Union reps propose Iraq war protest

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They seek support for strike if invasion begins

March 12, 2003
By Glenn Cravens
The Californian

Local labor unions hope they can gain support from businesses and schools in a protest effort if the United States takes military action against Iraq.
Today, representatives from local labor groups will visit city halls in Salinas, Seaside, Santa Cruz and Watsonville to contact businesses and schools about taking a day off to protest any conflict.
“We’re calling for a community strike, and we want the businesses to support a day of protest action,” said Paul Johnston, executive director of the Citizenship Project in Salinas.
The goal is to persuade businesses to allow employees time to take off to protest the war the day after the United States strikes Iraq, if it happens. At each city hall, organizers will distribute packets to people who can turn them over to their employers. Johnston and others also will call schools and businesses regarding their intentions to protest.
Johnston said he does not expect a large turnout at each city hall, but by passing out fliers and calling businesses, he said he hopes to get support.
“We want them to be thinking about putting down their tools and protesting on a day after the invasion,” he said.