The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is currently holding its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yesterday, SEIU President Andy Stern addressed union members who had gathered at the event from all over the world. In his speech, he highlighted the 2007 efforts by the SEIU Illinois Council (which sponsors this website) in taking on Mayor Daley's "vaunted political machine" and electing a new crop of aldermen to the Chicago City Council:
STERN: Yes, we are the largest and fastest growing union in the United States. But now we're also the fastest growing union in Canada and Puerto Rico as well. ... Yes, we made the powerful seeking the presidency of the United States walk a day in the shoes of one of us -- the once powerless. Yes, we beat the vaunted political machine of Chicago Mayor Daley in Chicago and sent seven of his aldermen into early retirement. Great work Chicago! We began to teach people about accountability.
You can watch the whole speech here. And read this release to learn more about SEIU's $10 million "Accountability Project."
Anonymous on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 18:57
No doubt that unseating part of Daley's mob outfit was a step in the right direction and the SEIU deserves much credit for this. That being said, Mr. Stern hardly provides a shining example of accountability or commitment to democratic values.
See this Democracy Now interview with Juan Gonzalez
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/6/3/juan_gonzalez_on_puerto_ricos_overl...
Post new comment