Governor Dean on the picket line in SF with healthcare workers...picture. [View All]

[madfloridian]

There has been very little in the news about this. They have been striking for a long time now, and I hear it has not been pleasant. I am proud of Governor Dean for doing this. I understand he was standing on the back of a truck, per another post at Kos.

Howard Dean on the picket line in San Francisco

I am honored to have been invited to attend a rally with the courageous striking employees of the Sutter California Pacific Medical Center," stated Governor Dean. He added, "It's my pleasure to work hard with SEIU. I am proud of your union. SEIU helps people who need help. We need to rebuild the Democratic Party and our fate depends on the fate of labor.

Governor Dean's comments were met with enthusiastic response from the more than 150 people in attendance. Amid the chants and shouts of agreement the crowd proved once again that their resolve is strong and the solidarity that is being shown by elected officials such as Governor Dean, as well as other national, state, regional and city leaders is stronger than ever. Likewise, caregivers from other health systems, members of the clergy, several Sutter CPMC Registered Nurses, neighbors and other community supporters are equally relentless in their commitment to see the strike through to ultimate victory.

"As you know, in another life I was a physician. I know how hard it is to keep a hospital clean. Doctors depend on nurses and caregivers like you. I know what it is like to be running around a hospital at 4am in the morning. This is hard work. When the strike comes to an end -- and you will win -- you will be paid for the hard work you have shown," stated Governor Dean.