Flashmobs for Jobs demand extended benefits

Photo: Dinae Anderson

“Open the vaults, hire the workers.” That was one of many chants heard at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City on Nov. 20. The 99ers — those who have been unemployed for more than 99 weeks whose benefits have ended — other unemployed and their supporters reenacted a 1930s breadline, a notable image throughout the Great Depression. With stale loaves of bread and strong will, the crowd showed New Yorkers that they were tired of the government ostracizing them and leaving them hopeless and in despair.

This action came in light of Congress not renewing unemployment extension checks due to expire Nov. 30. Two million workers will be affected immediately, and millions more will follow in the months ahead. There will be no income for them and their families, which is especially hard during the holiday season. The 99ers organization, Flashmobs for Jobs, includes any unemployed. They have stepped up their struggle, which included a Nov. 12 protest that led to some members being arrested for blocking traffic.

The courage shown on the breadline was very strong. A crowd of people stopped to watch, curious about this struggle. As the demonstrators were chanting and walking around in front of the Federal Reserve, you could tell that in everyone’s life there was a story of hardship and struggle. Even on the very cold morning, everyone was all smiles when they finally realized that their voices were really being heard.

The next rally will be held on Nov. 30 at 5:30 pm at Rockefeller Center during the tree-lighting ceremony. Demonstrators will say the working class is fed up with trillions of dollars being spent on war, and they want their benefits back now! Rockefeller Center is owned by General Electric, a giant war profiteer. Please join us in solidarity against the government ignoring the needs of the unemployed.