The 2014 Detroit Bankruptcy
“They want us to look somewhere else for the source of our problems, when they are robbing us right here”
International support grows for May Day Online Rally
By our reporters, 25 April 2014
Workers and WSWS readers from more than 50 countries have signed up at internationalmayday.org to attend the May 4 International May Day Online Rally.
New from Mehring Books: The Truth Behind the Bankruptcy of Detroit
23 April 2014
A detailed exposure of a social crime: the decision to use the courts to impose unprecedented attacks on the Detroit working class.
Detroit workers denounce water shutoffs on eve of SEP meeting
By Thomas Gaist, 23 April 2014
Detroit workers condemn the city’s policy of shutting off water to those behind in payments.
The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit’s creditors, the investment bankers, the unions, academia and identity politics
By David Walsh, 22 April 2014
A group of Detroit’s creditors has been dangling the DIA’s irreplaceable artwork in front of various hedge funds, private equity firms, billionaire collectors and auction houses.
Detroit workers speak out against water shutoffs
By Shannon Jones and Thomas Gaist, 21 April 2014
Detroit workers and youth denounced water shutoffs and social conditions in the city.
Detroit workers speak out against revised bankruptcy plan
By Thomas Gaist, 19 April 2014
Detroit workers expressed deep hostility and skepticism towards pension and other cuts that are part of the bankruptcy restructuring plans.
The social counterrevolution accelerates in Detroit
By Jerry White, 17 April 2014
All the principal political actors are being lined up in Detroit to browbeat workers over the next several weeks into accepting a bankruptcy restructuring plan, which contains sweeping attacks on the working class.
Public meeting April 23 in Detroit: No to water shutoffs!
17 April 2014
The Detroit Workers Inquiry and the Socialist Equality Party are holding a public meeting April 23 to mobilize the working class against mass water shutoffs in the city of Detroit.
Detroit pension deal sets stage for unions to push through bankruptcy plan
By Jerry White, 16 April 2014
The retiree association representing 6,500 former policemen and firefighters has reached an agreement with the city on pension and health care cuts.
Detroit water retiree speaks on health care, pension cuts
By WSWS correspondents, 16 April 2014
Retired Detroit city worker Mushak Meah explained to World Socialist Web Site reporters the devastating impact the cuts were having on his life
Moratorium Now protest in Detroit: A cover-up for bureaucrats, Democrats
By Workers Inquiry Chairman Lawrence Porter, 15 April 2014
The event was not intended as a genuine mobilization of the working class. It was organized to support the unions and the Democratic Party.
A discussion with Detroit retirees
By Lawrence Porter, 15 April 2014
Lawrence Porter, chairman of the Workers Inquiry, spoke to protesters, consisting overwhelmingly of retirees, demonstrating April 1 against the draconian bankruptcy proposals of Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr.
SEP and Detroit Workers Inquiry to hold meeting April 23 to oppose water shutoffs
By our reporter, 14 April 2014
Campaign teams visited several locations in the Detroit area over the past several days.
Detroit to pay millions to banks that swindled city
By Shannon Jones, 12 April 2014
UBS and Bank of America are being paid to unwind illegal swap deals that have already cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars.
Creditors, unions renew effort to loot Detroit Institute of Arts
By David Walsh, 12 April 2014
Major Detroit creditors filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court calling on the court to order the city to cooperate with investor groups interested in purchasing some or all of the DIA’s collection.
As savage cuts to pensions and benefits loom
Detroit Workers’ Inquiry speaks to city retirees at club luncheon
By representatives of the Detroit Workers’ Inquiry, 11 April 2014
Retirees spoke to the Workers’ Inquiry about the attack on pensions, skyrocketing health care costs and the economic decimation of Detroit.
Detroit Emergency Manager offers 78 cents on the dollar to major creditors
By Thomas Gaist, 10 April 2014
The offer is a huge increase from the 15 cents on the dollar previously proposed.
Video: Retired city workers denounce Detroit pension cuts
9 April 2014
This is the first of several interviews conducted by the World Socialist Web Site with retired Detroit city workers who are facing deep pension and health care cuts.
Privatization of Detroit’s water moving forward at “lightning pace”
By Thomas Gaist, 8 April 2014
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is lining up private firms for what could become the largest water utility privatization in US history.
Detroit bankruptcy judge considers $85 million payment to global banks
By Thomas Gaist at the Federal Court, 4 April 2014
The payment would terminate the “swaps deal,” which has already cost the city hundreds of millions
Detroit emergency manager revises restructuring plan
By Thomas Gaist, 3 April 2014
The new Plan of Adjustment includes larger cuts to firefighter and police pensions.
