on. Finally, don’t forget the power of social media. Facebook and Tweet these stories and let your vast online family know about what is really going on in Escondido.If you have any further questions about messaging, media, or outreach, do not hesitate to contact our communications manager, Jess Jollett at 619.203.0959 orjjollett at aclusandiego.org.Thank you for helping us, the community, activists and journalist John Carlos Frey, keep this story alive so together we can continue to shine a light on Escondido’s City Council and Police Department!!!The new San Diego ACLU report makes me think that Escondido's more interested in lining the coffers of the city government than in keeping the community safe.  The ACLU’s comprehensive look at Escondido's accounting strongly suggests that the city is way out of line – and way outside of the law.  It's time for the city of Escondido to open up its’ books and allow an independent body to review their accounting. Escondido’s checkpoints net about ten unlicensed drivers for every drunk driver.  They aren’t DUI checkpoints. They’re immigration checkpoints. The ACLU has found that, in just one six month span, 189 cars were impounded but only 14 DUI arrests were made. Instead of tax-payer money being used to keep reckless drivers off our streets, the Escondido Police Department has taken up the business of deportations and have found a way to profit on the backs of Latino community members.   The San Diego ACLU has raised serious concerns about the intrusive nature and ineffectiveness of Escondido’s checkpoint and impoundment policies. What reason could Escondido possibly give to continue an extreme checkpoint and impoundment policy that only causes fear and intimidation throughout their community?  Now is the time to revisit these practices and implement reasonable changes so that the Escondido Police Department can focus on keeping our community safe.   Ale RicardezField OrganizerACLU of San Diego & Imperial CountiesP.O. Box 87131, San Diego, CA 92138-7131P:619-232-2121 ext. 530F: 619-232-0036aricardez at aclusandiego.org/ www.aclusandiego.org 
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
March 14, 2012
Transit workers yesterday warned commuters at Washington, D.C., Metro stations about the impacts of cuts to mass transit funding in cities across the nation.Citing President Obama’s commitment to working families, the AFL-CIO General Board voted yesterday to endorse the president for a second term. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Obama has placed his faith in America’s working men and women to lead our country to economic recovery while Republican presidential candidates have pledged their loyalty to Wall Street and the 1%. 

