We Need Jobs: MN AFL-CIO Day on the Hill

Run time: 03:36 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eN2y_-imH0   Posted on YouTube: February 17, 2011 By YouTube Member: laboreducation1 Views on YouTube: 55   Posted on DU: February 18, 2011 By DU Member: Omaha Steve Views on DU: 454

 



Capitol echoes with chants of ‘Jobs now!’
By Barb Kucera, Workday editor

16 February 2011

ST. PAUL - Hundreds of Minnesota workers jammed the state Capitol Wednesday to demand that lawmakers focus on creating jobs – and stop attacks on public employees and other workers. With video.
View video.

Participants linked their efforts to protests taking place at the same time in Madison, Wis., against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s plan to undermine public employee collective bargaining rights.

“We’re seeing the same kind of things in Minnesota,” Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson told the crowd. “A fringe group of politicians is trying to make it hard for working people to make a living.”


Workers filled the Capitol rotunda for a noon rally.



Knutson cited proposals at the Capitol that would make weaken unions by making Minnesota a so-called “right to work” state and that would undercut the union rights of public workers. Such legislation does nothing to put people back to work or revitalize the state’s economy, she said.

“We need jobs now,” Knutson declared. “Let’s make sure our legislators hear that today – loud and clear.”

Participants fanned out across the Capitol to meet with lawmakers. They included unemployed workers like Russ Jones of Anoka, a floorlayer who hasn’t worked in two years due to the downturn in construction.

FULL story at link.

:applause: :applause: :applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: