Wisconsin workers rally with Chicago teachers on SE Side
Wisconsin Labor leaders did not forget the presence of the Chicago Teachers Union, and other Chicago union members in Madison earlier this year, as they stated; they did not hesitate upon invitation, coming to Chicago's east side, after having observed the large CTU and other Chicago unions presence in support of the new Wisconsin worker movement that took over the state house in Madison , as we all know.
One who slept on the floor there, spoke to the crowd that all but filled a city block at 107th and Avenue G, hosted by Jane Addam's School delegate Sue Garza, and union leader Raul Garza. Besides Jane Addams teachers and staff, and others, there were a significant number of instructors and other school workers from Taylor Elementary, and both George Washington HS, and George Washington Elementary Schools.
CTU president Karen Lewis, and all the speakers, praised the hard work that education workers do, and Karen suggested that teachers save all the receipts from all the school supplies that we purchase during the school year. President Lewis reiterated on how they continue to blame the economic crisis on teachers and other public workers. She gave a rousing fired up speech that drew applause and cheers from an enthusiastic crowd of unionists, parents, students, and others in the community, encouraging all to roll up our sleeves and fight.
Peggy Coyne President of the Madison (WI) teachers union told stories about teachers and students, and why she did not hesitate coming to Chicago to reciprocate the solidarity that Chicago showed in Madison. Joe Conway president of the Madison Firefighters union acknowledge former Mayor Daley's presence at a firefighter's funeral, but pointed out the murky politics of Wisconsin's Governor Walker and company.
Conway also sent a" beware message" to new Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, that he is going to have a huge fight on his hands. Other Wisconsin speakers sent the same solidarity message that all unions will be supporting Chicago's fight to defend public sector workers. Wisconsin Buildling trades president President Eric Cobb, Marc Vike of the Rock County High workers, and Terry Critter of Local 171, also mentioned the name of Chicago's new mayor basically saying that they'll be watching and listening to what happens in Chicago, and he better beware.
Needless to say they spoke of their ongoing Wisconsin struggle, and how they will not take it any more. The rally was going on for almost two hours when AFSME council 40's, Ed Sadlowski stood to speak, and ended his talk with most all members of his family up on the stage with him. Not only did Ed speak of how CEOs destroyed our jobs in the steel mills, and other jobs in the manufacturing arena, but then how big banks proceeded to run our economy into the ditch. Sadlowski and others spoke of the destruction of the middle class, and the continuing attack on the American dream. Ed Sadlowski also reminded the crowd of where else tons of money has been spent, referrring to the ongoing wars that we as a nation are involved in, why these wars need to be ended, the troops brought home, and the trillions of dollars should be spent on education, and creating new jobs with middle class wages.
By: John Whitfield
SOAR
Ed Sadlowski is the South Chicago SOAR Chapter president. (Steel Workers Organization of Active Retirees). Legendary author, Mr. Lumpen of the steelworkers struggle, and his spouse also stood up when introduced to the crowd.