The U of M clerical workers represented by AFSCME local 3800 are still on strike (read my previous diary for information about why they're striking).
I took off from work to join them on the picket line the first day of the strike, Tuesday. It was a really positive experience for me because I got to see how important working class liberal union members are to the progressive movement. You could generally tell if a car would honk in support if it was older, a working truck, or diven by a minority. A guy from the painters union stopped by with coffee and made sure everyone knew that the Republicans are the real problem. If you get a chance to show your support for labor by picketting, I recommend it. It's a learning experience.
Today, the union is having a benefit for striking workers. Check it out if you're in the Twin Cities area. AFSCME 3800 president Phyllis Walker and the president of the Yale clerical HERE union will speak. It's at Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. at the CWA Local 7200 hall, 3521 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. Or you can give to the hardship fund.
Thanks for your support.