Attorney General joins strike rally + video

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kare11.com/news/ts_article.aspx?storyid=512650

Minnesota's Attorney General joined a picket line in Saint Paul Friday, to lend her support to the Teamster's Union's strike against Johnson Brothers Liquor.

Lori Swanson, who donned a Teamster's jacket for the event, urged striking members of Local 792 to keep up their fight for a new contract with the liquor distributor.

Video: http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=72653&bw=

"I myself was a member of the UAW back when I was trying to support myself," Swanson told the picketers, family members and supporters, "So what you're doing here is very near and dear to my heart."

At least 70 drivers and warehouse workers at Johnson Brothers Liquor have been on strike for 11 weeks now, taking to the picket line on Saint Patrick's Day.

"America is great because of a middle class," Swanson told the striking teamsters, "And what you're doing is trying to make sure working men and women can be part of the middle class."

Swanson's appearance on the picket line came the same week she received blistering criticism from the head the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 5, accusing her of firing an assistant attorney general because of efforts to organize the lawyers on her staff.

FULL story at link.