Labor Groups Mobilized to Keep Jobs in U.S.

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/27743589.html

Posted: 4:44 PM Sep 1, 2008
Last Updated: 4:44 PM Sep 1, 2008
Reporter: Kelly Schlicht
Email Address: [e-mail]

Monday marks the 118th celebration of Labor Day -- and as tradition has it, the Greater West Central Area Labor Council met for its annual picnic. But this year, labor advocates aren't just celebrating a day off from work: They're also talking about how to get their issues addressed at the polls this election year.

"It's dedicated for all the hard work everyone has done to contribute to the building of America," explains GWCALC President Jack Connell. And this Labor Day, some local labor supporters are pushing for jobs to stay here.

"Why should we make China rich?” asks retired AFSCME member Marlys Leary. “We owe her more money than we have in Fort Knox. Think about it."

Leary says her son lost his job after working at the same place for 22 years. She says she knows he's not alone.



“Let's face it, everybody's fighting for their jobs, they're laying everything off, there's no money," Leary says.

The economy also has life-long union member Jerry La Pointe mobilized.

"This is the most important year of our lives. This whole country is in shambles right now, the republican regime has just tore it down," he says.

The national AFL-CIO has endorsed Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. But La Pointe says the candidate's party is not as important as what they plan to do in office.

FULL story at link.