Commentary: Tough times call for solidarity

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?article_1_242

By Bill McCarthy
28 February 2010
MINNEAPOLIS - As tough economic times continue, we union members need to stick together and support each other.
Unions representing workers in a broad range of trades and occupations are in the midst of contract negotiations, or soon to begin negotiations, all in a very difficult economic environment.


Bill McCarthy President, Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation

Not in recent memory are so many contract negotiations underway or at hand all at about the same time: Minneapolis teachers, Metro Transit workers, nurses, hotel workers, grocery store workers, janitors, and later this spring, many of the building trades.

Let’s all of us contact our legislators to urge support for the proposed $1 billion infrastructure jobs bill, so our brothers and sisters in the building trades — who are facing high unemployment — can get back to work.

Let’s all of us mobilize in support of Twin Cities janitors, who have authorized a strike, if indeed a strike results from difficult contract negotiations.

Let’s all of us remember, too, that a chorus of “Solidarity Forever” is not just a line in an old labor song. We need to proclaim and advance labor union solidarity now in 2010.

FULL story at link.