It was a little over a year ago – February, 2011 – that several newly elected Republican governors and state legislatures attempted to pass sweeping anti-labor measures with little or no input from the Democratic minorities in their assemblies. The situation was so egregious in Indiana that their Democratic State Senators settled temporarily in Urbana until the Indianapolis ideologues came to their senses. During that period, Champaign County Democrats and labor supported the senators by counter-picketing their hecklers and joining with them in memorable social events and demonstrations. See Welcome, Indiana Legislators

This year, the Republican Party has invited the Indiana Governor to promote his political aspirations and his anti-labor agenda in Champaign County next Thursday, April 19, 2012. This provides everyone with an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with labor in the belief that working people matter, that the right to engage in collective bargaining should not be deprecated, and that “Right to Work” won’t work in Illinois (RTW-WWII).

Gather from 3 pm at the southwest corner of the Assembly Hall. The rally begins an 4 pm. At 5:15 marchers will depart for the Hilton Gardens Banquet Center for a peaceful demonstration of solidarity until 7:15, when everyone will return to the Assembly Hall and depart. For complete information, see the AFL-CIO Facebook Page for more information, or download event flyer (pdf).

This is a labor rally, not a political event, so there will be no political speeches. However, all Democrats are invited, and we will have an opportunity march together if we so desire. Check this page or our event calendar on Thursday for the latest information.