Labor Doves Flock to Chicago
an article by Len Yannielli

During the 1960s and 1970s, it took the rank and file of the U.S. labor movement many years before marshaling opposition to the Vietnam War. How things have changed!

On the weekend of Oct. 25th, 2003, hundreds of trade unionists met in Chicago for the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY for PEACE. The unions participating represented more than 500,000 workers and were joined by 14 central labor councils. Rank and file workers had visited Iraqi trade unionists and explained to the gathering that the so-called war against terrorism was a privitization drive there.

Conference participants organized U.S. Labor Against The War (USLAW) on a permanent basis and democratically adopted a strong mission statement. The conference report is available online.

Six task forces were set up including: 1. Defending social programs and the public sector; 2. Defending civil liberties and labor rights 3. Labor veterans and military families against the war; 4. Defending immigrants and communities of color ; 5. Popular education and the war economy; and, 6. International solidarity and labor rights for the workers of Iraq.

USLAW recently publicized the Dec. 6th raid by U.S. troops on the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU). The attackers smashed windows, seized documents, and even tore down posters and banners condemning terrorism. Eight IFTU leaders were arrested but were released, unharmed, the following day. USLAW urges all affiliates and supporters to send a message of protest to Pres. George W. Bush online.

Follow up work to the conference has been encouraging. Besides the task forces, for example, the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges is presently soliciting responses from representatives at the conference. These will be posted also at the above USLAW web site. Discussions are now underway on how to bring the results of the conference to labor councils and locals.

DISCUSSION

Question(s) related to this article:

What is the role of organized labor in the peace movement


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MAKING AN EFFECTIVE PEACE MOVEMENT

Latest reader comment:

The labor movement has an important role to play in the peace movement. Rediscovering solidarity is the Peace Key most closely related to orgnized labor. The actions of SEBAC in trying to produce a Fair Budget for the state of CT are illustrative of their work. Unions such as 1199 who work for employees of the nursing home industry also work for women's equality, and respect for all life. The courageous actions of those who were on strike against the arrogance of the management of Avery Heights in Hartford last year are another example of how unions strengthen the culture of peace.

This report was posted on December 22, 2003. The moderator is Tony.

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