This past week I had the opportunity to particpate in two events that not only thrilled my heart but certainly show that the labor movement is far from being dead.

First, I was in Madison, Wisconsin to do some teaching for the Postal Press Conference.  At noon on Wednesday, August 19 the entire conference (80+) walked over to the capital and joined other unionists and working people in a hour long sing-a-long.  All of songs were labor/working people oriented and were sung in protest over Governor Scott Walker's treatment of workers.  This sing-a-long has been going on for five days a week for more than four years!!!  Can you imagine that?  People dedicated enough to the cause to show up for an hour a day to sing protest songs.  WOW - very impressive!  The protestors vow to keep it up until Scott Walker is no longer governor.  

Friday, August 21 I marched with over 3500 union members and working people in Columbus, Ohio.  The rally/march was held while the Americans for Prosperity were holding a conference at the Columbus Convention Center.  The infamous Koch Brothers are sponsors of Americans for Prosperity.  Several presidental candidates spoke during their conference.  

The marchers were mainly protesting the right-to-work movement that is trying to take hold in Ohio.  Judging from the rally turnout, all of labor and working people organizations are dead set against any right-to-work in this state.  We met at a commons near Nationwide Arena and marched down Nationalwide Blvd to High Street and then to the main entrance to the convention center.  The streets were blocked off and the police were out in force with their horse & dog units.  The march held up traffic for almost an hour but everyone exercised their civil rights without any trouble.

When the rally was being planned, the Ohio AFL-CIO was hoping to get around 600 people to attend.  All expectations were exceeded with the 3500+ turnout.

Since the crowd was so big it was difficult to see what the APWU involvement was, however I do know that Columbus, Cincinnati, Springfield and the Columbus retirees were there.  Thanks to everyone who participated.  

These kinds of events demonstrate that the labor movement is still strong and active.  We will be ready at election time.

Terry Grant, President OPWU AFL-CIO