2008 Factory Occupation Leader Inside Wisconsin State Capitol

[marmar]

from MichaelMoore.com:




March 1st, 2011 11:16 AM
2008 Factory Occupation Leader Inside Wisconsin State Capitol

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By Mike Elk


In December 2008, United Electrical Workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago shook the world when they occupied their factory after its closure was announced. For eight days and nights, they held the attention of state, national and international media as unions around the world issued statements of solidarity. Even President-elect Obama -- then in downtown Chicago, just miles away from the factory -- announced his support for the workers. The workers ultimately were successful through their occupation in winning their legally-owed severance. As a result of the attention drawn to the struggle, the workers were able to find an owner to re-open and run the factory.

Over the last two years, I've written on many occasions about Republic Windows and Doors Occupation as an example of what workers around the country need to do. I thought that as the economic crisis deepened that more workers would be willing to take acts of civil disobedience to stop such action.

I watched a dozen factories close and each time have heard rumors where they promised another factory occupation, but no movement of workers occupation to stop regressive actions emerged until the Wisconsin State Capitol Occupation.

The other night I did a double take less while listening to an audio feed being broadcast out of the Wisconsin State Capitol. I heard someone identified as being with the United Electrical Workers, and the broken English of what sounded like a Hispanic worker. It brought tears to my eyes when I recognized the voice: it was Armando Robles, the leader of the Republic Windows and Doors Occupation, speaking to the crowd in the Madison Capitol and encouraging them to continue their occupation. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mike-friends-blog/2008-factory-occupation-leader-inside-wisconsin-state-capitol

[Hannah Bell]

1. kr

[Drale]

2. Man that was 3 years ago already?

Time is move way to fast lol