SMWIA to Make Wisconsin Open for Working Families

Union Launches Large-Scale Organizing Project

MADISON, Wis., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to a surge of interest on the part of non-union sheet metal workers across Wisconsin, the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) launched a new campaign this week seeking to make Wisconsin Open for Workers again.

"We are throwing a lifeline to working families in Wisconsin," says Marc Norberg, a Wisconsin native who is the SMWIA's Assistant to the General President.  "Workers across Wisconsin, fed up with being scapegoated for the failures of their elected leaders and Wall Street, are taking matters into their own hands and are seeking union representation.  People want dignity and respect at work, fair treatment, and the ability to provide for their family's futures."

This surge of interest amongst private sector workers comes in the wake of mass protests against measures seeking to punish public employees for state budget shortfalls caused by an economy ruined by Wall Street speculation.  

An advertisement in today's Wisconsin State Journal is the first in a series of avenues the Union will provide for workers seeking to address their concerns at work.  In addition, a new radio spot with information for interested workers is on the air across the Madison area.  Both urge readers and listeners to call 866-210-4534 and/or visit www.wisconsinopenforworkers.org to take the first step towards forming a Union.

The Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA) represents over 140,000 members employed in manufacturing and the construction trades across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  

SMWIA members have legally-binding contracts with their employers that guarantee them good wages, benefits and working conditions, and most importantly, the respect and dignity a union contract brings to their working lives.

SOURCE SMWIA