The event was sponsored by the Machinists Union, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers Local 95 and the Rock County Labor Council and was held at the UAW Local 95 Laborfest Grounds.
While the event could have been held in almost any city in the Midwest it was held in Janesville, WI. Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois still have unemployment levels much higher than the national average. Recent estimates put Beloit Wisconsin at 15.9% unemployment and Rockford Illinois at 15.7% unemployment. Janesville Wisconsin has about 10.8% unemployment.
"It's time for Congress and the Obama Administration to act decisively… to craft a comprehensive national industrial policy that will secure economic prosperity for our nation’s future," said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. "We need to reverse the mistakes of the past. U.S. Trade policies and outsourcing have stifled the middle class. We must put people back to work making products in this country. What we need are JOBS NOW!"
Guest speakers included U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, both have comprehensive JOB CREATION plans. The intent was to showcase their efforts and show our appreciation for their support for middle class families.
Their efforts along with the hard work Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan gave us all something to celebrate.
Wisconsin AFL-CIO President David Newby fired up the crowd with a rousing speech calling for JOBS NOW!
The next step will be the ONE NATION - WORKING TOGETHER rally in Washington DC on October 2, 2010.
We are working to make the event the largest jobs rally in our nation’s capital in decades.
