More Than 1000 People Turn Out to Support Union Solidarity

Mayor Kate Gallego Signs Proclamation Declaring February 29th Solidarity Day

News provided by

Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters

Mar 02, 2020, 15:01 ET

PHOENIX, March 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, February 29, 2020, The Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC), AFL-CIO, AFSCME, LiUNA, AEA, Painters and Allied Trades, and the Electricians Union gathered more than a thousand members and their families at SWRCC's Local 1912 in a show of union solidarity and strength. Mayor Kate Gallego signed a proclamation declaring February 29^th Solidarity Day in front of the enthusiastic crowd. Phoenix Vice Mayor Betty Guardado, and Sheriff Penzone of Phoenix also spoke to the crowd about protecting union standards of living, creating community wealth, restoring infrastructure, creating jobs, protecting pensions, and strengthening apprenticeships.

SWRCC EST Dan Langford, SWRCC VP Frank Hawk, and SWRCC President Pete Rodriguez accept a proclamation from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego designating February 29th as Solidarity Day in Phoenix.

"Arizona is already a right-to-work state, there is no prevailing wage, and our income to expense ratio barely keeps our heads above water," said Frank Hawk, Vice President Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. "Out of pure greed, there are those that want working people to do more and earn less. Change will not happen unless each one of us takes the personal responsibility to demand and force change."

Arizona is now considered a swing state, and the Unions decided it was the right time to make sure their members' voices will be heard come election time.

"Union jobs create economic security and community wealth. Workers earn their money locally and spend it in the local economy, supporting a variety of businesses and jobs. Union members also contribute to communities by actively voting for union-friendly candidates and for issues that that are critical to union missions," said Fabian Sandez, President of Local 1912.

The Solidarity Day rally in Phoenix is to be followed by a similar event in Los Angeles on April 4^th at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The SWRCC represents over 55,000 union carpenters in six states. The Union is dedicated to raising the safety and standards for all skilled carpenters and advocating for the rights of workers, their families, and their communities. The SWRCC is proud to be affiliated with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

SOURCE Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters