March 9th Women’s groups from more than 50 countries and dozens of non-government organizations expressed their disappointment to United Nations Secretary General, Rafi Annan and U. N. membership states that the U. N. Commitment to Gender Equality did not place more emphasis on women's equality.

Fire in Bangladesh kills 51 people, 45 women and injures over 100 on Feb. 24. 500 plus people, mostly women work at KTS Composite Textiles. Lock doors said to hinder rescue efforts. Industry wide neglect for safety of workers noted in fires within the industry.

France: Mar. 13 About 200 High School and College students protested at the College De France to demand that Prime Minister Dominique de Villipin withdraw measure that would make it easier to fire workers under 26 during first 2 years of employment.

Wal-Mart sued and has adopted policy to store emergency pill. Report indicates that U. S. workers are working longer hours, yet get less done. The blame is on the very technology that was to make work easier. Survey indicates that U. S. family income has not kept up with inflation.

On April 23rd, American Rights at Work launched a weekly, one-hour radio show, Workin' It, on Air America, the national progressive entertainment talk radio network.

The Economic Equity team meets from 6:00-7:30 PM on the second Wednesday of the month at Java Java, which is located at 1 North Dearborn

Our focus this year is the struggle for pay equity, justice for workers, rights for immigrants and housing.

We plan to have a program to meet the Chicago NOW board in August. Hope to see you then. More details to come.

Our accomplishments of last year included: the inequity bake sale, a forum held at DePaul, Lincoln Park Campus on Social Security, Family Leave Insurance Plan and NOW's platform and struggles on behalf of women and men (such as liberating men only club at Carson's). We also co-sponsored with the Chicago NOW Education Fund a seminar entitled, "Smart Women Finish Rich" and individual planning to rid oneself of debt.