Socialist Action /October 2001
Student Anti-Sweatshop Conference
CHICAGO-Hundreds of students from across the country gathered here on
Aug. 2-5 for the second annual national conference of the United Students
Against Sweatshops (USAS). The conference discussed ways of continuing student
involvement in the fight for workers' justice, both here and abroad.
The conference began with a mobilization in support of local workers.
Students joined workers at the picket line of striking Teamsters who are
employed at V&V Supremo Foods on the city's south side. The largely
immigrant workers are organized into Local 703 and have been on strike for
union recognition. Hundreds of students and workers chanted slogans in support
of workers in the face of company-hired thugs who failed to intimidate the
picket line.
This scene highlighted the growing alliance of workers and students in
advancing the interests of working people. The conference discussed students'
work in solidarity with striking workers at the New Era apparel company
and solidarity efforts with organizing hotel, garment, laundry, and other
workers.
Students, while lacking the social power to win the fight for workers'
rights by themselves, can and have played key roles in assisting working-class
struggles. The USAS conference was a positive step in this unfolding alliance.
- DAVID BERNT
Socialist Action /October 2001 |