Who Will Be Fired Next for Speaking Out at Work?
The Cincinnati AFL-CIO, Steelworkers Local 14340 and the Justice for Janitors campaign of Service Employees International Union Local 3 rally at noon Dec. 9 to highlight a human rights and economic crisis: threats to the freedom to form unions and bargain collectively. More than two-thirds of working Americans — 68 percent — say they need more protection of their workplace rights, according to the AFL-CIO. In Cincinnati, the Cognis Corp. refuses to bargain in good faith with steelworkers and Jancoa Inc. impedes janitors from organizing, according to the unions. The rally is in Piatt Park at Garfield Place and Vine Street, across from the downtown library. For more information, visit www.cincinnatiaflcio.org or call 513-421-1846.
Human Rights Vigil
The Cincinnati Chapter of Ohioans to Stop Executions invites you to join others in honoring the dignity of all life on the eve of International Human Rights Day. After the 1,000th U.S. execution since the reinstatement of the death penalty, this event recognizes the equality and freedom of all persons, especially from cruel and unusual punishment. The vigil is 56 p.m. Dec. 9 on the Suspension Bridge. For more information, call Eunice at 513-579-8547.
City Elections: Participation and Voting Systems
Instant runoff voting — what is it and why does it matter to you? The Rev. Damon Lynch III, Nick Spencer, Jeff Cramerding and Christopher Smitherman lead a discussion of past, present and future voting and reforms in Cincinnati from11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the downtown branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Learn about the financial realities of city council campaigns and study alternative voting systems for council and mayoral elections, including the role of African-Americans in the electorate and in City Hall. The program is sponsored by Cincinnati Voter Choice and Applied Information Resources. Light snacks and beverages are provided. For information, call Josh Krekeler 513.368.4062.
Drink for Better Politics
Drinking Liberally, an informal, inclusive Democratic drinking club, meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. You don't have to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club; just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. After roaming the first Tuesday of every month, the group regularly settles back into The Comet in Northside. For more info, contact Chris Berger at [email protected].
Wear Black for Peace
Ever since the Bush regime launched its unprovoked invasion of Iraq more than two years ago, the Women in Black have maintained a vigil calling for peace. Participants — men and children are welcome, too — are encouraged to wear black or dark clothes. The weekly peace protest is from 5-6 p.m. Mondays on the grassy island at the corner of Vine Street and Central Parkway.
