Area Unions Gather To Map Strategy

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Leaders and staff from half a dozen area unions gathered at the National Labor College yesterday to begin mapping out a strategy to counter attacks on public sector workers. “Your fight is our fight,” said SEIU 722 President Dan Fields, noting that “the major attack on private sector workers and unions came after Reagan went after PATCO.” Metro Council President Jos Williams opened the session by showing “Stop The Lies,” a new short video from AFSCME that shows how “The only thing attacking public service workers does is divert attention from the real culprits of our country's economic troubles and inequality,” Wall Street CEOs, politicians and right-wing talking heads. All agreed that a successful local strategy will have to include support from the AFL-CIO, Change to Win and national unions, a member mobilization plan and a media component. With a number of major battles brewing, there was a strong sense of urgency to the gathering and follow-up meetings are planned before the holiday break and early in the New Year. Locals interested in attending future meetings can contact Rick Powell at rpowell@dclaborarchives.org