Metro Council Committed to Supporting Occupy DC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)With the Occupy movement continuing to spread across the country and around the world -- despite attempts by many local authorities to shut it down -- the Metro Washington Council is “committed to continuing to actively support the local Occupy movement,” Council President Jos Williams wrote to Council affiliates yesterday. “I have spent time at both McPherson Square and on Freedom Plaza and have been tremendously impressed with the energy and commitment of the protestors,” Williams said. On October 17, the Metro Council Executive Board met with Freedom Plaza protestors and Council delegates that night attended the nightly Occupy DC General Assembly at McPherson Square. The AFL-CIO has stepped up by opening their gym for showers and is working to support Occupy actions and mobilize labor support across the country. There are several major actions coming up this week, including Wednesday’s CWA march and rally and Thursday’s “Make Wall Street Pay” march and rally supporting a Financial Transaction Tax on Wall Street to help pay for the devastation they’ve caused in local communities. And with winter right around the corner, there are some simple but key ways area local unions can support occupiers at both McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. Both occupations have set up donation websites (McPherson Square; Freedom Plaza) listing their needs. McPherson Square needs blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and tarps, as well as cold-weather clothing (hats, socks, gloves, coats) to stay warm. Freedom Plaza is requesting fleece blankets, rain ponchos, and emergency foil blankets. Both occupations need basic infrastructure items, including milk crates, reusable cups and plates, rope, and duct tape. “The Occupy movement enjoys significant public support and has the potential to mobilize millions of Americans around the issues that the labor movement has been battling for in recent years,” Williams added. “I look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks as we work to build this movement.” - report and photo by Chris Garlock