RWDSU Executive Board Reports on Activities Across U.S. and Canada (11/18/11)

(l to r) RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, Political Director Ademola Oyefeso, and Recorder Amelia Tucker.

At the third and final day of the RWDSU Executive Board Meeting, board members heard reports on organizing, contract negotiations, and other fronts the RWDSU is fighting on behalf working people across the U.S. and Canada.

RWDSU Organizer Linda Cromer reported on the union’s organizing efforts at poultry plants in Georgia and Alabama. RWDSU Vice President and Mid-South Council President John Whitaker gave a moving account about the need for changes in Alabama’s anti-immigration law, which threaten the rights of working people in the state, and could destroy families and lives.
“We must speak out against this discriminatory, anti-worker law in Alabama,” Whitaker said, comparing the situation to the struggles his predecessor, the late Henry Jenkins, engaged in decades ago during the civil rights era.

“This new law institutionalizes racial profiling, and is reminiscent of the legalized discrimination in the south in the Jim Crow era. By bringing a strong union voice to the poultry industry we can make a difference, but we’ve got to challenge these laws,” Whitaker added.

The board passed a motion condemning the immigration policy in Alabama, and calling for the repeal of the unjust new law.

Northern Joint Council President Derik McArthur (above) addressed the passing of New Democratic Party leader and RWDSU ally Jack Layton, and the relationship between the NDP and the RWDSU that continues to grow.

“Layton was there for RWDSU members – during the Mott’s strike, and the Loblaw’s dispute – and we will miss him politically and personally. But we will continue to be greatly involved in politics in Canada, building upon the foundation Layton helped us create,” McArthur said.

Advisory Council Member Jeff Barry discussed the status of contract negotiations and organizing drives in Ontario. Reporting on organizing and bargaining in Georgia was Advisory Council Member and Southeast Council Secretary-Treasurer Rick Wilson.

Local 1102 President Frank Bail reported on how the local is working to help members affected by the bankruptcy at Syms department stores, and Local 1-S President Ken Bordieri spoke about the new Macy's contract and the organizing victory at the Macy's furniture gallery in Queens.

Local 338 President John Durso and Advisory Council Member Murray Morrissey addressed the situation at A&P and the overall effort to protect affected RWDSU members during the bankruptcy. 

Fighting for Workers’ Rights

RWDSU Political Director Ademola Oyefeso gave the board an update on the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, the living wage legislation that would guarantee higher wages for jobs created in New York City with taxpayer subsidies. The campaign is one of the most important tools in the fight for economic justice in the city.

Assistant to the President Dave Mertz discussed another New York City fight, the one against Wal-Mart’s attempts to move into the city, which would lower worker standards and hurt local business.

The recent victory in Ohio – the overwhelming vote to repeal anti-worker law SB5 – was the subject of Advisory Council Member Allen Mayne’s report. Indiana Joint Board President David Altman talked about the union’s push back against right-to-work in Indiana, and Local 108 President Charles Hall spoke about how the local is getting involved in the fight against Gov. Christie’s attack on public employees in New Jersey.

Local 3 President Cassandra Berrocal gives her report.