Vol. 76/No. 25      June 25, 2012

Tracy Johnson, a member of the IUPAT and Chicago Young Workers, helped organize the solidarity action. “We organized this because we feel that a struggle for one is a struggle for all,” she said. “Most importantly this is to build relationships since we see a lack of unions sticking together. We wanted to come down and show them support.”

On the lively picket strikers said they had just had a union meeting that morning. “The membership is strong, everyone is on the same page. We know the way we can lose is if we beat ourselves,” said picket captain and union steward Steve Westhoff.

Three other Caterpillar plants that the Joliet facility feeds hydraulics to have run out of valve controls, according to IAM Local 851 President Tim O’Brien.

“I know a lot of people taking action to prepare and get part-time jobs and stay out here until the battle is over,” stated Kendrick Harris on the picket line.

The Machinists thanked the painters and others for coming. Four workers from the postal union also joined the picket that day.
 
 
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‘Our strike is strong’ say Texas Machinists
Reject Lockheed’s concession demands
Steelworkers ‘won’t give up’ in Rio Tinto lockout fight
Mining giant charged with 2 workers’ deaths in Canada
On the Picket Line
Construction workers protest in Iran  
 
 
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