I was thinking this morning about the strike activity of the past week and some of the highlights. We’ve moved forward in our steady campaign to expose the ugly and unethical behavior of the scab outfits CPMC has brought in to staff its hospitals. We’ve learned that HCSS—the scab agency run by deadbeat dad and convicted felon Gary Fanger—failed to pay its payroll taxes. I guess we can add tax dodger to Fanger’s rap sheet.
Meantime, we sent a strong message to Sutter that the corporation cannot simply make isolated decisions to shut down critical services at community facilities like St. Luke’s because these services fall short on profits. Members at St. Luke’s and CPMC already know Sutter is totally focused on the bottom line. After hearings by the SF Board of Supes it seems clear the city is getting the message and losing patience with Sutter’s games.
A high point last week was the picket line visit by Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson has been a relentless voice for working families—in California and across the country. His visit greatly inspired our members, especially when he urged strikers to “keep hope alive.” This is Jackson’s longtime mantra, a must in this critical strike and, for that matter, for the entire labor movement. It’s time for working people to take a stand, and here at CPMC that’s what we’re doing—taking a stand. I’m proud of our striking brothers and sisters. I know friends like Rev. Jackson know firsthand how important it is that we stand up for our rights, for fair contracts and for respect and dignity from our employers.
Talk about inspiration. Another longtime friend and ally, Dolores Huerta, joined our lines over the weekend. It amazes me how our friends are so eager to come out and support us. They know we’re on the side of justice.
Sal Rosselli
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