LABOR COUNCIL PRAISES AGREEMENT BETWEEN OCCUPY ROCHESTER AND CITY OFFICIALS

MEDIA RELEASE
NOVEMBER 10, 2011

Contact:  Aron Reina (585) 263-2650

Labor Council Praises Agreement Between Occupy Rochester and City Officials

Settlement to Facilitate Peaceful Protest on Critical Economic Justice Issues

                (Rochester, NY) - Union officers of the Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO (RLC) lauded the agreement reached earlier today between Occupy Rochester and Mayor Thomas Richards.

          RLC leaders had strongly condemned the arrests of nearly 50 Occupy Rochester participants that took place in Washington Square Park over the past two weeks, including young union activists.  An RLC delegation met with Mayor Richards on Tuesday and requested that the Mayor cease arresting peaceful protesters, consult with other Upstate mayors where Occupy protests were accommodated, and propose a reasonable alternative that would allow a round-the-clock demonstration to occur.

          When the Mayor’s office and Occupy Rochester representatives reached an agreement, union officials expressed both praise and relief.

          “I want to thank the Mayor, RPD Chief Sheppard, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and Occupy Rochester representatives for reaching an agreement that both allows peaceful protest to happen and also addresses the concerns of City officials about safety and appropriate use of City park space.” said RLC President Jim Bertolone.

          “The settlement is a win for our community and a win for the First Amendment.” said Bertolone.

          “I also want to recognize the professionalism of the men and women of the Rochester Police Department and the peaceful behavior of the protesters.  In spite of the many civil disobedience arrests, there were no incidents nor violence on the part of protesters or police.”  Bertolone continued.  “Now our police force can get back to focusing on fighting crime and making the streets of our neighborhoods safer.”

          Delegates to the Rochester Labor Council welcomed Occupy Rochester members to their monthly meeting this evening, and passed a resolution that strongly supports continued protests focused on economic justice and the “99%” theme.

The Rochester Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 60,000 working men and women from hundreds of unions throughout Monroe County.

###