Untitled Document

PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST COCA COLA

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

Intro: AFSCME District Council 47 in Philadelphia

5,500 Members and 700+ Retirees

We believe that the cardinal principle of the labor movement is "Solidarity". We believe that this principle doesn't end at the borders of the United States. The murders of trade union leadership and activists in Colombia is all too reminiscent of the killings of thousands of trade unionists in Central America in the late 1970's and 1980's. We believe the assassinations in Colombia are the result of collaboration between the Coca Cola Company and paramilitaries. This repression must end. However, we know that just asking politely for this kidnaping, torture and killing of our brothers and sisters to stop won't be enough. Therefore we support the Coalition's efforts to boycott Coca Cola products and the removal of all Coke machines from all union offices.

Additionally, we support the National AFL-CIO recent decision to support the McGovern-Skelton Amendment currently in the House of Representatives.

This Amendment cuts aid to Colombia by 75 million and redirects these funds to international HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and infectious diseases programs.

Thank you.

Thomas Paine Cronin, President

AFSCME District Council 47