An article in the Columbia Spectator highlights the need for unions for international student workers. The article discusses how few safeguards exist to ensure international student workers are not forced to work without rest or fired for no reason, given that they can be deported without appeal. 

"Without a strong union, international students will only receive gestures of goodwill with little guarantee of material commitments to needed protections. In response to a xenophobic state and vacillating universities, we have no choice but to organize." 

The Commission of the Pan American Health Organization on Equity and Health Inequalities in the Americas has released a new report, "Just Societies: Health Equity and Dignified Lives."

The report presents evidence to convey that majority of ill health is socially determined. They discuss how socioeconomic position, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, being a migrant—alone or in combination—can result in marked inequalities in health on life. Furthermore, the analysis shows how structural factors, such as climate change, environmental threats, and one’s relationship with the land, as well as the continuing impact of colonialism and racism, are slowing advancement towards a dignified life and reaping the highest possible standards of health. 

"The report provides examples of successful policies, programs, and actions implemented in countries and presents 12 recommendations to achieve health equity, calling for coordinated actions among local and national governments, transnational organizations, and civil society to jointly address the social determinants of health."