Hartford CT Peace/Labor Conference
an article by Len Yannielli

On June 14th, 2003, there was an unprecedented gathering of Labor/Peace activists in Hartford, CT. It was a followup meeting to organized labors official participation in the February 15th Peace Train to the New York City demonstration. District 1199 and Labor had designated cars on the train for Labor/Peace activists. It also followed peace resolutions by Labor Councils in Hartford, Middletown, New Haven and Waterbury, CT.

The Labor Activist Discussion Forum topics were “Labor, US Military Policy, and the US Economy.” Led by United for a Fair Economy and others, it was pointed out that $76,300 is being spent every minute of the war. It was during the Reagan years that the USA experienced a dramatic increase in military spending. This generated a huge national debt. A similar course is being followed now. These debts are experienced at the national, state and local level and are then used as a club against social spending.

In a wide ranging discussion concerning the causes of the war in Iraq, it was pointed out that oil reserves there are the second largest in the world and are close to the surface. Serious oil exploration in Iraq has not taken place since 1974. {It should be noted that on June 22nd, Paul Bremer III, the chief United States administrator in Iraq vowed, “. . . today to dismantle that country’s state-run economy by selling off government-owned companies and writing new laws to encourage foreign investment.” NYTimes, 6/23/03}

While there were conflicting opinions concerning participation in the 2004 elections, the group decided to participate in the national gathering of Labor/Peace activists on Oct. 24th & 25th in Chicago. Support was also strong for the Immigrant Rights Freedom Ride set to come through CT on Oct. 4th and on to a giant rally in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.

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What is the role of organized labor in the peace movement?


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MAKING AN EFFECTIVE PEACE MOVEMENT

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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 June 30, 2003. The moderator is Tony.

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