Schedule

Class Schedule for Spring 2008

THE TRIAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE CUBAN 5
DVD showing with Discussion

Saturday, February 2nd 2:00 pm

This just released Cuban-made documentary,
narrated by Danny Glover, is about the trial of the Cuban Five, who came to the U.S. to monitor right-wing, anti-Cuba terrorists operating out of Miami. The terrorists, directed and funded by the U.S. government, have murdered nearly 3,500 innocent Cubans. After a kangaroo trial in Miami, the Five were unjustly convicted and sentenced.
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THE LONG SHADOW OF SLAVERY
Presentation and Discussion with Dr. John Grant, Ass't Professor, UA Africana Studies Dept.

Saturday, February 9th 2:00 pm

It has been popular to characterize slavery as part of a bygone era that was wiped from the face of the earth by Enlightened Western liberal values, but history has instructed otherwise. This lecture will describe how European and American systems of chattel bondage became the dominant forms of politico-economic organization in the World; how racialized enslaved workers contributed to the demise of these institutions; and how the lessons of their long struggle can assist us with our own against contemporary imperial/colonial projects.
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HARLAN COUNTY USA
DVD showing and Discussion

Saturday, March 1st 2:00 pm

Barbara Kopple's Oscar winning documentary looks at this forgotten corner of 1970s America, the site of some of the most bitter labor violence in American history. Eastover Mining Company's refusal to sign a contract led to a long strike with violent battles between gun-toting company thugs and the picketing miners and their families.
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SALT OF THE EARTH
DVD showing with Discussion

Saturday, March 8th 2:00 pm

Celebrate International Women's Day with this film depicting the historic struggle of striking Chicano zinc miners that turned into a battle for Mexican American and women's equality and dignity. Blacklisted in the 1950s, this film has been recognized by the Library of Congress as one of the 100 greatest American films. The discussion will be led by veterans of the strike and the movie.
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THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
Presentation and workshop with Steven Valencia, Chair of Tucson Jobs with Justice and President of Salt of the Earth Labor College

Saturday, March 22nd 2:00 pm

Ever since FDR signed the Wagner Act giving working people the power to organize, the Act has been under attack by successive administrations. President Bush has rendered the law almost meaningless. The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) now before Congress will return the initiative to working people and their unions. Learn about this extremely vital legislation and the drive to get it enacted.
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ARIZONA'S TOURISM WORKERS: EXPLOITATION AND EXASPERATION
Presentation and Discussion with Catherine Rourke, Labor Journalist and Editor of The Sedona Observer

Saturday, April 12th 2:00 pm

Arizona's tourism industry generates billions of dollars in profits for hotels, restaurants, resorts and other corporate interests while the workforce includes some of the most underpaid workers who often earn less than minimum wage. How bad is it? What can be done to improve working and living conditions for these workers? Find out the hard facts from someone who once worked in the industry and now writes about it.
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MAY DAY - THE REAL LABOR DAY
Presentation and Discussion with Joe Bernick, Director of Salt of the Earth Labor College

Saturday, April 26th 2:00 pm

May Day is celebrated as international workers' day everywhere in the world but North America. Did you know that this holiday was born out of the struggle of American workers for the eight hour day? Learn how the holiday was born, why we lost this holiday, and some ideas on how we can return this holiday to its country of birth.