BY CHARLENE ADAMSON
PEORIA, Illinois - Three union locals involved in long- standing battles against union-busting attempts are sponsoring a solidarity demonstration in Decatur, Illinois, on Sunday, June 25. The rally will occur days after workers on strike against Caterpillar mark one year on the picket line.
The June 25 action is being sponsored by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 751; United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU) Local 7837, which represents workers locked out by the A. E. Staley Co.; and United Rubber Workers Local 713, representing Bridgestone/ Firestone workers.
Dike Ferris, bargaining committee member of the UPIU, told the Militant that "people who wonder where the labor movement is today should come to Decatur and see three of the major fights." Unionists from a number of areas are planning on making the trip.
The day will feature a rally starting at 1 p.m. at the civic center. Scheduled speakers include Richard Trumka, president of the United Mine Workers of America; Robert Wages, president of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union; Wayne Glenn, UPIU president; and Dave Yettaw, president of UAW Local 599 in Flint, Michigan. Joining them will be George Becker, president of the United Steelworkers of America, and Jesse Jackson.
The three union locals are also sponsoring a "War Zone Labor Conference" on Saturday, June 24, at the Allied Industrial Workers hall at 2882 N. Dinneen St.