Detroit workers denounce water shutoffs
By WSWS reporters, 1 April 2014
Last week, the city of Detroit announced an aggressive campaign of water shutoffs targeting some 150,000 residents who are behind on their payments.
The Detroit water cutoffs and the social counterrevolution in America
By Joseph Kishore, 29 March 2014
The plan to shut off running water to tens of thousands of Detroit households is the latest step in a deliberate policy of mass impoverishment in the United States.
Detroit meeting called by SEP endorses fight against water shutoffs
By Shannon Jones, 29 March 2014
In a unanimous vote, a group of Detroit workers, students and retirees endorsed a resolution condemning plans by the city to cut off residents who are behind in their water bills
No to Detroit water shutoffs!
Utilities are a basic social right!
By Lawrence Porter, 28 March 2014
Larry Porter, SEP assistant national secretary and chairman of the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit, denounced the decision by city officials to shut off water service to tens of thousands of poor residents who are late on their water bills.
The Detroit News endorses mass water shutoffs
By Thomas Gaist, 27 March 2014
In an editorial, the News showered contempt on the more than 100,000 Detroit families who are behind on their water bills, denouncing them as “scofflaws”
Detroit emergency manager at the University of Michigan
Kevyn Orr justifies pension cuts, attack on DIA
By Shannon Jones, 26 March 2014
The appearance of Kevyn Orr Tuesday at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was an exercise in cynicism and deceit.
Three Detroit metro hospitals planning mega-merger
By Thomas Gaist, 25 March 2014
The merger was unknown to the public until it was reported in the press, indicating that the hospitals’ management preferred to keep the deal under wraps as long as possible.
IYSSE statement: University of Michigan welcomes the dictator of Detroit
By International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 25 March 2014
The following leaflet was distributed at the March 25 appearance of Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr at the University of Michigan.
As retired city workers are forced onto private exchanges
Half of Detroit’s residents too poor to afford Obamacare
By Lawrence Porter, 24 March 2014
Several hundred workers, retirees and unemployed workers attended a publicly sponsored health care exposition at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit last Wednesday.
Detroit water department preparing mass utility shutoffs
By Thomas Gaist, 22 March 2014
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is launching an aggressive campaign to shut off between 1,500 and 3,000 customers per week.
WSWS Arts Editor David Walsh speaks at Wayne State University in Detroit
By our reporter, 21 March 2014
The event, sponsored by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, drew a diverse and attentive audience.
“The city wants to never have to fund pensions again”
An interview with Detroit retiree attorney
By Thomas Gaist, 20 March 2014
The WSWS spoke with attorney Carole Neville about the historic cuts to pensions and health benefits contained in the plan of adjustment
Joe Louis Arena facing closure, demolition as part of stadium deal with Ilitch
By Thomas Gaist, 19 March 2014
The deal represents yet another huge giveaway to billionaire Mike Ilitch.
Facing destitution, Detroit retirees denounce pension cuts in letters to court
By Thomas Gaist, 18 March 2014
Retired Detroit city workers are bracing for punishing blows to their pensions under the emergency manager’s Plan of Adjustment.
As retiree letters flood the bankruptcy court…
Detroit attorney says pension cuts actually close to 50 percent
By Thomas Gaist, 17 March 2014
Taking into account the end of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), non-uniformed city worker pensions will be cut by 47 percent.
Detroit emergency manager examines privatizing the water department
By James Brewer, 13 March 2014
Orr is exerting pressure to have a plan in place by the time of the bankruptcy hearing with the city’s creditors next month.
Barclays loan deal would use Detroit income tax revenue, city assets as collateral
By Thomas Gaist and Usman Clemens, 12 March 2014
The $120 million loan will be used to fund city services until the bankruptcy plan is implemented.
Why is Ron Bloom representing Detroit’s retirees?
By Thomas Gaist, 8 March 2014
Bloom has built a career around cutting favorable deals with Wall Street on behalf of the union bureaucracy.
Detroit unions seek protection from retiree lawsuits
By Thomas Gaist, 7 March 2014
Anticipating blowback as the unions collaborate in the cutting of pensions, a union-affiliated retiree organization is seeking insurance protection against future lawsuits.
Former state treasurer gets job at firm cashing in from Detroit bankruptcy.
By Thomas Gaist, 6 March 2014
After helping select the financial consulting firm for a $19 million contract to restructure Detroit, Michigan’s former state treasurer has been hired as a “project adviser” by Conway MacKenzie
Submission to Workers Inquiry: Social conditions facing workers in California
6 March 2014
The following report was submitted to the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions held at Wayne State University on February 15.
