Labor Forum - The Union Fight Against War and Repression

Since the 9/11 terrorist attack the U.S. government has been using an “iron heel” against labor unions:
passing the Patriot Act; firing foreign-born airport baggage screeners; unionbusting 170,000 federal workers
in the newly-formed Department of Homeland Security; and in 2002, threatening to occupy the docks with
troops during the West Coast longshore contract negotiations.

Even before the 9/11 attack, workers, especially in the South, have borne the brunt of state repression.

Four years ago, portworkers in Charleston,
South Carolina, picketing to defend their jobs, were attacked by hundreds of riot-equipped state police. Five were arrested. Known as the Charleston Five, their case, which ultimately was victorious, became a rallying
cry for the U.S. labor movement. Now port workers have become a key target in the so-called “war on terror”
which is really a war on workers.

Last April 7, riot-clad police in the port of Oakland not only attacked antiwar protesters but shot longshoremen, honoring their picket line, as well. Unions can and must fight back to defend workers’ rights and democratic rights for all.

Speakers Include:

Speakers:
• Leonard Riley, Charleston longshore, ILA Local 1422
• Lawrence Thibeaux, San Francisco ILWU Local 10, Legislative rep
• Ray Familathe, ILWU Local 13, former ILWU International Director
• Jack Heyman, San Francisco ILWU Local 10 Business Agent

Sponsored by the Committee to Defend ILWU Local 10 Business Agent Jack Heyman. For more information on this Labor Forum or the Defense Campaign. Call 415-273-1649 or visit http://www.defendilwuba.org

Posted by a Wobbly in Solidarity (http://www.iww.org).