Even in Nebraska—home to some of the country’s most anti-union cities—supporters of Wisconsin workers turned up in great numbers over the weekend to protest a proposed budget bill that would end collective bargaining for government employees.
Braving below-freezing temperatures, hundreds, including Teamsters from Local 554, gathered at 72nd and Dodge—Omaha’s main intersection—holding signs and singing songs. Their demonstration was one of hundreds going on across the country to show solidarity for workers in Wisconsin.
Brother Scott Utech, an organizer with 554, said
The rally was very successful—a lot of brothers and sisters in organized labor and those who just wanted to support us participated. The public response to our rally was really positive and upbeat. I think these rallies are going to continue to grow.
What makes Omaha’s demonstration so inspiring is the fact that Nebraska is a traditionally conservative, right-to-work (for less) state, where unions are looked down upon and individual pride is placed above all else. Here, child labor laws are overlooked when it comes to the backbreaking work of detasseling. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of undocumented workers slave away in wretched meatpacking plants.
Yet, the voices of Nebraska unionists, concerned citizens and local politicians give me hope that even here, in the middle of the Midwest, tides are turning. Like others across this great nation, Nebraskans are waking up, taking a stand and letting their voices be heard. It is with solidarity and gusto that I proclaim, GO BIG RED!
The arrival of the truck got the twitterers going. @jasminepw tweeted
San Diego Teamsters making their presence known (honking) in support of Unions and Wisconsin! #WeAreWI
