By BERRY CRAIG
AFT Local 1360
Pack a union card? Want to remind Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and his union-busting Republican-majority state legislature that we're still here?
Why not join a “March for Equality and Social Justice” Saturday morning in Murray? The weather forecast calls for some sun, no rain and a high of 67.
The GOP-majority Kentucky legislature recently passed a “right to work” law, repealed the prevaling wage and enacted a paycheck deception measure to make it harder for some unions to collect dues through payroll deduction. Tea party-tilting Republican Gov. Matt Bevin eagerly signed the legislation, which represents social injustice, says Peter Murphy, an English professor at Murray State University and a march organizer.
“Union support for the march is important for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that the working class, and unions in particular, are under siege by the Republicans,” added Murphy, who was an AFT member when he taught at Empire State College in Buffalo, N.Y.
He said the siege will continue with Donald Trump’s presidency. Trump favors “right to work” states over non-RTW states, and he has battled fiercely against a union drive at his Las Vegas hotel. Vice President-elect Mike Pence is also pro-RTW and staunchly anti-union.
The lineup of speakers includes Jeff Wiggins, president of the Paducah-based Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council and USW Local 9447 in Calvert City. Wiggins is also on the Kentucky State AFL-CIO Executive Board.
Here's the schedule (Central Standard Time):
9:45 – 10:15: Park in Faculty Hall parking lot on 16th St. Parking is free on Saturday. Convene in paved area between Faculty Hall parking lot and the academic buildings (Wood Shop, Pottery, Sculpture labs). There will be marshals in lime-green vests to direct you.
10:15 – 11: March to the Court House Square
11 – 12:30: Speakers and musicians
12:30 – 1: Clean-up crew goes into action. “The rest of us will go home and celebrate our contribution to making America greater than hatred and intolerance,” Murphy said.
For more information, email Murphy at pmurphy@murraystate.edu