WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Richard Trumka, who cut his teeth in the rough-and-tumble mineworkers union, vows to stand firm on healthcare reform when he assumes the AFL-CIO presidency.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A top U.S. labor leader says he's open to a compromise in stalled legislation making it easier for unions to organize by mandating a "card-check" system.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Big labor jumped into the healthcare fray Thursday, calling on union members to counter "far-right and corporate-backed" opponents of reform.

WASHINGTON, March 25 (UPI) -- Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he will oppose a bill that would make it easier for workers to unionize, delivering a blow to organized labor's top priority.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- It isn't easy to build reliable heavy military air transport aircraft, or military air lifters. Currently only the United States and Russia have mastered the job, and the European aircraft industry, led by Germany and France, is trying to join them. But other nations have been forced to take different routes.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Unions are using the election of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama as a springboard to reorganize and renew the labor movement, leaders say.

LONDON, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- British comedian Frank Skinner, known for his routine use of swear words, will host a TV special on profanity, the BBC says.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao Monday proclaimed his huge nation's commitment to boosting its power in the Western Hemisphere by paying a state visit to Cuba.

DENVER, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Sen. John Kerry and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will speak at the Democratic National Convention, organizers said Tuesday.