Workers Chant “Bullshit” About Baucus Bill At AFL-CIO Convention

[Omaha Steve]

http://campaignsilo.firedoglake.com/2009/09/17/workers-chant-bullshit-about-baucus-bill-at-afl-cio-convention/

By: Jane Hamsher Thursday September 17, 2009 10:22 am


photo by nitot

"Delegates at the AFL-CIO’s convention in Pittsburgh chanted “bullshit” in response to the plan from the Senate Finance Committee’s chairman. They were led in the chant by Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He said the labor federation’s members should lobby against the proposal because it doesn’t mandate that employers provide health insurance and “taxes our health plans.” "

Richard Trumka, who was elected President of the AFL-CIO at the convention, was here on FDL recently for a chat. He has threatened to withhold support from Democrats who oppose a public plan, and said "it's up to us to make all of them do what is right for working people and the country even if they resent us for doing it."

Outgoing President John Sweeny released a statement saying the Baucus bill, saying it "is little more than a throwback to the failed policies of the last three decades that advantaged corporations over taxpayers."

If anyone has statements from other unions in response to the Baucus bill, please leave them in the comments. Also, if anyone has video of the chant, please contact me.