“Emergency Town Hall meeting” in Detroit promotes Obama
By Thomas Gaist, 5 March 2014
The March 2 meeting, sponsored by liberal and “left” supporters of the Democratic Party, called on Detroit pensioners to appeal to the Obama administration to defend them.
New deal would pay $85 million to banks that swindled Detroit
By Thomas Gaist, 5 March 2014
The disastrous interest rate swaps deal signed in 2005-06 with UBS and Bank of America has cost the city some $50 million annually
Rome at risk of Detroit-style bankruptcy
By Marc Wells, 4 March 2014
Italy’s new premier, Matteo Renzi, has approved a decree that prepares the framework for an unprecedented assault on public workers and services as well as the selloff of cultural assets.
Detroit emergency manager targets bus riders, transit workers
By Debra Watson and Mitch Marcus, 4 March 2014
Both bus riders and bus drivers in Detroit are being singled out for further pain under Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr’s Plan of Adjustment.
Emergency manager steps up blackmail of Detroit pensioners
By Jerry White, 3 March 2014
After releasing his bankruptcy restructuring plan late last month, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is pressing the city’s 23,500 retired municipal workers to accept unprecedented pension and health care cuts.
After release of Detroit bankruptcy plan
Calls for pension cuts spread across US
By Thomas Gaist, 1 March 2014
Leading corporate media outlets and think tanks are pushing for the “modification” of pensions owed to workers throughout the country.
Reports to the Workers Inquiry
The rape of Detroit: Deindustrialization, financialization and parasitism
By Barry Grey, 28 February 2014
This report was presented February 15 to the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions by Barry Grey, World Socialist Web Site US national editor.
“People with vast means are salivating over our homes”
Detroit developers force artists out of downtown apartment building
By Zac Corrigan, 28 February 2014
Today in downtown Detroit about 20 tenants, most of them young artists and musicians, are being evicted from their apartments at 1217 Griswold Street.
Following Workers Inquiry, SEP meeting discusses Detroit restructuring plan
By Shannon Jones, 28 February 2014
Lawrence Porter, chairman of the Workers Inquiry, addressed the well-attended meeting, which attracted city workers and retirees, Griswold tenants facing eviction, students, young workers and professionals
Video: Attendees speak on the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit
By Jeff Lusanne, 27 February 2014
In this video, workers and youth reflect on the content of the Inquiry, its significance and the way forward in the fight to defend the rights of working people.
Report to the Workers Inquiry
Art and the working class
By David Walsh, 26 February 2014
This report was presented February 15 to the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions by David Walsh, World Socialist Web Site arts editor.
Detroit workers denounce bankruptcy restructuring plan
By Thomas Gaist, 25 February 2014
Anger is building in the working class against the emergency manager’s plan of adjustment, which includes slashing pensions and health benefits.
Detroit News feigns sympathy for Griswold tenants as evictions loom
By Tracy Montry and Betty Hayes, 25 February 2014
After months of remaining silent on the plight of the Griswold and other low-income residents being evicted from downtown, the Detroit News published a front page feature February 20 entitled, “Downside of upswing: Downtown Detroit squeeze forces out longtime tenants.”
A bankers’ plan for Detroit
By Joseph Kishore, 24 February 2014
The “plan of adjustment” released by Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is a massive assault on the city’s working class.
Report to the Workers Inquiry
The Detroit Bankruptcy: A Travesty of Democracy
By Tom Carter, 24 February 2014
This report was presented February 15 to the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions, by Tom Carter, World Socialist Web Site legal correspondent.
Detroit bankruptcy plan: A savage assault on the working class
By Thomas Gaist, 22 February 2014
The plan released by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr includes major cuts to city worker pensions and health care.
Report to the Workers Inquiry
The Political Conspiracy Behind the Bankruptcy of Detroit: Anatomy of a Crime
By Larry Porter, 21 February 2014
This report was presented to the February 15 Workers Inquiry by Larry Porter, assistant national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party and chairman of the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions.
Plant closings, layoffs hit Michigan workplaces
741 Delta workers face job cuts at Detroit airport
By Shannon Jones, 20 February 2014
The nation’s third largest air carrier is contracting out ground worker jobs to low wage service providers.
Detroit sanitation workers denounce privatization
By Thomas Gaist, 20 February 2014
The plan to privatize trash collection was pre-authorized by the Detroit’s emergency manager and rubber stamped by the City Council on Tuesday.
