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Union Parades, Rallies Mark Labor Day

Posted on: Monday, 1 September 2003, 06:00 CDT

On a Labor Day overshadowed by gloomy weather and the ailing economy, protesters rallied for striking workers, union members marched in parades and President Bush announced a plan to stem losses in the manufacturing sector.

Labor Day events were generally peaceful, but 14 people were arrested after blocking an intersection on the Yale University campus in support of striking university service and clerical workers.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was among those arrested, had led more than 1,000 people on the march.

"This is the site of national Labor Day outrage," Jackson said. "This is going to be for economic justice what Selma was for the right to vote."

On a rain-soaked trip to a factory training center, Bush said he had directed Commerce Secretary Don Evans to establish an assistant position to focus "on the needs of manufacturers." Keeping factory jobs is critical to a broader economic recovery, the president said, his outdoor venue ringed by cranes, backhoes and bulldozers.

In Detroit, union members and supporters faced the rainy weather to march downtown to celebrate Labor Day and call attention to the challenges faced by workers in a struggling economy.

"We're very concerned about this economy," said Patrick Devlin, secretary-treasurer of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council. "People talk about the economy picking up, but we don't see it."

In Pennsylvania, several teacher unions were threatening walkouts over salary and health care issues, while a Labor Day parade went on in Pittsburgh despite fears the city's budget crisis would cancel the annual event.

"I'm trying hard to find something more in the salary range I was at," said George Gray, 26, a laborer who lost his $10-an-hour job at the American Bridge company in January.

A bus strike that has idled most mass transit in Hawaii entered its seventh day Monday. Some striking workers remained on the picket line instead of attending a Labor Day weekend picnic thrown by their union Sunday.

"I find this is important for me and my family to be here and walk the line," said striker Marie Chan.

At Yale, the march ended in a rally at Yale's Beinecke Plaza and Woodbridge Hall, which houses university President Richard Levin's office. Police said 1,000 to 1,500 people marched with Jackson, including Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

Jackson and about 30 others then blocked the intersection, and Jackson was the first to be handcuffed.

The 14 demonstrators arrested were cited for disorderly conduct and were released on their promise to appear in court, police said.

The service and clerical workers from two Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International locals walked off the job Wednesday in a dispute over wages, job security and pension benefits.

The unions represent about 4,000 clerical, technical and service and maintenance workers, but an undetermined number had crossed picket lines. Sticking points include raises, signing bonuses and pensions.

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