Some 70 women gathered at the Operating Engineers Local 49 hall Oct. 12 for the Labor Education Service luncheon program on “The Crisis in Health Care: What’s at Stake for Working Women.”

Connie Perpich, senior director of legislative affairs for Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, described current proposals in Congress and how her organization and unions are mobilizing to pressure enactment of meaningful health reform. Singer and activist Anne Feeney energized the crowd with several songs on health care and women’s rights. She also led the group in singing “Union Maid” and “Solidarity, Forever.”

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson, first woman to head the state labor federation, welcomed everyone and lauded their involvement in their unions. Participants received fact sheets on health care and information on how to take action, including writing Congress and contacting state legislators about Governor Pawlenty’s cuts to General Assistance Medical Care.

After hearing Feeney describe the strike going on at PAL Health Technologies in Pekin, Ill., participants also collected $600 to help members of Laborers Local 231.

The luncheon was part of ongoing programming that LES offers for women in the labor movement. To receive notice of future events, e-mail or call the LES office, 612-624-5020.
 

«BACK