Workers to March, Promote Working America's Second Bill of Rights Ahead of DNC

August 31, 2012

This Labor Day in Charlotte, N.C., thousands of local and area working-family advocates will participate in CarolinaFest 2012 to celebrate union history and bring the message of America's Second Bill of Rights to the public ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

The event – which features a parade, family activities, musical guests and more – is sponsored by the DNC and serves as a lead-up to the convention, which runs from Sept. 3-6. Union members scheduled to participate include the Communication Workers of America, the Teamsters, the United Auto Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and more.

"Everybody is excited," said IBEW Local 379 Business Manager Bob Krebs, who expects a solid turnout from hundreds of members from area and out-of-state locals.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for a lot of people. To have this convention in our backyard is great.

Numerous trade unions will have vendor tents set up to highlight products and services offered by their members. Another tent will be base camp for activists promoting and gathering signatures for America's Second Bill of Rights – a document calling for economic and social justice that was debuted at the Workers Stand For America rally on Aug. 11 in Philadelphia. The bill calls for the rights to: full employment and a living wage; full participation in the electoral process; a voice at work; a quality education; and a secure, healthy future. Nearly 50,000 have already signed the document.

Krebs said that the event offers an opportunity for members to show their union pride while stressing the need for real economic solutions from politicians.

"The workers' bill of rights goes back to our principles – not just what we want as unionists, but for the rest of America," he said:

We need to make people aware of why these rights are important. Things like the right to a voice at work ought to be common sense.

We're making politicians aware of our needs. And we need to show them that we're planning to hold them accountable if they want our support at the ballot box.

Workers Stand for America organizers say their presence at the DNC is a continuation of the rally in Philadelphia. Organizers say elected leaders need to be on the side of working families and they offered appreciation for the Democratic Party's support of America's Second Bill of rights. The five aspects of the document will be included in the party's official platform.

Click here to learn more about CarolinaFest 2012.