Solidarity

I'm back from a my hiatus! My first post was published back in January and not too long after, Gov. Walker announced he would strip public employees of their rights as workers. The battle has taken me away from my other commitments these past few months because I work for a union that represents public employees in Wisconsin. It has been the fight of our lives and the sense of urgency and solidarity between unions and progressive community organizations has been incredible.

The week it all started, I received an email from both NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin expressing the immediate need for everyone to stand together against Gov. Walker and Republicans legislators.

Here's an excerpt from NPCW's email blast:

"I have an unusual, but absolutely critical, request of you today. We are asking you to join with us to support our Union brothers and sisters who face an unprecedented attack. NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin has never made an ask like this before, but the rights of Wisconsin citizens are in jeopardy.

"On Friday, we heard about Governor Walker's budget repair bill, including his plan to strip all rights of public employees to organize and bargain collectively. Walker's attack will impact ALL public employees on the state and local levels, including our teachers, nurses, child-care workers, public defenders, and thousands of other workers that provide the services we depend on.

"As reproductive rights advocates, we know that government should never be in the business of taking away people's rights. The Unions have long stood by NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin in our collective fight for progressive values. And the Unions were critical partners during our fight for health-care reform last year. Now, we must stand together with the Unions to protect working women, men and families."

Solidarity between those who advocate for workers' rights and those who advocate for reproductive rights has been crucial in more than just the fight for federal health care reform and the fight to save collective bargaining rights.

Just weeks ago, we saw a federal attack on women's rights when conservative politicians attempted to cut all funding for the vital health care services Planned Parenthood provides nationwide. And labor stepped up to stand with women.

I sincerely thank all those who have joined in the fight for workers' rights and women's rights. We can see firsthand how standing together can truly make a difference. Keep the pressure on! Our fight for basic rights is never over.