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Unions join to rally in support of GEO

Yellow placards promoting solidarity checkered the Diag during yesterday's labor union rally.

"This is one day in a lot of days to stand up for unions," said Jerry Collie. "I say let's go."

Collie is president of the local American Federation of State Council Municipal Employees Union, which represents 2,600 University employees.

Members of the All-Campus Labor Council -- an affiliation of six labor unions on campus -- gathered to celebrate camaraderie and to protest the slow bargaining process between the Graduate Employees Organization and the administration.

State Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem Twp.) gave a speech in favor of unions. She said she supported GEO in the recent nonstop bargaining talks with the University, which began Monday.

"I'm behind GEO because they are part of the University community that educate our children," Smith said. "I support you. I encourage you. Go for it.

"I'm also here to support the All-(Campus) Labor Council. This solidarity is absolutely thrilling."

The council includes GEO and the Skilled Trades Association, local chapters of AFSCME, the American Association of University Professors, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and IATSE, a stage hands association.

"Without labor unions, millions of Americans would join the working poor," said Frank Williams, chief steward of the Skilled Trades Association. "Unions are virtually all that stand between the workers and (management). Organized labor is still a powerful force in our economic life."

Williams also said the University administration must stand by what they say.

"Don't tell us one thing and do another," Williams said. "The administration must do what's right for all of us and not just for a chosen few."

Cecil Angel, a striking reporter from the Detroit Free Press, gave the audience of union members advice about determination.

"One of the things we've learned is (that) there is no way you're going to win unless you stick together, hold tight and stand firm," Angel said.

Students agreed that the collaboration of the unions was an impressive feat.

"I think that it's really encouraging that they all are coming together in support of each other," said SNRE sophomore Nicole Burns.

Art junior Jodie Brasseur said she was pleased to see the other unions supporting GEO in its contract negotiations.

"I think it's really great they're behind each other," Brasseur said. "It was good (that) all the other unions were behind them."

Rackham first-year student Marcus Willensky said he was disappointed the rally did not address the issues.

"It was a non-issue (rally)," Willensky said. "It was a lot of bluster, a lot of noise."

GEO President Scott Dexter left the marathon bargaining session with the University to speak encouraging words to the onlookers. He said GEO had a responsibility to stand by its fellow unions.

"When other unions start negotiating their contract we'd better damn well be there," Dexter said.

Dexter concluded the rally by leading the members to the LSA Building, where nonstop bargaining talks are being held.