Note: The birthers, union-busters and trolls are having a heyday commenting on the AFL-CIO’s endorsement of President Obama. You’re invited to add your voice for some balance. Transit Workers Urge Mass Transit Funding, Endorse ‘Occupy Transit’ Day Making History in Alabama South by Southwest’s Success Connected to Work of Backstage Workers NFLPA’s Smith, IUOE’s Callahan Join Executive CouncilRead more important news of the day on the issues working families care about.Follow the AFL-CIO:
            Take the next step. Become a mobile activist
by joining the AFL-CIO Rapid Action Text Team.
Text NEWS to AFLCIO (235246) to receive action alerts and more.
(Message and data rates may apply.)
To find out more about the AFL-CIO, please visit our website at www.aflcio.org.
A.F.L.-C.I.O. Endorses ObamaBy STEVEN GREENHOUSEAlthough it came as no surprise, the A.F.L.-C.I.O., the nation's main union federation, gave President Obama its powerful endorsement on Tuesday.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
http://www.luchadeclases.org.ve/component/content/article/7191-csbt
Sobre la nueva Central SindicalEscrito por Prensa Lucha de Clases   Miércoles 14 de Marzo de 2012 La creación de la nueva central sindical ha introducido un elemento más para el debate entre los trabajadores y trabajadoras de todo el país. Se puede estar a favor o en contra de esta central y de la forma burocrática cómo fue conformada, pero si algo está claro, es que viene a introducir un elemento más de división. Sin embargo, no nace de la nada, los errores políticos se pagan. La UNETE en estos años de existencia, ha acumulado un conjunto de errores de los cuales hoy la burocracia y los oportunistas sin ningún escrúpulo se han aprovechado para intentar controlar el movimiento obrero. Otra cosa es que logren controlarlo.    ¿Cómo lo ven los trabajadores?Las principales críticas que hacen los trabajadores a la nueva central, se basan mayoritariamente a la forma como la burocracia del Estado, impulso y propicio desde el inicio dicha organización. La misma burocracia que ha venido atacando a los trabajadores y trabajadoras que siguiendo las líneas del Presidente Chávez, han intentado impulsar el control obrero y la participación democrática de los trabajadores y trabajadoras en el proceso productivo. El rechazo es justificable dado el hecho de que esta misma burocracia respaldo la conformación de a nueva central sindical, como si fueran ellos garantes de las luchas obreras, mientras persiguen y despiden a quienes intentan luchar por las reivindicaciones y se inventan nuevas formas de tercerización y explotación como los llamados cargos HP (Honorarios Profesionales) y políticas anti sindicales de todo tipo. La nueva central, la burocracia y la nueva  (LOT)Crear una central nueva y dividir en lugar de fortalecer no soluciona los problemas de los trabajadores.  Buena parte de las demandas que el movimiento obrero reclama pueden tener respuesta con la aprobación de una nueva Ley Orgánica del Trabajo (LOT). Este es el pilar fundamental propagandístico utilizado para ser mostrado como un logro de la nueva central, obviando el hecho de que la vanguardia del mvomiento obrero por medio de la UNT, llevaba meses discutiendo el proyecto de Ley y tiene años luchando, esperando y exigiendo que se apruebe.Durante todo el pasado periodo parlamentario, tuvimos la mayoría absoluta de la Asamblea Nacional. ¿Por qué no se aprobó la LOT? Sencillo, no había interés en que así fuera.  De hecho es claro y notorio que en cuanto al tema laboral, el control obrero y  las formas de gestión de las empresas nacionalizadas los intereses de la burocracia se parecen más a los de la burguesía que a los de la propia clase trabajdora. Es por eso que ni siquiera se reformo la LOT y mucho menos el Código de Comercio que tiene más de un siglo y  es icono del capitalismo venezolano.Por la Asamblea Nacional vimos pasearse leyes como la Ley de Educación, la de Responsabilidad social en Radio y TV, y la Ley de Educación superior,  entre un largo etc. Leyes cuyo impacto real no es muy evidente.  Pero por otro lado es precisamente el código de comercio el que deja en manos del capital las decisiones más importantes sobre que, como y con que se estudia en el país, a que mercado laboral salen nuestros estudiantes, que tipo de programación se transmite en Radio y TV y quien controla los pecios y la economía real. Es así como los banqueros, los monopolios industriales y comerciales, los terratenientes y los dueños de los medios de comunicación, deciden en que, cuando y en manos de quien se invierte el capital producido por los trabajadores y trabajadoras venezolanas. Estas decisiones se toman en las juntas administrativas de cada figura jurídica, de acuerdo a la capacidad accionaria de cada socio. Es decir de acuerdo a quien maneje mayor capital.Un ejemplo claro de esto es que el Estado, aún teniendo un porcentaje de las acciones de Globovisión, no puede tomar ninguna decisión sobre cómo funciona la planta sea cual fuera el representante del Estado nombrado por el Ministro.  De igual manera es lo que permite a los ministros nombrar juntas directivas en las empresas del Estado que imponen su voluntad a discreción de sus intereses y no, de los interes reales de la clase obrera. Así funciona la democracia burguesa. Es el punto en el cual se encuentran los intereses de la burocracia y de la burguesía, es donde hacen frente único contra los trabajadores y trabajadoras. Intereses de Clase, es esa la razón por la cual hasta ahora no se ha reformado la LOT ni el Código de comercio.  La autonomíaLa burocracia del Estado es uno de los violadores de los derechos de las y los trabajadores, y frente a un escenario de cobijo burocrático como en  el que se conformo la  nueva central, la cuestión de  la autonomía es un punto clave. La autonomía debe surgir  de la participación  de las y los trabajadores, quienes legitiman a sus dirigentes a través del voto, y no cuando son nombrados ejecutivamente.  Sin embargo, la gran mayoría de sindicatos de base que están participando en la nueva central, son sindicatos clasistas, que una vez más están confiando en que podrán hacer valer su participación, y es una aspiración legítima. Ser sectarios al respecto y calificar de patronales a los camaradas que se han afiliado a dicha central seria hacer efectivo el propósito para lo cual fue creada (dividir).Por el contrario los y las camaradas deben ser llamados constantemente de forma compañera al debate, más sobre las ideas que sobre las estructuras y sin ningún señalamiento, sin ningún complejo, sin ningún temor. Si la burocracia esta tan cuestionada dentro del partido, será cuestión de tiempo para que lo mismo suceda en la nueva central. Los objetivos deben ser la unidad de los trabajadores en lucha, contra los capitalistas y contra la burocracia. Los trabajadores deben ser llamados a debatir en su conjunto la LOT en temas muy específicos y en los cuales estamos de acuerdo. El Control Obrero, la reducción de la jornada laboral, la seguridad y salud en el trabajo, los retardos procesales y demás. Finalmente el logro de los objetivos dependerá de la relación que hayamos forjado con su base.  Es un error grave caer en el juego divisionista. 
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Capitalism, Version 2012By THOMAS L. FRIEDMANNow this is what the upcoming elections should really be about: the future of capitalism and whether it will be shaped in America or somewhere else.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
http://www.alternet.org/visions/154518/why_we_have_to_go_back_to_a_40-hour_work_week_to_keep_our_sanity/

Why We Have to Go Back to a 40-Hour Work Week to Keep Our SanityBy Sara Robinson / AlterNetPhoto Credit: gfpeck
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
http://www.alternet.org/immigration/154514/who_is_securing_the_texas_border_how_private_contractors_mislead_the_public%2C_then_get_rich_off_taxpayer_money/

IMMIGRATIONWho Is Securing the Texas Border? How Private Contractors Mislead the Public, Then Get Rich Off Taxpayer MoneyTom Barry / AlterNet
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monitory gain to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the material for research and educational purposes. This is in accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. section 107..
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Listen to Native Voice One http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/nv1/ppr/index.shtml

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.aktivix.org/pipermail/educationforall/attachments/20120314/5b90725f/attachment-0001.html>