Unions look for solidarity with Occupy Columbus protesters in labor-beleaguered Ohio

[struggle4progress]

By David S. Lewis | 10.11.11 | 12:25 pm

... In Columbus, where the labor movement is fighting Senate Bill 5, a controversial law passed last year that severely curtails collective-bargaining rights and puts an end to binding arbitration, the young Occupy movement is a ripe platform for unions to gain solidarity with non-member residents. SB 5 was given a referendum (Issue 2) on the November ballot after union organizers mounted a massive petition drive, acquiring nearly a million signatures ...

“There are people here that are in unions, and we are anticipating a number of unions joining with us,” he said. “This is Occupy Columbus, and SB5 is definitely a part of what we are investing in this movement. The people’s voice are being muffled, and set aside for someone else’s financial gain.

“I’m not in a union, and I can’t speak for those people, but for those I know that are in unions, it would just be another bridge that they can’t cross, and too many people are already just barely getting by.”

Mark Stanisberry, a union member with the Communications Workers of America Local 4502, said while the Occupy Columbus movement was young, unions were already looking to lend it support — even as the message and methods are being drafted ...

http://www.americanindependent.com/198308/unions-look-for-solidarity-with-occupy-columbus-protesters-in-labor-beleaguered-ohio

[Enthusiast]

1. Kicked and recommended! nt