Cross-posted at http://www.sutterstrikersforpatientcare.com
Striking caregivers, healthcare advocates, community leaders, and other supporters welcomed Governor Howard Dean to the picket line at a rally Friday evening, at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Governor Dean announced his support for the caregivers who are approaching their eighth week of being on strike against Sutter CPMC.
"I am honored to have been invited to attend a rally with the courageous striking employees of the Sutter California Pacific Medical Center," stated Governor Dean. He added, "It's my pleasure to work hard with SEIU. I am proud of your union. SEIU helps people who need help. We need to rebuild the Democratic Party and our fate depends on the fate of labor."
Learn more about the strike and how you can take action on the flip.
Governor Dean's comments were met with enthusiastic response from the more than 150 people in attendance. Amid the chants and shouts of agreement the crowd proved once again that their resolve is strong and the solidarity that is being shown by elected officials such as Governor Dean, as well as other national, state, regional and city leaders is stronger than ever. Likewise, caregivers from other health systems, members of the clergy, several Sutter CPMC Registered Nurses, neighbors and other community supporters are equally relentless in their commitment to see the strike through to ultimate victory.
"As you know, in another life I was a physician. I know how hard it is to keep a hospital clean. Doctors depend on nurses and caregivers like you. I know what it is like to be running around a hospital at 4am in the morning. This is hard work. When the strike comes to an end -- and you will win -- you will be paid for the hard work you have shown," stated Governor Dean.
He also spoke about the Democratic Party and its deep history with labor. "I think it is important for the Democratic Party not to forget their roots in the Labor Movement. The reason the Democratic Party got to be where it is, is because of labor; helping working families make a living and make their dreams come true. I'm very proud to be here and to recognize that fact that Sutter CPMC should Just Say Yes! CPMC should just say yes so striking caregivers can go back to work," concluded Governor Dean.
Tim Paulson, Executive Director of the San Francisco Labor Council and an ardent supporter of the strike and our fight against Sutter CMPC stepped up to the microphone to address the revved-up crowd. "The entire labor movement of Northern California continues to support you. This is the most courageous fight I have seen all year. We will continue to adopt families through your adopt a family program. We will walk on the picket line with you because you are going to win," stated Paulson.
We hope you'll take just a moment, right now, to support our strike:
(1) Email Sutter Health CEO Pat Frye and the Sutter CPMC Board of Directors, urging them to "Just Say Yes" to the federal mediator's compromise proposal & end the strike:
http://seiuaction.org/...
(2) To see posts from strikers on the picket line, please stop by the Sutter Strikers blog:
http://sutterstrikers.blogs.com/
(3) To read up on more of the issues behind the strike, check out the Sutter Strikers for Patient Care website:
http://www.sutterstrikersforpatientcare.com/
Thanks so much to Governor Dean and the entire DailyKos community for your support!