A new wind is blowing, from the streets and worksites of Egypt to Wisconsin’s capitol building and the streets of Madison and Milwaukee. Let’s bring that wind to the gates of Woodlawn Cemetery and let Woodlawn management know that:

We will not allow them to use contracted, indentured immigrant labor to replace union workers at Woodlawn Cemetery!

Following are notes on latest developments in Wisconsin, and the support rally on Wall Street Friday in NYC:

At 4:30pm Friday, New Yorkers are rallying on Wall Street in solidarity with the pro-union wildfire spreading outward from Wisconsin’s Statehouse to Ohio and beyond. “The unions, students and teachers of Wisconsin are fighting our fight,” said Bail Out the People organizer Gavrielle Gemma. “Wisconsin is the epicenter of the national assault on public sector unions.”

“We want the world to know that in New York – where Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also declared war on public sector unions – the people of Wisconsin have allies.”

“Along with the people of Wisconsin, we reject the ridiculous ‘share the pain’ rhetoric which somehow exempts the rich, who held up Congress at Christmas time over their tax cuts. “

“The budget shortfalls given as the excuse for everything from union-busting to school closings right here in New York are peanuts compared to the trillions handed out to banks and Wall Street firms, not to mention the hundreds of billions spent on endless wars of occupation.”

“We demand:

KILL GOV. WALKERS BILL – NO UNION BUSTING

NO NATIONAL GUARD OR POLICE

CANCEL INTEREST PAYMENTS TO THE BANKS – THE REAL CAUSE OF DEFICITS

EDUCATION & UNION JOBS ARE A RIGHT!”

Latest developments in Wisconsin:

Thousands of workers, mainly from public sector unions, especially teachers, and students have occupied the state Capitol in Madison for four days (and counting). They have stopped the legislature from signing a bill proposed by rightwing Governor Scott Walker that would wipe out collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.

All high schools are now shut down in Madison and Milwaukee. Students have joined workers in marching and occupying the capitol. Thousands of people are chanting “people’s power,” “student power,” “workers’ power,” and “kill the bill!”

The air is filled with talk of a general strike. Teachers and students are in the lead, along with nurses and others. Unions have set up coordination centers for getting food to protesters inside and outside the capitol building.

Solidarity activists report that “Everyone is thrilled that stuff is happening around the country.” They say people are determined to stay inside and outside the capitol building for as long as it takes to “kill the bill” against the unions.

A national solidarity day for Wisconsin is planned for next week.
More info will be available at the:

Solidarity Rally for the Woodlawn Workers

Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 21, 11am

Woodlawn Cemetery Main Gate: 233^rd St. & Webster Ave.

Take the 2 train to 233^rd St. & White Plains Road, walk 2 blocks west (downhill).

Bring your own signs and banners, or use one of ours.

Rally sponsors: Teamsters Local 808, Teamsters Joint Council, South Bronx Community Congress, Million Worker March Movement, Bail Out the People Movement