Los Angeles labor rallies against Janus

Los Angeles, CA – Labor unions and supporters rallied at the steps of LA County USC Medical Center, Feb. 26, for workers’ rights. On Feb. 26, the U.S. Supreme Court began to hear the Janus v. AFSCME case. The case is a right-wing attack on labor unions.

Around 300 union members and supporters joined at the steps of the medical center. Large numbers of healthcare workers participated. Many county and state workers represented by SEIU, nurses with NNU, IATSE members as well as many other unions, came to action. City Councilman Jose Huizar and County Supervisor Hilda Solis also spoke in support of unions. Between speakers, the crowd chanted “When unions are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” and “We are the union! The Mighty mighty union!” The crowd was riled up, and speakers denounced corporate greed and ‘Right to Work’ legislation across the country.

Karla Griego, a special education teacher and UTLA member from Buchanan Street Elementary in Highland Park, said, “No matter what the Supreme Court justice decision is we will not be intimidated. History has shown that when unions like UTLA are building the movement it changes things for those who are unionized and not. We are leading a fight against billionaires like Eli Broad who push for a privatized form of education where they pick and choose their students.”

Speakers urged members to continue to stay involved and keep up the fight for workers’ rights.