Progressive Outpouring for Roselli, SEIU-UHWRandy Shawbyline‚ Nov. 19‚ 2008A Who’s Who of progressive San Francisco came out to honor SEIU-UHW last night, striking a defiant stance against efforts by SEIU International to change the local’s leadership. Hosted by Dolores Huerta, John Burton, Clint Reilly and Aaron Peskin, it was attended by a long roster of labor and political leaders including Mark Leno, Tom Ammiano, Ross Mirkarimi, Sophie Maxwell and Eric Mar. Billed as a “Salute to Union Democracy,” it raised $240,000 for SEIU-UHW’s fight to maintain its local control. The party followed the end of the latest round of SEIU hearings into UHW’s alleged malfeasance, a process that could put the local into international trusteeship. But last night confirmed that SEIU-UHW is prepared for a lengthy fight. John Burton, who raised $40,000 for the local, captured the crowd’s mood, sending a public message to SEIU International leader Andy Stern that “if you strike the king (Sal Roselli), you better kill him.” |