Ben Markeson

Ben Markeson covers events in Florida for People's World. A native of Florida, Ben is an activist and a member of the Communist Party. Ben enjoys film, classical music and jazz, history, politics, comics and cats.

LATEST ARTICLES BY Ben Markeson

Labor

Central Floridians protest low wages at the world’s largest McDonald’s
December 11, 2013 By Ben Markeson
"This is a national movement and workers are going to be demanding respect, better wages, and the ability to earn a living."
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Labor

Floridians put Walmart on trial
December 3, 2013 By Ben Markeson
The people's verdict following the 15-minute mock trial: Guilty on all counts, including worker abuse, misuse of taxpayer funds and destroying the American economy.
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U.S.

Police arrest 15 at immigration reform action in Florida
November 1, 2013 By Ben Markeson
ORLANDO, Fla.--Immigrants, their brothers and sisters in labor and other progressive forces converged here on Oct. 29 for a protest demanding a path to citizenship for America's 11 million undocumented immigrants and an end to the...
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U.S.

Public transit, living wage top 2014 “people’s” agenda
September 19, 2013 By Ben Markeson
"No worker should have to live off of poverty wages. People should be able to work 40 hours a week and take care of their families off of that."
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Labor

Orlando unionists organize for more worker power
September 9, 2013 By Ben Markeson
ORLANDO, Fla. - Even in a state with a "right-to-work" law like Florida, workers still need to join unions and leverage their power by collectively bargaining with employers.
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Labor

For dignity and higher wages, Walmart workers risk arrest
September 6, 2013 By Ben Markeson
ORLANDO, Fla. - Seven members and supporters of OUR Walmart, Organization United for Respect at Walmart, were arrested here for blocking an entrance, during a protest at a Walmart in Orange County, Fla., on Sept. 5.
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U.S.

Events around U.S. mark 32nd anniversary of Oscar Lopez Rivera
June 14, 2013 By Ben Markeson
Supporters of Puerto Rican independentist Oscar Lopez Rivera marked the 32nd anniversary of his imprisonment.
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Labor

Walmart worker tells why she is striking
June 4, 2013 By Ben Markeson
A busload of fellow Walmart workers along with community supporters stood with Walmart worker Lisa Lopez as she informed her store managers that she was going on strike.
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