Friday, May 3, 2013

Oklahomans against ALEC


Oklahoma may be America’s reddest state, but that doesn’t mean its residents want to hand the keys of the legislature over to ALEC. That’s why yesterday, Teamsters, other labor unions and concerned working families turned out to rally and march against the far-right group that seeks to slash public services and has waged war against low-wage workers and unions.

The weather may have been cold and windy, but spirits were high as our Teamster brothers and sisters in the Sooner State, most of them from Local 886 in Oklahoma City, showed up to tell ALEC they weren’t welcome in Oklahoma.

In a  post about ALEC in Oklahoma, the AFL-CIO writes, “Lawmakers push ALEC-designed and written legislation that would, among other things, dilute collective bargaining rights, make it harder for some people to vote, limit corporate liability for harm caused to consumers, privatize and profitize government services.”

Teamster trucks also made an appearance, showing that the Teamsters mean business when it comes to ALEC. Joint Council 56 from Kansas City and Local 120 from Blaine, Minn., sent trucks, manpower and supplies to the rally and march, which continues today.

Today, there will be a screening of of the Bill Moyers documentary, “United States of ALEC” followed by a panel discussion and community forum on the effects of ALEC in Oklahoma. Here’s the event information:

When: 2-5 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2013

Where: Cox Convention Center, Great Hall A (Second Floor)
If you can’t make it to either event, please sign the petition saying you’re committed to raising your voice against ALEC.