CLCs, State Feds Build Solidarity with Creative Tactics

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)“Forget the kissing booth, a hug from a ‘union thug’ is so much better” writes Jackie Totora in the AFL-CIO NOW Blog. Recently, the Oregon AFL-CIO set up three ‘Hug a Thug’ tables in Portland, Oregon parks where passersby were treated to hugs from Letter Carrier Willie Groshell (NALC) and members of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Leah Okin and Patrick Landers. Playful actions like this were at the center of discussions this week among leaders of labor councils and state federations across the country who gathered in DC for the State Fed and CLC Advisory Committee meeting. The meetings – attended by Metro Council President Jos Williams, Assistant Political Coordinator Alya Solomon, and Assistant Mobilizer Julia Kann – included photos from the recent “No More Nice T-Mobile” action ("'T-Mobile Girl' Says 'Bring Jobs Home,'" UC 7/13/2012) as leaders reflected on successful ways to build community solidarity with local labor movements. - photos of Oregon 'Hug a Thug' event courtesy of AFL-CIO Now blog