Report to the Workers Inquiry
The Social and Historical Context of the Detroit Bankruptcy
By Jerry White, 19 February 2014
This report was presented to the February 15 Workers Inquiry by Jerry White, a writer for the World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party’s candidate in the 2012 US presidential election.
Decades of budget cuts behind Detroit water main breaks
By James Brewer, 19 February 2014
Water main breaks in Detroit are causing flooding, stranded motorists, damaged basements and a backlog of repairs for the water department.
“We need to educate more people. We have to know who we are fighting here.”
Workers, youth speak on the significance of the Detroit Inquiry
By WSWS reporters, 18 February 2014
Workers, retirees and youth spoke with the World Socialist Web Site after the Workers Inquiry.
Workers Inquiry discussion focuses on political strategy to oppose Detroit bankruptcy
By our reporter, 18 February 2014
Workers, students and youth discussed the central political issues at stake in the Detroit bankruptcy at the Workers Inquiry on February 15.
Workers Inquiry examines political conspiracy behind Detroit bankruptcy
By Kate Randall, 17 February 2014
The inquiry exposed a political conspiracy to rip up city workers’ pensions and benefits, privatize the DIA and restructure the city in the interests of the rich.
“This country could have a revolution”
Detroit Inquiry attendees denounce attack on workers’ rights
By WSWS reporters, 17 February 2014
The WSWS spoke with workers, retirees and youth after the Workers Inquiry.
The Workers Inquiry into the bankruptcy of Detroit
By <em>World Socialist Web Site</em> Editorial Board, 14 February 2014
On Saturday, the Socialist Equality Party in the US is holding an Inquiry to reveal the social and political roots of the Detroit bankruptcy and provide workers with the information they need to fight back.
As Detroit water department faces threats
Water privatization in England: 25 years on
By Jean Shaoul, 14 February 2014
The history of the privatization of the water system in Britain 25 years ago exposes the claims that “free enterprise” can improve the functioning of a publicly owned and operated water system.
Obama’s corporate education model
What is Michigan’s Education Achievement Authority?
By Nancy Hanover, 13 February 2014
Michigan’s EAA is being used as a national blueprint for the corporate control of education.
Detroit’s Belle Isle taken over by state government
By Thomas Gaist, 12 February 2014
The 30-year lease to the state paves the way for the island’s privatization
Detroit firefighters speak on Workers Inquiry
By Thomas Gaist, 11 February 2014
With less than a week before the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions, the World Socialist Web Site spoke with Detroit firefighters about the Inquiry.
Tenants Council welcomes Lawrence Porter
Detroit meeting builds delegation for February 15 Workers Inquiry
By WSWS reporters, 10 February 2014
Socialist Equality Party Assistant National Secretary Lawrence Porter addressed a lively meeting of tenants at the invitation of the United Tenant Council of Councils on February 7.
“We have to be conscious, think, plan and unite”
Detroiters endorse Workers Inquiry, denounce bankruptcy
By WSWS reporters, 8 February 2014
The WSWS spoke to workers who explained why they were planning to attend the Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions (detroitinquiry.org).
New hockey arena in Detroit: A gift to the super-rich amid social misery
By Thomas Gaist, 7 February 2014
The new Red Wings hockey stadium, which will receive government subsidies of at least $285 million, is only the latest in a long line of corporate giveaways in Detroit.
Detroit City Council approves land transfer for billionaire’s sports stadium
By Thomas Gaist, 6 February 2014
The deal will transfer 39 parcels of land to Mike Ilitch’s Olympia Development for one dollar.
Detroit water department workers angry at layoff plans
By our reporters, 5 February 2014
Workers at the wastewater treatment facility in southwest Detroit spoke to the WSWS about conditions at the plant.
After Detroit bankruptcy ruling, Chicago mayor leads charge on pension cuts
By Alexander Fangmann, 5 February 2014
Chicago’s Democratic mayor, Rahm Emanuel, is escalating the attack on retiree benefits on the city and state level.
The Detroit bankruptcy and the global social counterrevolution
By Jerry White, 4 February 2014
The city’s “plan of adjustment” outlines a savage assault that will set a precedent to escalate the attacks on the working class throughout the US and internationally.
New pamphlet on Detroit bankruptcy
Exposing the Bankers Conspiracy
For a Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit
4 February 2014
This new SEP pamphlet examines the financial swindles behind the bankruptcy of Detroit.
Bankruptcy court seeks union backing for assault on Detroit workers
By Lawrence Porter, 4 February 2014
The following statement was issued by Lawrence Porter, the assistant national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party and chairman of the February 15 Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA & Pensions.
