Unions lend muscle, resources to Wall St. protests
Unions lent their muscle to the long-running protest against Wall Street and economic inequality Wednesday, fueling speculation about how long the camp-out in lower Manhattan -- and related demonstrations around the country -- will continue.
Thousands of protesters, including many in union T-shirts, filled lower Manhattan's Foley Square on Wednesday and then marched to Zuccotti Park, where the protesters have been camping since Sept. 17. Labor leaders say they will continue to support the protests, both with manpower and donations of goods and services.
"The great thing about Occupy Wall Street is that they have brought the focus of the entire country on the middle class majority," said George Aldro, 62, a member of Local 2325 of the United Auto Workers, as he carried the union's blue flag over his shoulder through lower Manhattan.
"We're in it together, and we're in it for the long haul."
The protesters have varied causes but have spoken largely about unemployment and economic inequality, reserving most of their criticism for Wall Street. "We are the 99 percent," they chanted, contrasting themselves with the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans.
Wall Street protest grows, heads to Columbus
Concerns over Wall Street practices and economic inequality have led to sit-ins and rallies in New York and a long list of other cities.
Columbus will be added this week. Two events are planned: On Monday, Occupy Columbus plans an 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. demonstration at the Statehouse. On Tuesday, a group that is associated with Good Jobs Not Bad Cuts announced a noon rally planned Downtown at S. Wall and W. Broad streets.
Occupy Columbus says it’s trying to fight “corporate influence on government,” according to its website. It seeks to show solidarity with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement of New York, which is seeking economic reform and representing “the 99 percent” of Americans who make less than $1 million a year.
Sean Brooks, Occupy Columbus’ website administrator, said the organization isn’t looking to start trouble at its Monday rally.
Thousands of protesters, including many in union T-shirts, filled lower Manhattan's Foley Square on Wednesday and then marched to Zuccotti Park, where the protesters have been camping since Sept. 17. Labor leaders say they will continue to support the
