N.Y. labor mobilizes to end Iraq war

NEW YORK CITY — The mobilization for the Oct. 27 peace demonstration here is now in full swing. A significant number of New York-area labor unions have endorsed the action. So far, 15 unions from New York and New Jersey, including 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Transit Workers Union Local 100, the United Federation of Teachers, AFSCME District Council 37 and United Auto Workers Region 9A CAP Council have endorsed, along with U.S. Labor Against the War and the New York State Working Families Party.

There is also a labor rally planned to kick off the day’s events. The labor contingent will help lead the march, along with veterans and military families.

Many grassroots peace activists in the labor movement initiated motions in their unions to endorse Oct. 27 and to commit funds and staff to the event. Many unions are involved in public outreach. Some 1199 members, for instance, are taking part in the Oct. 19 Iraq Moratorium activities by handing out leaflets and stickers calling for “Health care, not warfare,” and promoting Oct. 27 in hospitals where they work. The Iraq Moratorium is a collection of vigils and other actions around the country every third Friday until the war ends.

The New York/New Jersey peace march is just one of 11 regional demonstrations around the country initiated by United for Peace and Justice. To find out about activities in your area, visit www.Oct27.org or call UFPJ at (212) 868-5545.

ldellapiana @cpusa.org