Sheet Metal Workers Arrested for Trying to Get Veterans on BRE Properties Jobsite
http://wepartypatriots.com/wp/2013/12/04/sheet-metal-workers-arrested-for-trying-to-get-veterans-on-bre-properties-jobsite/
On Veterans Day, SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) held an action in San Francisco to deliver a letter to BRE Properties CEO Connie Moore. The letter asked the company to hire veterans from state-approved apprenticeship programs. The companys response was to ask the veterans to leave the property. When two refused they were arrested. You can see the scenario play out in the video below.
SMARTs online action alert explains the situation:
On Veterans Day, November 11th, 2013, a delegation of sheet metal worker veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf, and Afghan wars had a message for BRE CEO Connie Moore.
They demanded that BRE should provide Middle Class job opportunities and to employ apprentices from approved State of California Apprenticeship Programs. BRE has refused to reach an agreement with Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 that would ensure our veterans got the opportunity they deserve.
Once the delegation arrived to the elevator, they were notified that they would not be allowed access to Connie Moore and she had expressed a strong desire NOT to meet with the veterans. The veteran delegation returned to their supporters outside. Two veterans, both of whom are sheet metal workers, William Leighton and Jason Hutton, held their ground when the police would no longer allow the protest outside of the building. They were arrested for trespassing and cited and released on the other side of Market Street.
To pledge your allegiance to these veterans and others like them, visit the SMART website where you can send a note to BRE Properties CEO Bonnie Moore.
About the Author: Chaz Bolte
Chaz Bolte is a native of Pittsburgh, PA where he attended Slippery Rock University. He currently contributes to WePartyPatriots, Addicting Info, Secret Party Room, and Football Nation. You can follow him on Twitter @ChazBolte