November 30 could see one of the largest labour protests in recent US history. Between 50,000 and 100,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Seattle to challenge the market madness of the WTO.
Unions, church, community groups and students across North America are mobilizing to tell the WTO that ordinary people do not accept their plans for driving down our living standards, working and living conditions.
In the US, labour councils and unions across the state of Washington and all over the Western United States are filling buses, trains and plans to bring their members to Seattle.
In the Seattle area, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) at Boeing Ltd. have given all their shop stewards the day off with pay to marshal the demonstration.
The Seattle city council has endorsed the demonstration and allowed their municipal employees to take the day off to attend the protest. Longshoreman in several ports on the West Coast will be striking for eight hours on November 30 to show their solidarity.
In British Columbia, successful teach-ins, attended by hundreds of students and workers, have been held in downtown Vancouver, the University of British Columbia, Capilano College, the University of Victoria and several other locations.
Several groups, including the Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC), the Council of Canadians, the Canadian Federation of Students, and grassroots coalitions have been working overtime to mobilize people to get down to Seattle.
At press-time, over 40 buses had been booked to take demonstrators to the demonstration.
The buses will return to Vancouver in time for a mass rally at the BC Federation of Labour's annual convention. A video link up at the convention will give activists unable to attend the demonstration the opportunity to follow the events in Seattle.
This mobilization against the WTO is an excellent opportunity to build our confidence and strength to take on the corporate agenda wherever it raises its ugly head.
All out to stop the WTO! For more information on organizing call 604-682-3269 ext 6222 immediately.