President Bowen’s Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Hear Janus v. AFSCME
In late September the Trump Supreme Court agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME, a case spearheaded by far-right groups on a mission to destroy the political and economic power of unions. Their agenda, in their own words, is to “defund and defang” public-employee unions.
Public-employee unions are a target because we are the strongest sector of the labor movement and because we are the primary defenders of public services—such as public universities—that are especially important to working people and communities of color. The labor movement remains the most potent force in the country against economic inequality. That’s why it is under attack. We can fight back by refusing to let the far-right forces defund and defang the PSC. The Supreme Court cannot kill our union if we all sign the new, stronger membership card!
Opposing the Constitutional Convention
Help Get Out the “NO!” Vote
On November 7 voters will decide whether New York should hold a convention to change our state constitution. The PSC opposes the constitutional convention (“Con Con”) because it would be a chance to take away workers’ rights and undermine public pension protections. PSC members are mobilizing for the “NO!” vote campaign by phone banking their colleagues every Wednesday evening until the election from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. These phone banks will take place at the union office. Members can also sign up to make call from home via the “virtual phone bank.” Click here to volunteer.
Labor Goes to the Movies Presents North Country—Fri, Oct 13
The PSC’s film series will present North Country on Fri., Oct. 13 in the PSC Union Hall (61 Broadway, 16th floor). In the film, a woman confronts – and challenges – sexual harassment and gender discrimination as a consequence of taking a job in an iron mine, becoming the first woman to work in the mine. It’s a fictionalized account of the incidents leading to the first successful class-action sexual harassment suit in a U.S. court (Jensen v. Eveleth Taconite Mines, 1993). The 2005 film directed by Niki Caro features Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Sissy Spacek, Woody Harrelson, and Jeremy Renner. Doors open at 6 PM. Light refreshments provided. There is a $4 suggested donation. To see the 2017-18 Labor Goes to the Movies schedule, click here.
Save the Date: #Sandy5 March—Oct.28
March with the PSC at the Fifth Sandy Anniversary March & Rally
Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy took lives, destroyed homes, and flooded subways. Many of us know how it directly affected us. As in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, the people hit hardest by Sandy were the poor, people of color, immigrants, and the region’s most vulnerable communities.
New York’s elected officials must prioritize protection from the impacts of climate change and lead a just transition to a renewable energy economy. We cannot wait any longer. On Saturday, October 28, New Yorkers will rally and march to demand a better future. We will assemble at Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn, at 11 AM, march over the Brooklyn Bridge, and then rally at the Alfred E. Smith Houses in Manhattan. For the march demands, social media sharing tools and an RSVP form, visit https://sandy5.org/. Look for further details about mobilization of the PSC contingent in future emails.
Proposed PSC Budget Presentation—Oct. 19
PSC Treasurer Sharon Persinger will be hold an open session to present and respond to questions about the proposed union budget for the coming year on Thursday, October 19 before the Delegate Assembly: from 5-6 PM in the PSC Union Hall (61 Broadway, 16th floor). Members of the PSC are invited to attend this question-and-answer session prior to the Delegate Assembly’s vote on the budget.
Insurgency from Below: Activism in the Trump Era–Oct. 11
Reservations Are Full; Watch the Live Stream
The election of President Trump has changed the rules of American politics and motivated widespread protests to his agenda. What are the prospects for activists in this new era? Panelists include Barbara Ehrenreich, author, Nickel and Dimed; Ai-jen Poo, director, National Domestic Workers Alliance; Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, professor of law, Columbia and UCLA; and Frances Fox Piven, distinguished professor of political science and sociology, emerita, at the GC. Moderated by Laura Flanders, host of The Laura Flanders Show.
Limited standby seating may be available for this event Wednesday, 6:30 PM at the Graduate Center — the line starts at 6:00 p.m.; first-come, first-served. There will also be an overflow room with a live video feed. Visit the event page for more information and for a link to the live video feed.
