AFL-CIO President, Union Workers Arrested at Rally for Yale Strikers

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA5JQ35KKD.html

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - AFL-CIO President John Sweeney was arrested with at least 100 demonstrators Saturday for blocking traffic as they marched through city streets in support of two striking Yale University unions.

Sweeney and hundreds of demonstrators had planned to be arrested during the rally and march, which drew a crowd that police estimated at more than 10,000. The march jammed downtown traffic for blocks and drew lengthy honks from supporters and aggravated drivers alike.

Sweeney's hands were bound with plastic ties as he boarded a bus and yelled "Anything for the workers!"

Meg Riccio, a Yale dining hall worker who was among those arrested, said she didn't mind being taken to a police station.

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[Brucey]

1. Good for Sweeney and the others practicing

civil disobedience.

[JohnKleeb]

2. Sweeney is a good man

Secretary of labor Sweeney can you imagine that heh I would like that, now of course that would in the Kucinich adminstration but in any adminstration he would be good.

[The Zanti Regent]

3. Sweeney ain't no Kirkland

Amazing--the head of the AFLCIO actually on the front lines and fighting for the masses.

A refreshing change from Kirkland who sat on his ass and let the GOP run all over him....

[pnorman]

4. This wasn't a First for Sweeney.

He was also arrested several years ago, for about the same thing ("civil disobedience"], and also, I believe, at Yale. Aside from those plastic ties, I don't imagine he'll undergo serious discomfort while in confinement. But he's marking a clear break from his Business Unionism predecessors ... Kirkland & Meaney.

[cmd]

5. Solidarity, brothers and sisters

The Union makes us strong. Thank you for displaying leadership President Sweeney.

[schultzee]

6. I wish we could get rid of that damn right to work law.

We would have a better society if everyone belonged to unions.

[catzies]

7. I am very grateful to the organized labor movement

Thank you for my 40 hour workweek with benefits. I know none of it would have been possible without our union forefathers and mothers.

I know many hardworking brothers and sisters and their rights must be preserved. It makes us all strong.

[PittPoliSci]

8. i'm swelling with pride...

...i only wish i could be there being arrested with him too.

[davsand]

9. Sharpton talked about getting arrested with Sweeny.

At the AFL-CIO debate Sharpton talked about getting arrested with Sweeny. My husband and I laughed about the fact that it takes a union crowd to appreciate the story of a Presidential contender getting arrested while protesting!

Laura