From Coast to Coast, We Are One

by Mike Hall, AFL-CIO

Across the nation and around the world today–and throughout the week–working people are saying, We Are One with workers whose rights and middle-class jobs are under attack in Wisconsin, Ohio and elsewhere by Republican governors and legislators. They are also honoring the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. He was gunned down fighting for the same rights for Memphis, Tenn., sanitation workers.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says “What started in Wisconsin has spread to every state across the country as working people stand together to say ‘Enough’.”

The immense activity this week is a direct result of the backlash provoked by overreaching governors and state legislatures. Working people’s energy and commitment to coming together will continue until the priorities of many of our politicians are realigned.

Here are just a few of the events on tap for today and this week.

• College students and professors are hosting more than 175 teach-ins across the country. Click here to find one near you.

• International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) members in all California and Pacific Northwest ports are flying the Wisconsin flag in their ports. On the East Coast, Longshoremen (ILA) on the ports of Charleston, Savannah, Ft. Lauderdale, Mobile, Philadelphia, and Bayonne are also flying the Wisconsin flag.

• In Syracuse, N.Y., people will stand at 40 intersections to talk to people in their cars about what’s happening at a state level.

• On Sat., April 9, thousands of union members and community members will rally in Downtown Chicago and in Manhattan’s Times Square.

Check the AFL-CIO blog throughout the day as events unfold. Click here to find an event near you. Follow the events and tell us about yours on Twitter with the hashtag #april4.