Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006...6:57 am
SEIU Press Conference
SEIU staged a press conference in the lobby of the County Administration building yesterday morning to make their case that county employees have the right to vote on “meet and confer” status.
One of the speakers was long time labor stalwart Charlie Salaz, a member of SOAR and the chairman of the District 29 Democratic Club. He made the point that this issue is one of democracy and fairness. Newly signed up SEIU employees also spoke.
By the way, Gabrielle Giffords was there too, and not just skulking in the back. She stood up front with purple shirted SEIU members and spoke to several of them after the event. I haven’t heard if the more purportedly “progressive” candidates support the right of county employees to organize, and they weren’t there to say either way.
After the press conference, SEIU members went into the Pima County Board of Supervisors hearing room. The “meet and confer” issue was not on the agenda, but they wanted to make their case during the public comment period.
AFSCME also was there. They had a small group wearing their familiar green shirts and sat up near the front where board members were sure to see them. I’m sure it was a nice show, until the room became a sea of purple when SEIU members showed up.
SEIU pressed their case for not only meet and confer, but also for the various programs that they have where they work with management. AFSCME, on the other hand, brought up tired charges against SEIU organizers and members. The charges are insulting to workers and their antics have won them few friends on the board. Once again, AFSCME argued that there is no need for a vote, no need for strong representation. In other words, they were arguing the anti-union management case. Somewhere in New York, Jerry Wurf is turning over in his grave.
1 Comment
February 22nd, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Oh no Ted…you said nice things about Gabby! Let the games begin!
Good on SEIU for at least being blunt about this.