Detroit infant mortality rate worst among large US cities
By Khara Sikhan, 4 February 2014
Detroit’s infant mortality rate of 14.7 per 1,000 live births is worse than in many developing nations.
Video: Detroit tenants determined to fight eviction
3 February 2014
Low-income seniors facing eviction from the Griswold Building in downtown Detroit appeal for support.
As media pushes governor’s “rescue” fraud
Visitors to Detroit Institute of Arts discuss Workers Inquiry
By Tim Rivers, 3 February 2014
Visitors to the Detroit Institute of Arts have reacted with suspicion over the scheme by mediators to put the museum’s priceless collection into the hands of private foundations as part of a bankruptcy settlement.
Detroit bankruptcy blueprint would gut pensions
By Thomas Gaist, 1 February 2014
The emergency manager’s “plan of adjustment” will hand control of retiree health benefit funds to a union-controlled VEBA, slash pensions and privatize services.
Detroit transit officials say fare hike coming, abysmal service continues
By Mitch Marcus and Debra Watson, 31 January 2014
At public meetings held by the Detroit Department of Transportation last week, city officials made it clear that fare hikes are coming and that further massive service cuts are being demanded by Detroit’s creditors
Detroit Institute of Arts agrees to pay $100 million as part of “grand bargain”
By Thomas Gaist, 31 January 2014
The grand bargain being spearheaded by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder would transfer legal titles to all DIA assets “free and clear” to a private corporation.
Defend Detroit water workers’ jobs!
By Lawrence Porter, 30 January 2014
Workers must oppose plans to eliminate 700 jobs—or 40 percent of the workforce—at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department over the next several months.
Flint, Michigan emergency manager threatens to file for bankruptcy
By Bryan Dyne, 30 January 2014
As in Detroit, bankruptcy is being used as a cudgel against Flint workers to gut pensions and force through further concessions.
The fraud of Governor Snyder’s “rescue package” for Detroit
By Lawrence Porter, 29 January 2014
The real purpose of the proposal is to politically disarm the working class and facilitate the looting of the city by the corporate and financial elite.
Energy companies continue utility shutoffs as bitter cold hits Detroit
By Thomas Gaist, 28 January 2014
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy carried out hundreds of thousands of utility shutoffs in Michigan during 2013.
The reality behind the “comeback” of Detroit
At Detroit Auto Show, workers denounce bankruptcy, attacks on wages and pensions
By Tim Rivers, 27 January 2014
Workers attending the North American International Auto Show spoke with reporters from the WSWS about the Workers Inquiry into the Detroit bankruptcy.
Union-affiliated officials acknowledge Detroit “rescue” plan will involve large pension cuts
By Thomas Gaist, 25 January 2014
The “rescue” package for Detroit being promoted by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder will not save retirees from reductions in their pension and health benefits.
SEP and IYSSE hold meeting at Wayne State in Detroit to discuss campaign for Workers Inquiry
By a WSWS reporting team, 25 January 2014
The meeting was attended by students, workers and retirees, including a delegation of tenants facing eviction from the Griswold Apartments in downtown Detroit.
Detroit retirees denounce attack on pensions, health care
By our reporting team, 24 January 2014
Over 23,000 retired City of Detroit workers face a devastating cut in pensions and health care benefits under the bankruptcy restructuring plan being prepared by the city’s emergency manager.
Michigan governor announces state money for Detroit bankruptcy settlement
By Thomas Gaist, 23 January 2014
Governor Rick Snyder stressed that such a settlement would be based on a deal involving full cooperation from the unions.
Workers World Party uses demagogy to conceal unions’ collusion in Detroit bankruptcy
By Thomas Gaist and Jerry White, 23 January 2014
A Martin Luther King Day rally was used to whitewash the role of the unions and the Democratic Party in the bankruptcy of Detroit.
“Who can argue about a tree?”
Detroit’s “urban farming” scheme: A cover for a corporate land grab
By Zac Corrigan, 22 January 2014
Hantz Farms, a company owned by wealthy investors, has bought 1,500 abandoned lots on Detroit’s lower-east side for half a million dollars.
Emergency manager accelerates plans to “monetize” Detroit water department
By James Brewer, 21 January 2014
The plan to put the Detroit Water and Sewage Department under regional control is the first step towards privatization of one of America’s largest publicly owned water systems.
SEP and IYSSE teams campaign for February 15 meeting
Workers speak on Detroit bankruptcy inquiry
By Tim Rivers, 20 January 2014
Workers and young people responded strongly last week to the campaign for the February 15 Workers Inquiry into the Bankruptcy of Detroit and the Attack on the DIA and Pensions.
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