IWW Denied Access to Mall of America by Riot Police, 8/31/08: Video

As an act of solidarity, several dozen local IWW members and supporters, along with National Lawyer's Guild observers, intended to peacefully escort the reinstated Erik Forman to the Mall of America. In line with recent police aggression in the Twin Cities related to the 2008 RNC in St. Paul (see http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/08/30/18531223.php), police massed at the IWW rally point at the light rail station at Lake & Hiawatha. Initially, police refused to allow the IWW access to the light rail station so that they might escort Erik back to the Mall of America. Later, the IWW was allowed to proceed. Two stations from the mall, police again seemed to be ready to prevent the group's access to the mall yet then allowed the train to proceed. Finally, at the mall itself, a line of riot cops from Plymouth, MN in full riot gear refused to allow the IWW to disembark from the train. Other unrelated passengers, including one diabetic in need of insulin, were also not allowed to leave the train as it was held with the doors closed. Eventually, the train was just sent in the other direction, away from the mall, with no one allowed off. At the first stop in the other direction, Erik Forman got off and walked to his job at the mall. Jake Bell was interviewed right after the IWW returned to the original light rail station.


Wobblies Welcome Mall of America Starbucks Baristas to the Union!
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/31/18521261.php

8/31- Day of Action Against Capitalism: All out for the IWW Starbucks Workers!
http://twincities.indymedia.org/2008/aug/831-day-action-against-capitalism-all-out-iww-starbucks-workers


Starbucks Barista's Everywhere Can Sign Up:
http://starbucksunion.org

Those Local to Twin Cities Can Call or Email:
1-651-biliup1
twin-cities-iww [at] iww.org