Solidarity
Solidarity Needed: (1) Toys for Tots Donations and (2) Support for Chicago Window Factory Workers
AFSCME Local 3800 is collecting toys for children who would otherwise not have a gift this Christmas. Toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program. If you are able, please contribute to this worthwhile cause.
We are also collecting financial contributions to UE Local 1110 in Chicago. These workers' factory was shut down with only three days notice and the workers are fighting for pay and have staged a peaceful sit-in in the factory since Friday. Complete information about their struggle is at the end of this e-mail.
You can drop off your Toys for Tots donations, and/or donations for the workers of UE Local 1110 on Thursday, December 11, Friday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 16 at the following locations:
- Wiley Hall skyway entrance (West Bank) from 11:00 to 1:00
- Scott Hall Foyer (East Bank) from 11:00 to 1:00
- Outside Inn Hallway (Medical Area) from 11:00 to 1:00
- WBOB (West Bank) from 12:00 to 1:00--There will be a donation box in the lobby where you can place gifts and donations anytime.
The following people will be accepting toys and donations in their offices from 8:00 to 4:30 only on the above mentioned days.
- Julia Gladhill, 266 Mc Neal Hall (St Paul Campus)
- Rick Castillo, 337 KE (Medical Area)
- Mary Lou Middleton, 295 Humphrey Center (West Bank)
- Cherrene Horazuk, 300 Humphrey Center (West Bank)
- Kelly Alghamdi Zimmerschied will be accepting toys before 8:30 am at the third floor lobby of the Transportation and Safety Building.
Support the Workers of Republic Windows and Doors
On Friday December 5th, the workers of Republic Windows and Doors, members of United Electrical Workers Local 1110, occupied their factory in Chicago, which the owners announced just three days earlier they were going to permanently shut down at 10:00 AM that day. The workers are fighting for pay for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is the first time in many years workers have taken the bold strategy of occupying their place of work to demand justice. They have put the struggle of all workers at the forefront of the nation's consciousness and have made the complicated financial crisis something that is crystal clear and easy to understand. The basic lesson is that it is bad for working people, and the only way we'll get anything is if we organize, stand up and fight for it. They have won the support of workers around the country and even many politicians and public figures. But so far Bank of America, a recipient of billions of dollars of the government bailout, has not agreed to loan the money to the company so that the workers can receive the notice and earned pay they are supposed to receive in this situation. The longer their action continues the more support they'll need.
AFSCME 3800 sent a solidarity message to UE Local 1110 yesterday (check it out here). We are also collecting financial donations for the Republic Windows workers. Bring your checks, made out to UE Local 1110 Solidarity Fund, or cash to the same locations where we are collecting Toys for Tots.
To get more info and to sign a petition in support of the Republic Windows workers, go to http://www.ueunion.org/ue_republic.html.
AFSCME 3800 solidarity with Republic Windows workers in Chicago
This photo shows three workers from Republic Windows and Doors, during the sit-in in their factory in early December. The white paper behind them is the solidarity statement sent by AFSCME Local 3800, supporting them in their efforts to seek justice. Their action was successful. See the solidarity statement that Local 3800 sent here.
Solidarity Statement from AFSCME Local 3800 with Republic Windows Factory Workers in Chicago
Greetings and solidarity from AFSCME Local 3800, the union of 1,600 clerical workers at the University of Minnesota. We stand in solidarity with your struggle for justice. We are heartened and inspired by your bold action to bring forward your just demands.
By taking action you have strengthened your own position and have come closer to victory for your particular struggle. Your actions have inspired people around the country and the world. You have put the struggle of all workers at the forefront of the nation's consciousness. You have made the complicated financial crisis something that is crystal clear and easy to understand. The basic lesson is that it is bad for working people, and the only way we'll get anything is if we organize, stand up and fight for it.
Our union local went on strike in 2003 and again in 2007 and we continue to fight for a livable wage and against cuts to our health insurance. We know what it's like to put ourselves on the line and take a risk. We offer our solidarity to you, our brothers and sisters in the struggle for justice and a better world for working people.
