Last Friday, AFSCME kicked off their statewide Next Wave conference by knocking on thousands of doors in Milwaukee. After a morning of community service, an estimated 150 AFSCME members from around the state took to the streets to talk to union members about the importance of the fall elections. Volunteers also manned phones and placed calls to union households in support of Sen. Russ Feingold and State Sen. Jim Sullivan.
"Our members understand that a strong economy is based on quality public services. Recovery doesn't happen without safe streets, a healthy environment and good schools. So we are going to be out supporting candidates who are willing to invest in quality services," said Rick Badger, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 40.
Jim Sullivan was at the Milwaukee Area Labor Council to kick-off the event. He thanked members for taking the time to volunteer with the Labor 2010 campaign and highlighted that it is the most effective way for members to get involved in politics.
Kesha Cole and Andrea Cunningham, employees of the Milwaukee County
Department of Health and Human Services and members of AFSCME Council 48, both went on their first Labor Walk on Friday.
“I can tell that Labor Walks are effective way to reach voters. A few people were undecided at the beginning of our conversation but when I explained how jobs and public services are at stake this November, they understood why we need Russ Feingold and Jim Sullivan in office,” said Cole.
“We spoke with a lot of welcoming union members on the doors who listened to what we had to say,” reiterated Cunningham.
"Talking with people is more fun than I expected. I would definitely do this again!” exclaimed Cole.
The day's events ended with a rally of over 300 workers at Clas Park outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. In a show of solidarity members from SEIU, UA and other unions stood with AFSCME to highlight Scott Walker’s record of depleting the county of essential services. Walker’s deferred maintenance program lead many rally attendees to don hard hats for protection outside the Courthouse
“What services do you want to give up?” asked Annie Wacker, AFSCME Local I954 and Vice-President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. “Do you want to give up snow plowing, street maintenance and health inspectors? Do you want to give up librarians, the people who make our water safe, the support staff that lets our schools run effectively, or the prison guards who keep our streets safe?”
The rally countered attacks on public employees that have become a staple of conservative campaigns. Workers let Scott Walker know that they will not stand for his continued slashing of public services to advance his political career.
"Our members have had enough of being scapegoats for economic troubles they did not create. On Friday we pointed out that the wizards of Wall Street crashed the economy, not front-line workers. We will stand together and say enough is enough," said Rich Abelson, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 48.
(Top Photo: AFSCME 'Set the Record Straight Rally' Outside the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Photo Credit: Karen Hickey. Right Photo: Andrea Cunningham and Kesha Cola, AFSCME Council 48, on a Labor Walk in Milwaukee. Photo Credit: Karen Hickey. Left Photo: Andrea Cunningham, AFSCME Council 48, knocks on a union door in Milwaukee. Photo Credit: Karen Hickey. Bottom Left Photo: Peter, Milwaukee County Retirees Subchapter 36 AFSCME Council 48 holds a caution sign outside the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Photo Credit: Karen Hickey. Bottom Right Photo: Bobbie Jones AFSCME Local 587 lets Wisconsin know that "we won't turn back." Photo Credit: Karen Hickey) Union members must mobilize to ensure candidates like Scott Walker who are willing to cut jobs and services to advance their political agenda do not take office in November. We must preserve our community by fighting for public services. Take it from Andrea and Kesha; Labor Walks are a fun and effective way to get involved this election season. Contact your local service area organizer to get involved with a walk or phone bank today!
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