RALLY TODAY AT CITY HALL; HUNDREDS EXPECTED AT CHURCH AND FITZHUGH

The progressive community is coming together to join in defense of Collective Bargaining and workplace rights

Rochester, NY-- After 100,000 people filled the capitol in Madison, Wisconsin last weekend, and while events took place in ALL 50 state capitals, momentum continues to build in support of our working families.

Please join our solidarity event today.  Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to gather in front of Rochester City Hall, on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Demonstrators will voice their support for embattled workers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere.

“This is about one thing: our right to discuss working conditions with management,” stated Jim Bertolone, President, Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. “Whether you call it collective bargaining, negotiations, discussions, talks or summits, this is about the fundamental principle of talking to resolve our differences. Respectful, dignified communication is the most basic tenet of a successful democracy.

Wisconsin Governor
Scott Walker

Governor Walker of Wisconsin has chosen to act unilaterally, without following the basic tenets of talking with his state’s workforce. Now, he and others around the country, seek to remove basic protections to prevent discussions, to prevent the basic respect of management talking with their employees. We will gather peacefully on Wednesday to remind our community, and others, that our democracy cannot function without workers and management engaging in dialogue.

When: Today, Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 4:30 pm

What: Rally to Support Wisconsin Working Families and in Defense of Collective Bargaining

Where: Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street, Rochester, NY

The Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO represents more than 300 local unions, throughout 11 mid-western New York State counties, giving voice to more than 80,000 working men and women.

The struggle for worker rights continues around the country-- the crowds continue to swell each and every day.  The people of the Badger State are very resilient folk.  For god sakes, they fish through ice!  They aren't going anywhere until the anti-labor forces loosen their grip. 

 

This action today is the least we can do to support the working families of Wisconsin.  In addition to Rochester's rally on Wednesday, other AFL-CIO and community organizations throughout New York have continued the call-to-action in support of Wisconsin's workers.  The message is, WE ARE ONE with the workers of Wisconsin!