An Appeal to Michigan unionists:

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An Appeal to Michigan unionists:

Our Labor Movement Must Include

12 Million Undocumented Workers

Over 12 million undocumented immigrants are working across the U.S under the most difficult and dangerous conditions. They have no legal protection and most have no labor union. If they protest unfair, unsafe or illegal practices, or if they try to form a union, or if they get injured on the job, the bosses call Homeland Security (Immigration & Customs Enforcement division – I.C.E.) to have them deported. Families are being ripped apart as heavily armed ICE agents kick in doors and raid workplaces day after day – including here in Michigan.

In the past millions of Africans were kidnapped and brought to this country as slaves. Millions more people came to find work and escape desperate conditions in their home countries. Today, many economies in Latin America have been destroyed by U.S. "free trade" policies (NAFTA, FTAA) – causing unemployment and starvation and forcing people to come here in order to survive. These immigrant workers did not cause decent paying jobs to leave Michigan and the U.S.

Common humanity says we must support our undocumented sisters and brothers in their fight to win legalization and citizenship.

Labor solidarity says we must support millions of fellow workers who want wages and working conditions that they can survive with.

Survival of our own unions says we must vigorously support and organize millions of unorganized immigrant workers who are ready to stand up for unionism.

Support the demand for legalization of all immigrant workers. End raids & deportations
Support union rights for ALL workers
Oppose "guest worker" programs- a cover for semi-slavery

Join and build the May 1^st, 2007 Great American Boycott II

Last May 1^st – in honor of May Day (the day U.S. workers began the fight for the 8 hour day in 1886) – immigrant workers by the millions rallied and marched for justice. In many cities, factories and ports had to close. This year the call is out to have May 1^st be a day of NO WORK, NO SHOPPING, NO SCHOOL and to march for worker and immigrant rights for all.

Partial list of endorsers: David Sole, Pres. UAW Local 2334*; Nathan Head, Pres. Metro Detroit Coalition of Black Trade Unionists*; Millie Hall, Pres. Metro-Detroit Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW)*; Emily Kunze, Pres. AFSCME Local 2920*; Al Benchich, Pres. UAW Local 909; Karen Davenport, member AFSCME*

* unions listed for identification purposes only

To add your name to this Appeal call 313-680-5508

For more information on Detroit May 1^st events: www.mecawi.org, www.luum.org