Huge Turn Out for LA Workers

Thousands of unionists showed their support for LA’s workers by attending the Hollywood to the Docks March and Rally. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary–Treasurer of the LA County Federation of Labor addressed the crowd at the kickoff rally on the lawn of the La Brea Tar Pits. After all the politicians and Labor leaders gave their presentations the march began. The ILWU Drill Team who traveled from San Francisco led the march. The East side of Wilshire Blvd. was blocked off by police to accommodate the large crowds of marchers. The first stop was the intersection of Wilshire and Western in front of the historic Wiltern Theatre. Over a thousand SEIU volunteers all wearing their purple t-shirts joined up with the crowd. A flat bed truck with sound equipment was used as a make shift stage. Politicians like Mark Ridley Thomas and others pledged their support for the workers. Spanish radio talk show host El Cucuy broadcast interviews with the workers by cell phone and later gave a rousing speech (in Spanish of course). The next leg of the journey ended at a church basement where a delicious lunch was served. Daniel Villao, Council Representative of the LA/OC Building Trades Council thanked the group for their dedication to workers throughout Los Angeles. The march will continue through Thursday and will conclude with a rally in San Pedro.