WI AFSCME Call For Support For Machinists On Strike At The Manitowoc Co. / Dec. 10 Rally In Manitowoc

From an Dec. 5, 2011 WI AFSCME email:

Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,

When Scott Walker attacked your collective bargaining rights, fellow workers across the state and country stood with you.  Today, some of those workers are under attack and need us to stand with them.

Since Nov. 15, nearly 200 Machinists have been out on strike at Manitowoc Cranes.  The issue isn’t wages or benefits — but the fundamental right to a union.

Sound familiar?

Executives at Manitowoc Cranes have taken a page from Scott Walker’s Union-Busting Handbook.  At the last minute, the company slipped union-busting language — similar to Walker’s rights-stripping bill — into their proposal.

Workers voted overwhelmingly (180-2) to reject the union-busting proposal.  It was a courageous vote in these union-busting times.  It also comes as these families are heading into the holidays and what could be a long, cold winter.

We need to send a message that union busting will not go unchallenged in Wisconsin – in either the public or private sector.

This Saturday, Dec. 10, union supporters will flock to Manitowoc for a 1 p.m.  rally supporting our striking brothers and sisters.  We need a big show of AFSCME green in the crowd.

When Walker attacked us, workers from all sectors came together to send a message that was seen and heard around the world.  The Machinists stood with us then.  Now it is time for us to stand with the Machinists.

We’ll get you more details on the rally later this week.  But please mark your calendar today for this important event.

In a sign of solidarity, the AFL-CIO also is asking for donations to the Machinists’ Strike Fund.  Your contribution can be sent to: Strike Fund, c/o Machinists Local 516, P. O. Box 222, Manitowoc, WI 54221-0222.

Thanks for all the your hard work keeping our momentum strong as we gather signatures to recall Scott Walker.

Your support for Manitowoc Crane workers will help keep our momentum building — making absolutely clear that Wisconsin will not stand for Walker-style union busting in any form.

Solidarity!

Jim Garity, President AFSCME Council 40 Paulette Feld, President AFSCME Council 24 Brian Stafford, President AFSCME Council 48

Rick Badger, Executive Director AFSCME Council 40 Marty Beil, Executive Director AFSCME Council 24Rich Abelson, Executive Director AFSCME Council 48

Paid for by AFSCME Council 11, Doug Burnett, Executive Director

 

###