Skip to main content

Featured

U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Toronto Transit Workers Face Friday Strike Deadline

 

Toronto transit workers are on the brink of a strike unless negotiations see significant changes on key contract issues. The looming deadline, set for Friday just past midnight, could trigger the first TTC strike since 2008.

Core Issues and Impasse

ATU Local 113 president Marvin Alfred stated that negotiations have reached an “impasse.” The union’s nearly 12,000 members are moving toward a strike unless core issues—such as wages, benefits, and job security—are addressed. The union seeks protections against outsourcing jobs to third parties and cross-boundary service transfers to other Greater Toronto Area transit operators.

Optimism and Challenges

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green remains optimistic that a deal can be worked out before the deadline. Negotiations are likely to go down to the wire, balancing the challenging work of union members with affordability for the City of Toronto. TTC chair Jamaal Myers echoes this optimism, emphasizing the need for contingency plans.

Impact on Commuters

A strike could disrupt travel plans for tens of thousands of commuters who rely on TTC subways, streetcars, and buses. While both sides continue bargaining, it’s essential for commuters to have a backup plan in place.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment