Struggle generates jobs resolution
By
Vidya Sankar
Raleigh, N.C.
Published Jun 10, 2010 12:40 PM
On May 18 a resolution supporting a federal jobs program and opposing cuts to
federal youth programs was passed by the Raleigh City Council.
Chants of “A job is right, we gotta fight fight fight!” and
“Money for jobs and education, not for banks and incarceration!”
greeted Raleigh City Council members at recent meetings. Two well-attended
rallies at Raleigh City Council meetings on May 4 and May 18 were organized by
the Raleigh Peoples’ Assembly.
At these rallies a multigenerational mass of youth, students, workers and
community leaders spoke out resoundingly on the necessity of a public jobs
program, and for the city of Raleigh to publicly advocate for and demand that
such a jobs program be implemented as within the best interest of city
residents.
A resolution underscoring these demands had been presented to the City Council.
The resolution, in its original text, demanded that the city support and demand
a public sector jobs program with the minimal size and shape of the Works
Progress Administration, which created over 8 million jobs and was a form of
real economic recovery during the Great Depression.
The resolution also demanded that the city oppose all funding cuts to federal
youth summer programs, and support that job applications be reviewed with no
emphasis on one’s criminal record. The resolution, drafted by leaders of
the Peoples’ Assembly, also emphasized the need for youth after-school
and summer programs and jobs, the currently unenforced Full Employment Act of
1978, and the dire need to relieve extreme understaffing in city departments by
hiring more workers.
Community support included more than a thousand petition signatures supporting
the resolution. Hundreds of groups and community leaders endorsed the
resolution, and at the rallies themselves many passersby honked their
cars’ horns and fist-pumped in support. Inside the meetings,
community leaders and organizers spoke to the need for a public jobs program
and how the additional jobs created could produce services which the city so
desperately needs.
“Without jobs, we won’t have the funds to take care of our basic
needs, which are shelter, clothes, food, and also being able to pay the bills
that are going to come,” stated Juanette Williams, a student at Peace
College. “If they’re (the city of Raleigh) not providing for or
helping your residents, then they’re not carrying out what they’re
preaching.”
The City Council voted unanimously May 18 to support two tenets of the jobs
resolution: that Raleigh would willingly participate in any federal public jobs
program implemented, and that it would oppose any cuts in federal funding to
youth summer recreation and jobs programs.
“The support of such a resolution will have a ripple effect throughout
the city. The vision for gaps to be narrowed between ‘the haves’
and the ‘have nots’ is in its initial stages. However, there is a
need to see the fruits from this resolution. ... Lip service is not
enough,” commented Larry Murry, a leader in Black Workers for Justice and
the Peoples’ Assembly.
The Raleigh Peoples’ Assembly is comprised of groups including Black
Workers for Justice; the People’s Empowerment Movement; Fight
Imperialism, Stand Together; the Raleigh City Workers Union — UE 150; and
various other organizations.
Articles copyright 1995-2012 Workers World.
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
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