Commentary: From Memphis to Madison and Minnesota, the struggle continues

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?article_1_269

7 April 2011

ST. PAUL - In 1968, AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis were treated like trash.

Racist supervisors told proud black men they couldn’t use the restroom in their own workplace. They faced slave wages and deadly working conditions, but still these workers had a dream. They fought for dignity and respect – and their human right to bargain collectively for a better life.

Today, workers of all races continue to struggle for a better life and a strong voice on the job. Forty-three years of struggle have taught us that we must use our collective strength to win a fair deal for ourselves and our families.

The sanitation workers were fighting the same kind of fight that we’re fighting today. Their signs declared “I AM A MAN,” but their bosses treated them like garbage. Today, our signs say “I AM A PROUD PUBLIC WORKER,” but many politicians call us beasts that must be starved.



A Memphis sanitation worker demonstrated in 1968 outside the Larraine Motel in Memphis, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.


Cheap-labor conservatives are especially determined to impoverish public workers. Like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, they want to dictate instead of negotiate. If they have their way with us in Minnesota, the average AFSCME state employee would qualify for food stamps. No exaggeration! They want us to pay the full cost of our health insurance premium. They want us to contribute more to our pensions so the employer can pay less. And they want to withhold 5 percent of our wages for “performance pay.” That’s another pay cut for workers who don’t win their boss’ favor.

Then, the cheap-labor conservatives will tell every city, county and school district to make sure their employee contracts mirror what the legislative majorities want to do to state employees. Otherwise, their state aid will be cut deeper until they bleed.


Lee Popovich, member of Steelworkers Local 1028, takes part in the "We Are One" vigil in Duluth Monday, during a national Day of Action on the anniversary of King's death.


FULL story at link.

[OHdem10]

1. Thanks for the good work Steve.