SEIU message to PSI affiliates

On 17 November 2011, tens of thousands of Americans took to streets and bridges across the U.S. in an unprecedented national day of peaceful protest to declare an economic emergency for the 99%. 

Actions took place in 17 cities, where union members, students, clergy and Occupy protestors stood together on bridges and roads demanding that our leaders create good jobs now.  I was proud to step over the line and get arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, with elected officials, community leaders and SEIU members who work as cleaners and hospital workers to highlight the crisis we are facing.

The actions across the U.S. are part of a global fight back.  From Athens to Madrid to Sao Paulo, people everywhere are standing up to say: "We are the 99% and we demand good jobs now."  On 30 November 2011, UNISON, the public services union in the UK will have a national day of action to demand protection of pensions.

As Tom Woodruff, SEIU Executive Vice President, told MSNBC: "We live in the richest country in the history of the world, and what's going on here is outrageous and intolerable."  Click here to watch a video clip of Tom's interview, and a report on the national day of action. 

You can read a complete report of the actions in the 17 cities here:

http://www.seiu.org/2011/11/bridge-actions-break-out-across-the-country.php

I invite you to share this report with your leaders and members.  We want the whole world to know that Americans are standing up and fighting for a fair economy. 

Mary Kay Henry

President, SEIU