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