Rhode Island AFSCME Members Win Privatization Fight

by   |  July 11, 2007

When we fight, we win. That was the theme of the last International Union convention. It was also a rallying cry for Rhode Island AFSCME members recently when they successfully stopped the privatization of dietary and housekeeping services at the Eleanor Slater Hospital and the Rhode Island Veteran's Home. The Rhode Island General Assembly voted to override Governor Donald Carcieri's veto of a budget amendment to limit the State’s ability to sell off services to the lowest bidder. AFSCME RI Council 94 members led a full-court press of television ads, email, faxes, and face-to-face lobbying to win support for the anti-privatization measure. While this was an important victory, Council 94’s President J. Michael Downey pointed out that it is part of a longer battle. As Governor Carcieri picks out his next state service to privatize, one thing is for sure – Rhode Island AFSCME members will be there to stand up and fight back.