Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) honors Karen Lewis
On October 21, 2011, a Friday, at 7:00 p.m., Karen Lewis and other union local presidents in their first term as presidents were honored in a formal reception hosted by the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). The keynote speaker was Alvis Martin, Field Director of the Illinois AFL CIO. Event Chair Rochelle Parker gave the welcome and emceed the event held in the ornate 3rd floor of the Unite Here Building on South Ashland Ave. in Chicago.
Other new union presidents honored were "Dottie" Giles of UAW, Donnie Von Moore of the Teamsters, Emily Mueller of the new Chicago Alliance of Charter and Staff personel, and Barbara Foster, Angel parker, Carl Sorrell, and Mary Jones of different locals of AFSCME. In addition to a buffet style counter of food, all were toasted with a glass of champaign.
Karen Lewis gave one of her best speeches. She recounted that growing up on the rough and tough, tumble of southside elementary schools prepared her for the hard fights with the mayor and Board personnel. She also said that there is class warfare since the controlling class is using a planned national attack on unions by blaming them for the economy failures actually caused by those same controlling classes. While the wealthier classes have, since 1970, had a steady rise in wealth that seems to never end, workers wages have either stagnated or gone down. she also spoke about the difference in resources for schools of workers and the wealthier school districts. Karen said that the austerity measures are all on the backs of the workers, and none or little on the backs of those who profit from the workers. She said that those in power are not sharing in the sacrifice for the economy.
Emily Mueller who has only been teaching 8 years told of the influences that helped accept the challenge of unionizing charter schools. She said Lewis was one of those. She hoped to continue organizing more charters.
The closing remarks were given by former Congresswoman Alice Palmer. She echoed the statements of the previous speakers.
