The Lady Looks Good In Red

Nation's biggest labor battle coming to Fresno; Dolores Huerta sides with NUHW homecare providers at Wednesday rally

United Farm Workers co-founder supports vote for National Union of Healthcare Workers in election for 10,000 workers to quit SEIU

WHEN: 12:00 NOON Wednesday, May 20, 2009

RESCHEDULED TO: 12:00 NOON Wednesday, May 27, 2009

WHERE: Eaton Plaza, M St. & Mariposa St. in downtown Fresno

WHAT:
In two weeks, 10,000 Fresno homecare providers will vote in what one journalist has called "the most important union election in the country." Providers asked the County to schedule the election so they can join the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) and quit the Washington, D.C.-based SEIU, a union stained by corruption scandals that has failed to protect their wages against devastating cuts by the County and State. Hundreds will rally on Wednesday to call for a vote for NUHW, so that homecare providers can stay united with other healthcare workers at hospitals and Kaiser Permanente.

United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta—who directed the historic grape boycott that brought national attention to the plight of Fresno farm workers—will stand in support of Fresno homecare providers' effort to win their independence from SEIU.

In a desperate attempt to stop workers from leaving, SEIU has resorted to using paid outsiders to harass providers at their homes and workplaces. They are expected to send more than 500 out-of-town staff into Fresno just days before the election.

(Source: NUHW E-Blast)

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I'm hoping for some good turnout down Fresno way next Wednesday - the heat down in the 559 should have abated somewhat by then, and it would be damn nice to see a sea of red welcoming Ms. Huerta to the NUHW fold during the Fresno IHSS fight. All who can make it, please do so.

And for those that do make it, pictures and reports would be most welcome. The E-mail address is "sierraspartan(at)gmail(dot)com." I will be scanning the FresBee for details next Thursday morning.