Thousands of workers and their supporters have descended on Wisconsin to take a stand against Wisconsin's Governor Walker's attempt to balance the state's budget by destroying the hard-won collective bargaining rights of public employees - teachers, police officers, firefighters, public health workers, etc. This is nothing but an attempt to scapegoat workers for state budget problems, which were primarily caused by Wall Street abuses NOT the salaries of public sector workers.
With similar anti-union legislations in progress in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, Wisconsin's battle will soon be our own battle!
Yesterday I joined religious leaders, organized by the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin, in marching into the Wisconsin Capitol chanting “Tell me what religion looks like..... This is what religion looks like!” I have goosebumps remembering the chanting and excitement of the protestors at seeing clergy standing with them.
Religious leaders from across faith traditions are stepping forth and condemning Governor Walker’s outrageous proposals to deny workers the right of collective bargaining. The struggle underway in Madison is spreading to Indianapolis, Columbus and dozens more Capitols. Here’s what you can do:
Religious leaders from across faith traditions are stepping forth and condemning Governor Walker’s outrageous proposals to deny workers the right of collective bargaining. The struggle underway in Madison is spreading to Indianapolis, Columbus and dozens more Capitols. Here’s what you can do:
Sign On to our Statement -- Stop Attacks on Public Sector Workers and Unions -- and forward it on to friends, family and colleagues urging them to sign on. Post the letter on Facebook and on any listservs you're on, and e-mail it to friends and colleagues.
Join Tomorrow's Call to hear directly from clergy in Madison about what they are doing and from union presidents Mary Kay Henry (SEIU) and Bob King (UAW) about why the struggle in Madison is so significant:
Thursday afternoon (5pm EST, 4pm CST, 3 pm MST, 2 pm WST)
Call in number: 800-260-0702 / Participant Access Code: 193691
Thursday afternoon (5pm EST, 4pm CST, 3 pm MST, 2 pm WST)
Call in number: 800-260-0702 / Participant Access Code: 193691
Participate in a Local Solidarity Action -- There are rallies and events scheduled across the country. Many are listed here. If you want IWJ's All Religions Believe in Justice posters, e-mail Blake Valenta immediately at bvalenta@iwj.org or call him at 773-728-8400 x10.
Bulletin Insert -- Download A Prayer for the Rights of Public Sector Workers (PDF) and get it placed in your congregation's bulletin!
Check back regularly at www.iwj.org to view the latest religious statements issued in support of workers and other key resources.
This crisis offers opportunities and blessings for engaging more people of faith in worker justice. Don’t miss this opportunity and blessing!
This crisis offers opportunities and blessings for engaging more people of faith in worker justice. Don’t miss this opportunity and blessing!
Solidarity,
Kim
Kim Bobo
Executive Director
Interfaith Worker Justice
Stay tuned for more info!
