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NEA resolution in support of Charleston 5
[the following report from the recent NEA (National Education
Association) convention (representative assembly) by Tom Condit,
was forwarded to portside. The NEA is the largest labor
organization in the country. Previously, portside has posted
other resolutions and information on labor solidarity with the
Charleston 5. Please send us information on local activities to
support the Charleston 5, or resolutions from your union. These
will be shared with other portside readers - moderator]
At its 2001 Representative Assembly, held July 4-7 in Los Angeles,
the National Education Association (NEA) passed the following
resolution in support of the "Charleston Five", South Carolina
dockworkers being victimized by the state authorities. (With 2.6
million members, the NEA is the largest labor organization in
North America.)
"The NEA shall publicly support the 'Charleston 5' (members of ILA
(longshore) Locals 1422 and 1771 in Charleston, South Carolina),
who attempted in January 2000 to halt non-union labor from
unloading ships by picketing and have been indicted for defending
basic union rights. Further, the NEA shall publicize this case and
mobilization on their behalf in NEA publications".
The motion was made Bill Balderston (California) and seconded by
Marsha Feinland (California).
Speakers for: Bill Balderston, California; [and a teacher from
South Carolina], speaking for the South Carolina delegation
There were no speakers against.
The motion passed by an overwhelming voice vote of the 9,000
delegates present.
Tom Condit
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