WTO Seattle protest

[Wolf]

repost from FYIA

The following letter dated October 1, 1999 was sent by Tom Short to
all West Coast IA ( Showbuizz union) locals:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be holding a round of
talks in Seattle, Washington from November 29- December 3, 1999. All
too often this body has put the need of multi-national corporations to

move capital and jobs throughout the world above the need of workers
to make a living wage in an environment free of dangerous pollutants.

On November 30, 1999 the AFL-CIO will be holding a rally in
Seattle to send this organization the message that it must consider
the right of workers world wide when crafting trade agreements. We
can no longer afford to be content with protecting our corner of the
world. Unless we embrace economic justice for all workers, we invite
corporations to use worker against worker in a race to the bottom.

I encourage all IATSE members to participate in this upcoming
demonstration.

Fraternally,

Tom Short

International President

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In a two page attachment, the IA went on to say:

---- A second mailing with updated info will be sent out in late
October and inviting the participation of all District and West Coast
locals
---- IATSE phone banks will be set up in Seattle to urge turnout from
area locals
---- IATSE will make workplace visits in late November [presumably in
Seattle] distributing "I'll be there" pledge cards and urging the
fullest possible turnout
---- Adopt a Stagehand program will encourage Seattle area IA members
to provide housing for out of town IA members

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This makes it twice in one week I find myself commending Tom Short for

actions taken on behalf of our members.

Let the record show that Local 728 was the first Hollywood local
(Sept. 18) and likely the first IA local anywhere to pass a strong
resolution in support of the Seattle WTO protests. Our resolution,
modeled after the Plumbers and Fitters local 393 (San Jose)
resolution, has been adopted in even stronger form by Sound Local 695.

Local 80 has passed a similar resolution based on the Washington State

Labor Convention resolution.

Now it's time to spread this movement throughout our union and
translate these words into action.

Michael Everett
728

[gold...@sprynet.com]

screw 'em.. they make good money

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