LOCAL 207 ORGANIZER

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF AFSCME 207

Issue # 6, March 7, 2001

 

 

Rally!

Stop Privatization &

Contracting Out of

City Jobs and Services!

 

 

 

Thursday, March 15th

4:30 PM

City-County Building

Larned St. Entrance

 

 

 

            Join members of AFSCME Local 207, Detroit Water & Sewerage and Public Lighting workers, to rally against Mayor Archer’s policy of privatizing city jobs. If private corporations are allowed to take over Detroit’s public services, they will eventually further reduce services to our already neglected neighborhoods, and increase the price of service. The treat of privatization is growing against all city workers, union members and working-class residents. Everyone who wants the stop Mayor Archer from selling out Detroit’s future should attend this rally – bring your friends and family.

 

            The following Local 207 jobs are some those which have been partially contracted out, or are under threat of privatization: Sewage Plant Incineration – Maintenance and Repair – Plant Maintenance Mechanic work at the Sewage Plant and Millwright Shop – Maintenance of future equipment at Water Works Park and the Sewage Plant – Mistersky Power Station – Street Lighting. All jobs are at risk of being given away to corporate contractors.    

 

            Privatization and contracting-out is not a natural disaster no an epidemic – is part of a racist, anti-worker policy to help corporation drain money, jobs and political power out of Detroit. The DIA, Public Housing, and Detroit Public Schools are victims of this policy. No one is immune to the effects of privatization – we must all unite to stop it. Many Detroit public schools, and the jobs of all non-teaching school workers, are now under the gun. AFSCME Local 345, which represents janitors and cafeteria workers at the schools, is also helping to build this rally.

 

            City workers’ contracts expire June 30th. Negotiations begin in late March. City workers should be a voice for the community. This is our opportunity to lead Detroit in the fight for expanded and improved city services to our neighborhoods, and secure well-paid city jobs. City unions and residents must unite to fight for our shared interests by building a real public worker/black community alliance. The battle for Detroit’s future will be fought out through these contract negotiations. This rally will be the first shot fired in that historic battle.

 

 

Initial Rally Endorsers: AFSCME #207, AFSCME #312 (DDOT Bus Mechanics), City Workers for Justice (CWJ), Helen Moore (community activist), Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action and Integration and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), Keep the Vote/No Take-Over Coalition.