May 1, 2008 - strike into West Coast ports

Don't curse the darkness, light a candle.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

May 1, 2008 - strike into West Coast ports

Dear peace activists,

In their last assembly, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union
voted overwhelmingly for an 8-hour strike to shut down West Coast ports on
May 1, 2008 in protest of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (May 1 is not a
holiday in the US). There is also a call for the anti-war movement to show
support through solidarity statements and actions.

This is a major step up in opposition to the war and we´d like to show our support by:
1) translating the resolution and getting the word out in Italy about this strike;
2) sending our own solidarity statement to the ILWU.

If you would like to help in translating the resolution (English to Italian) or drafting our solidarity statement (English), please let us know: info@peaceandjustice.it

May 1st also marks the 5th anniversary of Bush´s infamous "Mission Accomplished" speech and comes as Congress prepares to vote up to $178 billion to continue the occupation of Iraq. People in the US are
mobilizing against the funding bill, for impeachment, etc. and this would present a good opportunity for us to be in the streets as well.

Please let us know if you are interested in organizing a solidarity action here in Rome on Thursday, May 1, and we can discuss options:
info@peaceandjustice.it

More information at on the dockworkers´ strike:
http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?=1&cache=0&id=15686

Excerpts from the ILWU resolution:
...
WHEREAS: Many unions and the overwhelming majority of the American
people now oppose this bipartisan and unjustifiable war in Iraq and
Afghanistan but the two major political parties, Democrats and Republicans
continue to fund the war;
...
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That it is time to take labor's protest to a
more powerful level of struggle by calling on unions and working people in
the U. S. and internationally to mobilize for a "No Peace No Work Holiday"
May 1, 2008 for 8 hours to demand an immediate end to the war and
occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U. S. troops from
the Middle East;
...
Read the full resolution at:
http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?id=15428

Anna, Gene, Maria, Maria Chiara and Stephanie
---
U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice - Rome
info@peaceandjustice.it
http://www.peaceandjustice.it