Vol. 75/No. 9      March 7, 2011

Many unions were represented from throughout the state. Hailey Splettstolssen and Karime Perez are members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2130 at Cargill’s meatpacking plant in Ottumwa, Iowa. Both are 20 years old and work on the hambone line. Perez told the Militant, “We are here because we want our voices to be heard and to make a difference.”

Three workers who are in the carpenters union apprenticeship program from Cedar Rapids—Jonathan Jones, Kevin Jones, and Arturo Martinez—were sent to the rally by their locals.

Kay Gill of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees told the Militant, “state workers work hard and benefits were negotiated in good faith and we need them.”

An hour before the union protest began, 75 supporters of the Iowa tea party held a rally across the street from the capitol. Some of their signs read, “Our pockets are not your piggy banks” and “End state employee unions.” At the rally WHO-TV interviewed Roberto Ramirez, a retired John Deere worker and union member, who said he believes his fellow union members need to realize it’s time to make do with less for the good of the country.
 
 
Related articles:
‘Workers have to back each other’
Build solidarity, sell the ‘Militant’!
‘Appalled’ at gov’t assault, workers buy ‘Militant’
On the Picket Line
Illinois meeting discusses union fight for safety  
 
 
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