To Fence-Sitting
Congressman Kind
Union Members Demand,
No Fast Track!
LA CROSSE, Wis.
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Among those marching in the La Crosse
Labor Day parade were Charlene Winchell, Local 1121 (waving), Jeff Tilson,
Local 1121 chief steward (with microphone) and Joni Anderson, Local 1107 (at
right). Joining the Wisconsin UE members were District 11 Pres. Carl Rosen and
retired District 11 Pres. Frank Rosen. |
Not just out for a nice stroll: the nearly 20 UE members who
took part in the Labor Day parade here took a strong stand in opposition to
trade promotion (fast track) authority. The UE Locals 1121 and 1107 members
got the attention of Congressman and potential gubernatorial candidate Ron
Kind.
The Democrat told the press, "Im one of the people whos
keeping an open mind about this." Thats not what UE members wanted to
hear. Concerned by the threat of further job losses due to an expansion of
NAFTA, UE and other union members urged Kind to defend jobs and vote
"no" on fast track.
As Kind came by to shake hands before the parade got underway,
UE members said, "Now dont forget us when it comes time to vote on
fast track." He gave an inconclusive reply.
"The trade deals we have now work against working
families," District 11 Pres. Carl Rosen told the Madison Capitol Times.
"For Kind to vote to give Bush that authority would be to abdicate his
responsibility to American working families."
Local 1121 consists of workers employed by Aramark in La
Crosse; Local 1107 represents Farnam Sealing (Freudenberg/NOK) workers in
Necedah.
Editor's Note: Representative Kind voted against "Fast
Track" on December 6, 2001.
UE News - 11/01
