posted: March 17, 2004.

'We gain our freedom when we learn that the union makes us strong'

Those words from "Solidarity Forever" rang out at the 2002 RA when more than 2,000 NYSUT leaders from across the state streamed out of the New York Hilton, singing the words from labor's national anthem down 53rd Street in support of NYSUT locals working without a contract.

It was so successful that a solidarity rally is again planned for this year's RA, again in New York City, where so many of our union brothers and sisters are working without contracts. The roster includes: the United Federation of Teachers, the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY and the United College Employees at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

"Like two years ago, we want our New York City members to know that support for the UFT, PSC and UCE stretches from Dunkirk and Silver Creek on the shores of Lake Erie to Riverhead off the Great Peconic Bay," said NYSUT President Tom Hobart. "Two years ago, we made more than an impression: We made a great impact. We can do it again."

As this report went to press, the nature of the solidarity event was still being planned. It is expected to be a march during the Friday morning general session. Since organizers are hoping to show the wide geographic support for locals working without contracts, those coming to the RA should bring their banners, hats and as many props displaying their local's name as they can.