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report on usas conference
CHICAGO- Hundreds of students from across the country gathered here for the
second annual national conference of The United Students Against Sweatshops
(USAS) on August 2nd-5th. The conference discussed ways of continuing
student involvement in the fight for workers justice, both here and abroad.
The conference began with 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 cities 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 reflected on
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 advance workers rights, can and
have played key roles in assisting the struggles of the working class. The
USAS conference was a positive step in this unfolding alliance.
The article above was written by Chicago YSAer Dave Bernt.
