Feb. 22, 2011

WI holds the line for workers across the country

What's happening in Wisconsin may well have profound effects on labor in the U.S., public sector unionism, and the health of the public sector overall. A week after Gov. Scott Walker introduced a budget bill that would strip most public sector unions of nearly all of their collective bargaining rights, the fightback continues to grow. Protests that started with demands to fully fund the univerity have grown to tens of thousands fighting for the very heart of the public sector in the state; increasing numbers of workers and supporters are out in the streets, with yesterday's crowds were estimated at 80,000.

Wondering what the hub-bub's about? Here are four WI-related links to inspire and inform:

• This inspiring video of the crowds out on the WI streets and in the capitol building highlights the energy and joy of the ations.

• Chris Hayes and Naomi Klein analyze the meaning of the protests -- particularly their connection to public education and education unions -- in this 10 minute video, which includes discussion of how the the right is using the fiscal crisis to dismantle the public sector (Klein's "shock doctrine" theory)

• These two articles from The Nation magazine clarify and contextualize the importance of this fight for all of us:
  • The Betrayal of Public Workers
  • Labor's Last Stand
    

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Join a solidarity action in support of WI workers

Want to show your support for workers in Wisconsin? Join the Sacramento Candlelight Vigil in solidarity with Wisconsin workers:

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011
Meet at 5:30 pm. Vigil at 6:00 pm
West Steps State Capitol, Sacramento

Or, a bit closer:

Oakland rally in solidarity with WI workers
Tuesday, 2/22, 5:30 pm
State Building in Oakland (15th/Clay -- one block west of City Hall) 

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Join us for a March 2nd forum in defense of public education

Our California Future: Quality Schools for All, Abundant Resources for Education and Public Services.

A united call for progressive taxation

Tuesday, March 2 at CCSF's Mission Campus, room 109, 7:00-9:00pm • flyer (pdf)

The state's funding crisis threatens our public education system and the very future of California, the nation's wealthiest state. Public education is the engine for economic growth and social equity. Join educators, students, parents, staff, and elected officials at this speak-out on the urgent fight against budgtet cuts, fee hikes, layoffs, and the need to defend the public sector and public education -- from pre-K through graduate school.

Endorsed by AFT 2121, California Facutly Association (SFSU chapter), CCSF Save Our Schools, Center for Political Education, Chinese Progressive Association, Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, Jobs with Justice San Francisco, POWER, San Francisco Labor Council, Teachers 4 Social Justice, United Educators of San Francisco

RSVP

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