Unions demand: Stop the war against workers

By Workers World New York bureau

New York, April 9. WW photo

Thousands of union members came to Times Square on April 9 for the New York state AFL-CIO and its affiliates’ “We Are One” rally. New York State United Teachers rented a train from the Long Island Railroad. A number of upstate unions rented buses and about 2,000 NYSUT members marched a few blocks after their annual assembly ended.

Besides the NYSUT members from all over the state, workers from the construction trades — reeling from high unemployment — public service workers, teamsters, actors and public transport workers attended. Because of the cutbacks to the public budgets and the consequent elimination of jobs, NYSUT lost 12,000 active members in 2009-2010 and expects to lose another 15,000 this year.

Two jumbo-trons were rented so speakers could be seen even blocks away. The sound was of rock-concert quality.

The speakers pointed out the assault on New York’s workers. “What we’re facing is an attack on working conditions, whether it be overcrowded classrooms or overcrowded docks. It’s an attack on collective bargaining,” according to Dick Iannuzzi, president of NYSUT.

Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association, said, “There are times in life that are do-or-die moments. This is one of those moments.”

Professional Staff Congress President Barbara Bowen demanded, “Stop the war on workers!” The PSC represents faculty and professional staff at the City University of New York.

The speeches were militant in tone and there was general agreement that there is a serious attack coming down on the labor movement. There was, however, no agreement expressed on what should be the next step for the labor movement.