MD/DC AFL-CIO Votes Strong Support for Occupy DC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO approved a resolution calling on its members to treat Occupy encampments in the District and Baltimore as they would a formal picket line at the state fed’s recent 28th biannual convention. The resolution says that the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO will support any “unionized or non-unionized worker who refuses to break up, raid or confiscate the belongings of protesters,” reported The Washington Post (AFL-CIO urges unions to treat Occupy DC as picket line).  “Protest movements, like strike lines and organizing campaigns do not have curfews and are not 9 to 5 activities,” the resolution states. “And in doing so, we recognize and will work to protect the right for occupiers to protest 24 hours a day, on-site, with proper protection, including food, medical supplies, water and tents.” Fred Mason, president of the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO, called it the “height of hypocrisy” for some business and community leaders to complain about sanitation at the camps when they had previously remained quiet about the conditions facing the homeless. “We see these trends developing across the country,” Mason said. “We see what’s happening in New York and California, and all of these things don’t happen at once…We want to provide every kind of support we can so they can continue.” The state fed also voted to give $3,000 each to Occupy DC and Occupy Baltimore. In related news, AFSCME Local 3976 President Ina Fells took a $50 check from local 3976 to Occupy DC/K street last Wednesday, the day  before Thanksgiving. Click here for info on items needed by Occupy DC and here for how to help staff the Labor Tent. - photo by Chris Garlock