Two weeks ago Philadelphia Parking Authority sent notices to approximately 100 taxi drivers, claiming that the drivers were owed money from past credit card transactions and should report to the PPA office on Wednesday, June 30th to receive their unclaimed check. As the drivers arrived at the Parking Authority, they were hand cuffed and arrested. In total, 27 drivers were arrested, 22 drivers were ultimately released and the whereabouts and identities of the other drivers is not known.

Repression based on sexual oreintation is a common reason, along with economic conditions, why Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people decide to immigrate to the U.S. In this segment we hear the stories of LGBTQ Asian and Latino immigrants. Their stories highlight the dire need for immigration reform that is centered on human rights.
 

 
Recently, the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board ruled that illegal unilateral changes made to employee working conditions by Temple prior to the strike on March 31 rendered such work stoppage a lockout. This decision effectively makes the nurses and allied professionals that went on a 28-day strike  in May, eligible for unemployment compensation costs, which come to around $550 per week per worker. “We are thrilled that our legal position has been vindicated by this decision,” said Bill Cruice, PASNAP’s Executive Director and attorney. “It is not surprising that the Unemployment Compensation Board has declared that the 4-week strike was actually a lockout by Temple; it is consistent with our message that Temple executives were reckless and irresponsible in their approach to our negotiations from day one.” The union estimates that Temple spent approximately $15 million during the strike on replacement workers’ wages, luxury hotel rooms, and airfare on temporary replacement employees from 42 states across the country, and will now owe an additional $1.5 million in unemployment compensation to PASNAP members.

The videos collected here are a part of building community driven journalism, so that the various groups in Philadelphia working for social change can promote and spread consciousness about their struggle and eventually develop better living conditions here in the city and beyond. 

This Friday at 7pm join us for a screening of two important independent films about the life, work, and organizing of taxi drivers in Philadelphia. 
 
Taxi drivers are 60 times more likely to be assaulted or killed on the job than people in any other occupation. The Unified Taxi Workers Alliance (UTWA) has led the charge to make sure all people who come in contact with the taxi industry -- whether drivers or passengers -- are afforded the rights they deserve as human beings.
 
With landmark legislation in front of the PA House of Representatives to ensure workers compensation for drivers injured or killed on the job there couldn't be a more important time to watch and learn from the stories of drivers across our city. 
 
Come to Scribe Video Center at 4212 Chestnut St, 3rd floor on Friday June 11th, at 7pm to watch.
 
And if you can't make the screening, make sure you support the work of taxi drivers and sign on to the petition for workers compensation.

Philly Student Union had a powerful year. As the school year comes to a close, we created this montage to capture the highlights of the 2009-2010 school year. Thanks to all of the people who helped make this school year so successful and congratulations to all of our graduating members!