It demonstrates the growing radicalization of the working class in Eastern Europe and marks a new stage in the class struggle. The time when the big auto companies and other multinationals could use low wages to achieve maximum profits is coming to an end. There is mounting anger in factories across the region about the gulf between astronomical profits and rock bottom wages. The minimal wage increase will do nothing to stem growing social inequality. As before, workers can barely afford reasonable accommodation and pay their day-to-day bills, despite working arduous shifts.

The Slovakian capital Bratislava, on the outskirts of which the VW plant is located, is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, with above-average rents and living costs. The contract does nothing to alter working conditions characterised by ever-increasing work demands, short breaks, constant control and the type of psychological pressure accompanying group work. One striking worker told the World Socialist Web Site last week: 'We work like robots on the production line.' The company management will use the above-average time frame of the wage agreement to increase exploitation even further. In other words, new and even bigger class struggles are imminent and it is important to prepare for them. This requires a ruthless assessment of previous conflicts. The strike and negotiations last week have confirmed that the limited, nationalist conceptions and the trade union mantra of social partnership are completely bankrupt. The union 'Modern odborov Volkswagen' was founded last autumn following growing resistance to the corrupt OZ KOVO union, which is closely linked to Germany’s IG Metall and the company management. Despite its militant trappings 'Modern odborov Volkswagen' defends the same nationalist conceptions. It was no coincidence that Zoroslav Smolensky, the new head of the union, was a long time member of the OZ KOVO.

The VW strike found considerable support in neighboring Czech Republic where the workers at the VW subsidiary Skoda earn even less than their counterparts in Slovakia. The desert has long provided space for artists to break out of galleries and create provocative work in conversation with its environment. The biennial outdoor art exhibition returns to the Coachella Valley for its fourth year, presenting immersive works on view through May 7. Building on social and environmental themes explored in earlier editions, this year's installations span sculpture, painting, writing, architecture, design, film, and music. With 11 immersive installations at sites across the Coachella Valley (and one you can experience from the comfort of your own home), viewing this year's exhibition can be an intimidating task. We've created a map of all the installations at this year's Desert X along with tips and information you'll need to plan your trip. In no particular order, here is everything you need to know about this year's installations.Ĭlick on each map point below to view descriptions, photographs and coordinates for each installation. One of Marina Tabassum's 'Khudi Baris' - a modular mobile home designed to shelter displaced communities located in flood-prone regions in Bangladesh. | Still from 'Khudi Bari' / Courtesy of Desert Xīangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum's ' Khudi Bari' (Bangladeshi for 'tiny home') is a modular mobile home designed to provide resilient shelters for communities vulnerable to climatic challenges. Inexpensive, durable and relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, 'Khudi Bari' is a direct response to the wake of flash floods that displace communities on tiny islands, or ' chars,' on the Bengal delta.

Desert x mirage house