Workers in Southern California are transfixed, troubled and motivated to take action as the attacks unleashed by Republican Governor Scott Walker threaten to decimate collective bargaining rights for thousands of Wisconsin public service workers.
More than 25,000 workers and supporters have peacefully convened at Wisconsin’s State Capitol to protest legislation that would eliminate bargaining rights and drastically alter retirement and healthcare benefits.
President Barack Obama reached out through social media to oppose the attacks:
“Public employees are our neighbors and friends. They are teachers, firefighters, social workers, and police officers. They make a lot of sacrifices and make a big contribution. It’s important not to vilify them or to suggest that somehow budget problems are due to public employees.”
Similar demonstrations are planned in places including Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as elected officials seek to balance state and local budgets by shifting the financial burden on to nurses, teachers and librarians.
“Everybody’s eyes are on Wisconsin. It’s a wake-up call to educate, mobilize and organize working families who are being blamed for state and local deficits. Any decisions need to be made collectively to get us out of this mess.”
Blanca Gomez, LA County Social Worker
“These attacks are frightening because similar threats are being made in Ohio and other places. Legislation like this may save pennies today but it will wreck the economy in the long run and the ability for workers to make a decent living.”
Cindy Singer, LA County Librarian
Take Action Locally:
Volunteer to help elect local candidates in Southern California that will defend public services. Sign up to volunteer today by clicking hereTake Action Nationally:
Tell the governor that this is “Not My Wisconsin.” Sign up for e-mail and/or text alerts by clicking here.Photos of SEIU members rallying in Wisconsin.
To view a photo gallery, click here.
I am interested in participating “solidarity” rallies in opposition of the nation-wide assault on the bargaining rights of public employee. When and where? This is urgent and necessary. We cannot fail. This is a Republican strategy to limit the ability of unions to support democratic candidates and policies, financially. The working man is under asault; this is designed to reduce our pay and benefits to the point that we are unable to support ourselves and our families.
Hi here is some information for events happening locally. Continue to check your site for more information and related events to the Wisconsin rallies.
Vigil in Sacramento
Feb. 22, 2011
5:30 P.M.
State Capitol West Steps
1315 10th Street – Sacramento, CA 95814
AND
Vigil in Palmdale
Feb. 22, 2011
5:30 PM
Poncitlan Square
38315 9th Street East – Palmdale, CA. 93550
Looks like these exploits are crashing and burning in my home state! (Indiana) Hopefully, we will close this jerk down in Wisconsin! GO UNION!
I have not found news regarding the vigil being held in Palmdale CA, on 2/22/11.
It was not on the local channel 3 news. Why?
I reside in Lancaster, CA, and because this mostly a red part of the State of CA, a lot of political events are either withheld or non-existent.
I feel like the majority of people here (Lancaster/Palmdale CA) are not given the right to hold peaceful vigils/protests.
I would love to help out, but no where to sign up locally.
Thank you. Success to Wisconsin. Our Labor Union must be victorious!