SEIU members from Local 1991, 32BJ and 1199 marched and chanted together to show their solidarity as they headed to BayFront Park for an event called the Working People’s Day of Action. The Miami event, one of nearly a dozen held in cities across the country, brought together workers from a variety of labor unions as well as activists and supporters to say America needs unions! Their rallying cry came just as the U.S. Supreme Court was scheduled to hear oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that will require unions to change the way they operate.
“One court case won’t stop us,” said SEIU Local 1991 Vice President and RN, Vicki Gonzalez who delivered a powerful speech before a crowd of several hundred people. “Yes, we face challenges but they’re not insurmountable. Our unity is our strength.”
Representatives from AFSCME, AFL-CIO, immigrant rights groups and environmental organizations also spoke at the event. A Dreamer from the Florida Immigrant Coalition shared stories how anti-immigrant policies are tearing families apart and are forcing immigrants to live in fear in South Florida and across the country. She urged legislators to take action immediately to protect immigrants.
Several news outlets covered the event. SEIU Local 1991 President and RN Martha Baker was quoted in a Miami Times Online story. Baker said, “SEIU Local 1991 stands with all workers and will work with all stakeholders to help uplift working families in our community.”
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