National labor officials get involved in convention dispute
It feels like the Democrats really want to hold the 2008 convention in Denver. They've delayed their decision, apparently to give Denver more time to raise money. And now big labor is trying to end a holdout by the Denver stagehands' union:
Progress was made Thursday on breaking an impasse that has held up Denver's bid for the Democratic National Convention.
The Denver stagehands union, which would handle much of the inside construction at the convention, thus far has refused to sign a pledge not to strike or picket during the gathering. The Pepsi Center ordinarily uses nonunion crews, and the union has said it won't sign an agreement unless the Pepsi Center management agrees to negotiate.
Now national labor officials in Washington, D.C., are trying to find a compromise between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local No. 7 and Denver's host committee.
Progress was made Thursday on breaking an impasse that has held up Denver's bid for the Democratic National Convention.
The Denver stagehands union, which would handle much of the inside construction at the convention, thus far has refused to sign a pledge not to strike or picket during the gathering. The Pepsi Center ordinarily uses nonunion crews, and the union has said it won't sign an agreement unless the Pepsi Center management agrees to negotiate.
Now national labor officials in Washington, D.C., are trying to find a compromise between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local No. 7 and Denver's host committee.
Labels: convention 2008, President 2008
2 Comments:
"Big Labor" - Excuse me. Local 7 of the stagehands union could called a lot of things, but "big labor" is not one of them. When the state Democratic Party needs our money or help for an election, they are right there. But, when it comes to defending working people and their right to organize - poof! - they're gone. The national Democratic Party has demonstrated at least some backbone and integrity. As Moody told the press, the union is getting a lot of pressure from the convention committee - where is the pressure on the Pepsi Center.
And, why the anti-union Pepsi Center, anyway. Why not the Convention Center where there is some union presence. Oh, that's right we need to keep Steve (I support Republicans and can still be called a Democrat) Farbar's clients happy, healthy and wealthy.
Jacov,
The "big labor" I was referring to was not Local 7, but the national labor leaders from the AFL-CIO who are getting involved in the dispute.
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