April, 29 2011, 10:44am EDT
Voces de la Frontera and National AFL-CIO Prepare for Historic "Wisconsin Solidarity March for Immigrant and Worker Rights"
On Sunday, May 1, over 100 cities across the United States will be participating in marches and rallies as part of a national day of action for immigrant and worker rights.
Nationwide
On Sunday, May 1, over 100 cities across the United States will be participating in marches and rallies as part of a national day of action for immigrant and worker rights.
In recognition of Wisconsin's role as a national battleground state, National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will be speaking at the May 1 Immigrant and Worker Rights' state-wide rally at Veteran's Park in Milwaukee.
In Racine, a Sunday mass will be held in the parking lot of Pick N' Save prior to boarding the bus to Milwaukee, as a show of support from the faith community. The mass will be begin at 11:30 am, at 2210 Rapids Drive.
According to Voces' Executive Director, "The fight for workers' rights and immigrant rights are cut of the same cloth. Governor Walker and his corporate backers are targeting all working people - including immigrants - to promote an even greater divide between the haves and have nots and continue their power grab. The only way to defeat these threats is though our unity as working people."
After Wisconsinites turned out in mass numbers against the Governor's budget attacks on public workers, the country took notice. Voces de la Frontera, which mobilized members to the Capitol in support of collective bargaining rights for public employees, has also organized some of the largest annual May 1 marches in the country and in the state's history, ranging from 30,000-80,000 since 2006.
The May 1 march is driven by the same spirit of activism and commitment that drives working men and women in Wisconsin and around the country, who are now fighting back against similar attacks.
The march will begin at 1:30 pm on Sunday, May 1st, at at the corners of 5th St. and Washington St. Marchers will proceed to Veteran's Park for a 3 pm rally with live music. Free and open to the public.
Buses will be leaving from six cities around Wisconsin. To reserve a seat on the bus, call (414) 643-1620.
Speakers:
Richard Trumka, President, National AFL-CIO
Mahlon Mitchell, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin
Maricela Aguilar, Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES!)
Phil Neuenfeldt, President, Wisconsin AFL-CIO
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director, Voces de la Frontera
For interviews and media appearances prior to the event, please contact the number above.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) works tirelessly to improve the lives of working people. We are the democratic, voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions that represent 12.5 million working men and women.
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