The Emergency Labor Network convened at Kent State University June 24^th –June 26^th to solidify an action proposal. The proposal calls on labor unions to unite with community organizations to create local fight-back committees nation-wide capable of advancing the working-class struggle.

The network will “promote and support the strike actions around our demands, such as the strike by ILWU Local 10 on April 4, 2011, in solidarity with the struggle waged by Wisconsin unions and their community supporters.”

As did the Charleston Five just 11 years ago, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 demonstrated the power of international solidarity. ILWU Local 10’s Executive Board member Clarence Thomas thunderously relays:

Area activists called for an emergency action in response to Tuesday’s “extraordinary session.” The people answered. Protesters began congregating at 11 AM on June 14 outside the Capitol. By 5 o’clock thousands were present & news of the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s overruling of Dane County Judge Sumi’s decision reached the amassing crowd. With the contentious anti-collective bargaining law upheld, Labor Radio captured the following forecasts for the labor movement.