Copyright (c) 1998, Joongpil Cho
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| Author | PACE International Union |
| Date | 00/03/26/09:43 |
| Hit Count | 588 |
| We want to express our profound appreciation to Fred Higgs, General Secretary of the 20 million strong ICEM, for attending our rally in support of worker justice at the Imerys plant in Sylacauga, Alabama. His words and actions on our behalf greatly inspired all in attendance. Everyone was also deeply moved by the words of PACE International Representative Jimmy Colston, who organized the Sylacauga plant over 28 years ago.
We enjoyed a day of international union solidarity. At the end of the rally, we marched on the Imerys plant -- with Brother Higgs in the lead. Part of our chant was, "ICEM is on our side, 20 million strong with union pride!" The company did everthing to keep workers from attending the rally through their surrogate, the company-supported and notorious "A-Team" or "Goon Squad". However, the community center was filled. We also want to thank our sisters and brothers from the Transport and General Workers Union in Great Britain for sending numerous messages from Cornwall and Devon in support of our long struggle. We read a letter of support from Shem Hogan of the TGWU. Fred Higgs reminded us that he is a member and former National Secretary of the TGWU. What a great union to generate these kinds of leaders! We wish Brother Hogan a speedy recovery from his recent illness. Thanks also go to PACE Vice President Don Langham and to Alabama AFL-CIO President D.S. Burkhalter for attending and speaking. Members of other PACE locals attended to show their support. There was a large contingent from the Imerys' Dry Branch plant. We salute the workers from the Imerys' Sandersville plant, who attended the rally and are also trying to organize their plant. As we were returning from the march on the plant, Imerys union supporters pointed out two members of the "Goon Squad", who were not working that day but were driving Imerys vehicles into the plant. There is widespread belief that members of the "Goon Squad" are allowed personal use of company vehicles and equipment as a reward for carrying out their anti-union work. Also, one of the workers who attended the rally was directly threatened with discipline by an Imerys boss. We cannot release the details, pending our investigation. Any worker disciplined for union activity will receive the fullest backing of PACE International Union. This was a great day! The struggle is not over, but we have renewed energy for this fight that Imerys started. Thanks to all who made it happen. PACE International Union |