Departments

Taking it to the Hill
Jeff Hicks \ LUPA 3520

UAW members in Support of Smithfield, took their fight to the Capital of NC. The UAW members along with the NAACP and several of other Civil Action groups took the fight of Human and Worker’s rights to Raleigh. With crowds in upwards of 5000, the activists met in historically black Chavis Park. The rally was led by NC NAACP president Rev. Barber. There were a host of speakers; speaking on politics, school bonds, welfare, the war, the right to form Unions and the struggle at Smithfield. After all the speeches, singing, dancing and a whole lot of prayer the activists pounded the streets.

The March to the Capital; started at the park, ventured out on MLK Blvd and ended on Jones St, right on the NC Legislature front steps. Region 8 Civil/Human Rights President Ricky McDowell; led Labor on the March, with a bullhorn and a loud voice for all labor in North Carolina. With chants of Union Now and Justice, Justice, drew crowds of all ethnic backgrounds.

With the participation of UAW Locals 5285,3520,5286,2404,IBEW,UE150,AFGE,Carpenters& Millwrights, UFCW, NAACP and other Unions; that rode on the bus to Raleigh, set the tone of the day. Labor Supports Smithfield on obtaining their Union and a Voice in the workplace.