As Mother Jones once said, "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living."
On April 28th middle class workers across Missouri will commemorate Workers Memorial Day. Join your fellow AFSCME members and union members from across the state to remember our sisters and brothers we have lost on the job and stand up against attacks on labor and all middle class Missourians. Events are being held in four locations across the state so everyone can attend. Times and locations are below and we look forward to seeing you there.
In Missouri and accross the country AFSCME members and the services we provide are under attack. Powerful interests are trying to cut health care, make deeper cuts to staffing, close habiliation centers, and cut state services to the bone. These are not just attacks on public workers, but on all working Missourians, and AFSCME plans to fight!
If we stand and fight together, engage our coworkers, and engage our communities we can beat back these attacks for all of Missouri.
On March 16th Stand with us and Fight
11:30 A.M.- 3:30 P.M.
Missouri State Capital, Jefferson City
Transportation will be available. Pickup and drop off locations to be determined. Lunch will also be provided. Sign up to attend with your local union officers, or call 1-800-554-2054.
Click Here to RSVP for your day of action:
Today, in a must-read Op-Ed in the Springfield News Leader, AFSCME President Gerald McEntee once again sets the record straight in the face of the continued attacks on Missouri's State Employees. As Council 72 members and activists continue to organize and fight for better benefits, please take a moment to read President McEntee's words in defense of Missouri's working people. From the article:
"Missouri's public service workers are being unfairly blamed for state and local budget shortfalls. Yes, the state faces a major funding crunch. But as the legislature builds its budget for next year, lawmakers should acknowledge the sacrifices already made by state workers rather than scapegoating them or making cuts in public services that families depend upon."
Read more here:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110207/OPINIONS02/102070306/1002/SPORTS/?odyssey=nav|head
On June 24th Senator Jolie Justus visited Western Missouri Mental Health Center to see first hand the working conditions of AFSCME Council 72 members. The tour was lead by AFSCME member Gwen Williams. Senator Justus toured most of the facility including dietary facilities, the recreation area, and two direct care units. The Senator was also interested in touring the Emergency Room that was recently taken over by Truman Medical Center. Unfortunately the tour was not allowed to tour the E.R. housed at WMMHC.
During her visit the Senator spoke with many AFSCME members who expressed concerns with issues such as short staffing and mandated overtime. Senator Justice was concerned that the typical staffing ratio at WMMHC is 4:1 while an ideal ratio for clients and staff would be 6:1.
After seeing AFSCME Council 72 members’ working conditions Senator Justus committed to urging Governor Nixon to work with AFSCME Council 72 in upcoming contract negations to address these problems, and to look into the Emergency Room operated by Truman Medical Center.