(I couldn’t agree more, Bob McDonnell has demonstrated that he’s 100% anti-worker, definitely not a friend of people who aren’t rich and powerful. Not that it’s a big surprise or anything, but still, this demonstrated it beyond a shadow of a doubt. – promoted by lowkell)
A diverse group of labor and non-profit organizations sent a letter to Governor McDonnell this morning expressing solidarity with those protesting in Wisconsin and highlighting that Governor Walker is not to be commended for using his state’s budget struggles as an excuse to suppress workers’ rights.
“The working people of Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio are raising their voices with the world watching, and we must show them support. We are embarrassed that our Governor, Bob McDonnell, would support Governor Walker’s shameful actions and would oppose the hardworking nurses, firefighters and teachers that keep our nation going,” said Sandra Cook, Chairperson of Virginia Organizing.
Click here to let Wisconsin workers know that Virginia stand behind them in their fight to uphold the American dream.
Although public sector workers in Wisconsin have ceded the concessions asked by Governor Walker, they are still being asked to give up their right to collective bargaining.
“This is a political strategy and an attack on labor unions across the country. We are either going to work together and make history or the labor movement is going to be history. Are we going to settle and allow corporate lobbyists and big business to continue to make bad decisions, or are we going to take our country back?” said Chris Lance, President of CWA/National Coalition of Public Safety Officers Local 2201.
While many of Walker’s supporters blame organized public sector workers for the state’s budget woes, the groups signing the letter to Governor McDonnell note that Virginia, a long time right-to-work state, has experienced the same budget problems as states with strong public sector unions like Wisconsin. The letter implored Governor McDonnell to make pragmatic, not political, budget choices.
“We would describe those who are fighting for better wages and benefits, jobs security and safer work places as courageous and brave, not Governor Walker who is trying to deny workers their rights,” said Doris Crouse-Mays, President of the Virginia AFL-CIO.
“The same powerful corporate interests and their political allies who pressing to undermine workers’ rights are attempting to roll back environmental protections as well,” said Glen Besa, Virginia Director for the Sierra Club. “Unions built and protect a strong middle class in America, and it is the middle class that has the political clout to demand our water and air be protected.”
Click here to let Wisconsin workers know that Virginia stand behind them in their fight to uphold the American dream: http://statevoices.salsalabs.c…
Click here for the full text of the letter sent to Governor McDonnell
http://www.virginia-organizing…
The following organizations signed the letter to Governor McDonnell:
Central Virginia Chapter A.P.R.I.
Central Virginia Labor Federation
Communications Workers of America Virginia State Council
CWA Local 2204
Eastern Virginia Labor Federation
IUE-CWA Local 82161
National Coalition of Public Safety Officers
Northern Virginia Labor Federation
Richmond Jobs with Justice
Richmond Peace Education Center
SEIU Local 5
SEIU Local 32BJ
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter
Tenants and Workers United
Virginia AFL-CIO
Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants
Virginia Education Association
Virginia New Majority
Virginia Organizing
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF
Virginia State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Voice of Vietnamese Americans
Western Virginia Labor Federation
Workers’ Justice Center
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