To Shut Down the Port Organizers
I attended the teach in about the Port presented this week by EBASE, URBAN PEACE (youth), WORKING EASTBAY, and others.about the importance of having a People’s Port. Workers and neighbors informed us about the port as it is now from the people’s perspective. The Arny Base expansion will provide 5,000 additional jobs.
Oakland needs to plan now by insisting these be family supporting jobs open to local residents including those who have a record of arrest or incarceration. Without a job, what opportunity do these citizens have to become productive members of our community? Training for good jobs for the people of West Oakland and East Oakland must be available for job opportunities in construction and subsequent operation of the Port. Labor must be allowed to organize for a living wage, safe and healthy working conditions and respect on the job. Surrounding neighborhoods must be blessed by the economic activity without the curse of disease caused by port pollution.
Occupying the port on Dec 12 will provide opportunity to combine currently achievable goals in Oakland with protest against business as usual by the 1%. Can we have some of the organizers, workers, and neighbors doing teach ins during the shut down?
i attended as well, and was sadly stunned at the lack of attendance of the port shutdown committee members. same folks who only come to general assembly these days to ask for money, while money is denied to those holding vigil at the plaza.