Chicago teachers are an inspiration to the entire labor movement. Their 10-day strike this fall confronted an arrogant and entrenched political machine headed by Rahm Emanuel. They stood firm against the bipartisan steamroller that blames public workers for the fiscal crisis and teachers for the failures of our underfunded educational system.
Their victory was a model of community outreach and member-driven activism These are the organizing principles that labor must adopt if we are to lead the way to winning single-payer, Medicare for All for everyone in America.
On Friday, January 11, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis will address the opening session of the Labor Campaign for Single Payer National Strategy Conference. She will join trade union leaders and activists from around the country who will discuss how to advance the fight to make healthcare a human right in post-election, Obamacare America.
We are convening this meeting just prior to the Inauguration and the new Congressional term and we will look at both national and state opportunities for reform. We will discuss how the Affordable Care Act impacts collective bargaining and the stability of union-sponsored benefit plans. We will assess the importance of joining together with all those who work to defend and expand the social insurance model and how Medicare for All could be the high road solution to the economic and fiscal crisis facing working people.
Attendees will learn how to make an effective presentation to a union audience and discuss how the mobilization model embraced by the Chicago teachers and the California Prop 30 and 32 Campaigns could pave the way to single-payer. In addition to Karen Lewis, we will hear from important allies including Congressman John Conyers, National Nurses United Co-President Jean Ross, Physicians for a National Health Program, Progressive Democrats of America, All Unions Committee, and Healthcare-NOW!.
Time is running out. Please Register Today for this important meeting. Hotel reservations must be made by Friday, December 14 in order to be eligible for the discounted rates. Call 1.800.EMBASSY and reference “Labor Campaign (LCS).”
If you believe the labor movement needs to step up the fight for healthcare justice in the post-election period, this conference is for you!
