With 50,000 American troops stationed in the Persian Gulf and 25,000 more on the way in preparation for war with Iraq, the labor movement has begun to mobilize its own forces to speak out against military intervention.

Leaders from six union locals and 100 members gathered at a forum at DC 37 on Jan. 13 and criticized the Bush administration and their plans for war.

Union opposition growing
Speakers at the “Give Peace a Chance” forum, moderated by Local 1930 Vice President Lynn Taylor, pointed to the growing numbers of unions across the country that have passed resolutions opposing the proposed Iraq invasion. So far 39 unions have condemned the President’s war plans. In Chicago last month, more than 100 labor leaders gathered at Teamsters Local 705, the second largest Teamsters local in the country, and launched a new anti-war organization, U.S. Labor Against the War.

In District Council 37, Locals 1930, 1549, 384, 375 and 154 have all voted to oppose the war with Iraq.

Ralph Palladino, 2nd vice president of Local 1549, pointed to the Bush administration’s pro-privatization stance in relation to the new Homeland Security Department. “They’re making it so it’s not even patriotic to be in a union,” he said.

“This potential war is already being used as pretext to roll back wages for federal employees,” said Bill Henning, 2nd vice president of Local 1180 of the Communication Workers of America. “We have to defend the rights of workers, and the best way to do that is to oppose this war.”

“This is a victory,” said Brenda Stokely, president of AFSCME’s DC 1707, of the growing anti-war sentiment in the labor movement. “Organized labor is in the best position to get the word out. Labor sets the tone and raises the bar for everyone.”

Raglan George, Int’l Vice President and Executive Director of DC 1707 and Juan Fernandez, President of DC 37’s Local 154 also spoke at the forum.

Your views? Write PEP
The letters-to-the-editor page of the Public Employee Press has received letters opposing Bush’s war plans, but none in favor. Whatever their opinion, members are invited to write to:
Editor, Public Employee Press
125 Barclay Street
Room 730
New York, NY 10007

or e-mail to PEPeditor@dc37.net.