ADAPT and AF SCME at Odds - Arrests made

[Traveling_Home]

ADAPT Visits AFSCME Offices, Negotiations Fail, Arrests Begin

Earlier today (Sept 12, 2007), ADAPT requested that the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorse the Community Choice Act. Despite multiple meetings, AFSCME has previously refused to endorse the legislation or support community-based services. This afternoon, hundreds of disability activists occupied the AFSCME office building in Chicago to attempt negotiations. When they failed, arrests began. Where: 29 North Whacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606When: Now ADAPT has requested that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorse the Community Choice Act (formerly known as Micassa). Despite multiple meetings with the union's leadership, AFSCME has refused to endorse the legislation or support the right of people with disabilities and the elderly to receive community-based services instead of being forced into a nursing home or other institution. In fact, AFSCME has undercut efforts of ADAPT and the disability community to address the institutional bias in long term services and supports by actively advocating for increased funding for institutions. AFSCME has even lobbied that institutions like Lincoln Developmental Center be reopened even though this proposal was vigorously opposed by the disability community. AFSCME has repeatedly trampled on the human and civil rights of people with disabilities and the elderly. The union has sacrificed the freedom of people with disabilities and the elderly to increase their own membership and union dues, stealing lives to line their own pockets. This must stop. ADAPT demands AFSCME immediately endorse the Community Choice Act and work with ADAPT to develop a strategy for the union to promote workers' rights without sacrificing the rights of people with disabilities and the elderly. Right now, hundreds of disability activists have occupied the office building at 29 North Whacker Drive in Chicago. There is a negotiating team of local ADAPT activists on the 8th floor.

SOURCE: ADAPT
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For pictures and blow-by-blow coverage of the Chicago ADAPT Action, visit Not Dead Yet's blog at: http://notdeadyetnewscommentary.blogspot.com

[pop goes the weasel]

1. thanks for this info n/t