On behalf of AFSCME Local 3800:
Phyllis Walker, President
Mary Lou Garza, Vice President
Cherrene Horazuk, Chief Steward
Amy Selvius, Secretary
Brad Sigal, Treasurer
Solidaridad del sindicato AFSCME Local 3800 con los trabajadores de la fabrica de Republic Windows en Chicago
Les mandamos felicitaciones y solidaridad desde AFSCME Local 3800, el sindicato de 1,600 trabajadores de oficina de la universidad de Minnesota. Estamos con ustedes en solidaridad con su lucha para la justicia. Tomamos inspiración de su acción valiente para intentar lograr sus demandas justas.
Por haber tomado acción valiente, ustedes no solamente han fortalecido su propia posición sino que han llegado más cerca a la victoria en su lucha particular. Sus acciones también han inspirado gente en todo el país y el mundo. Han puesto la lucha de los trabajadores al centro de la conciencia de la nación entera. Han convertido la complicada crisis económica en algo completamente claro y fácil de entender. La lección básica es que es malo para los trabajadores, y la única manera de que vamos a ganar algo es si nos organizamos, nos ponemos de pie y luchamos.
Nuestro sindicato estuvo en huelga el año 2003 y otra vez en 2007, luchando por un salario justo y luchando en contra de recortes a nuestro seguro medico. Seguimos en esta lucha. Sabemos lo que implica tomar acción con riesgos. Les ofrecemos nuestra solidaridad, a ustedes, queridos hermanos y hermanas en la lucha por la justicia y un mundo mejor para la gente trabajadora.
Por AFSCME Local 3800:
Phyllis Walker, President
Mary Lou Garza, Vice President
Cherrene Horazuk, Chief Steward
Amy Selvius, Secretary
Brad Sigal, Treasurer
CLA chairs' letter to President Bruininks in Support of U of M AFSCME Workers
August 30, 2007
Dear President Bruininks:
We, the undersigned Chairs of Departments in CLA, write to urge you
to reach an agreement with the AFSCME clerical, technical and health
workers that reflects the high value of these workers to our
institution. This means taking seriously the needs and demands of our
employees.
How to Participate In and Support the Strike
On Strike at the U of M
JOIN OUR PICKET LINES - check in at Strike Headquarters (1219 University Ave SE) or at a picket location listed below starting at 7:00 am:
- West Bank: Humphrey Institute turnaround (19th Ave S & 3rd St S)
- East Bank / Med Area: Washington Ave & Union St
- East Bank / Dinkytown: University Ave & 15th Ave S
- St. Paul Campus: Student Center (2017 Buford off Raymond Ave)
- CUHCC Clinic (Franklin and Bloomington - parking lot)
- 29th and Como Ave (near Printing Services)
- Crookston - Main Campus Entrance
- Morris - Four main campus entrances
HONOR OUR PICKET LINES by not not entering U of M buildings during our strike. (unless you are legally or contractually required to do so)
RALLY OUTSIDE THE REGENTS MEETING TO GET THE UNIVERSITY TO SETTLE
Friday, September 7 - 11:00 am - McNamara Building (Washington & Oak)
EMAIL U of M PRESIDENT BRUININKS at UPres@umn.edu
and demand that the U fairly settle AFSCME's contract
DONATE TO THE U WORKERS SUPPORT FUND
U.S. MAIL: write your check to:
U Workers Support Fund at
1313 5th St SE #332-B, Minneapolis, MN 55414
or donate ON-LINE
ATTEND OUR FUNDRAISER on September 15 at 7 p.m. at the
Communication Workers of America, 3521 East Lake St, Minneapolis
CALL STRIKE HQ AT 612-378-3750 WITH QUESTIONS OR CALL THE STRIKE HOTLINE FOR UPDATES at 612-234-8772
And Please Visit:
U of M Community Support Committee's Web site
- How to take classes off campus
- How to support the workers, actions
- more . . . .
Attend a Community / Labor Strike Support Committee Meeting
Saturdays, 10am @ Strike Headquarters (University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Minneapolis). We are asking supporters on campus, in the community, and in the labor movement to help us win a contract that our members and our families can live with.
