Edwards: Time to boost labor ('single best anti-poverty movement in history')

[JohnLocke]

Edwards: Time to boost labor
The Democrat calls it the 'single best anti-poverty movement in history.'
By Jolene Stevens--Des Moines Register
Monday, August 6, 2007
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Sioux City, Ia. - John Edwards, citing the organized labor movement as "the single best anti-poverty movement in history," said Sunday that the nation needs "a president who will stand up for the rights of workers, not just the big multinational companies."

Speaking in Sioux City, the former senator from North Carolina said: "My belief is that if we really want to strengthen the growth of the middle class in this country, a critical part of that is strengthening the organized labor movement. It's important for the economic security of America."

Edwards appeared before about 200 people at an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 554 rally for union members and supporters. The Sioux City local has been on strike since Oct. 16, and health care is a key issue in negotiations.

Edwards commended union members for "showing strength and courage in standing up for what's right."

If it had not been for organized labor, he said, his parents, brother and brother's family would not have health care.

"It's about your struggle and America's struggle for the middle class so that everybody in this country has a real chance, instead of just a few people at the top," he said.

Edwards pledged to work for change in current labor laws to "put the law on the side of the workers," rather than large corporations.

"If you can join the Republican Party by signing your name to a card, any worker in America ought to be able to join a union by doing the same thing."

Mark Jensen, owner of Standard Ready Mix, where the labor strike has been under way, placed a large "Hillary for President" sign in front of a cement truck near the Edwards rally.

"I believe in the freedom of speech, and if I choose to support Hillary Clinton, I have that right," Jensen said. "She's probably the best candidate in the Democratic Party at this time."

(...)

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/NEWS09/708060334/-1/ENT06

[Lerkfish]

1. I'm glad at least one candidate is pro labor

[draft_mario_cuomo]

2. Amen

[JohnLocke]

3. Kick (nt).