Milwaukee County Labor Council AFL-CIO

May 22, 2013

In The News

A timely thank you from labor’s Sheila Cochran

Cochran speaking at a recent rally

On the day that terrible storms hit Wisconsin, and the new governor prepared an attack on the same state public workers who made sure the streets in Madison were cleared for people attending his state of the state address, the chief operating officer of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council took a moment to post a thank you. Secretary-Treasurer Sheila Cochran actually had to cancel a delegate meeting and close her office early that Tuesday, but first she sent out this email:

Today as the snow falls and we prepare for the upcoming blizzard, many people will expect and know that we will get through the blizzard conditions. Many people stayed home today and are preparing to go home early as I write.

I just want to remind you all and say thank you to those who will help us today.

Our mail has already been delivered and the deliveries will continue; the streets are being salted and plowed; fire, police and emergency management are kicked into gear; the Deputy Sheriffs have been assisting in emergencies on our roadways, and many other public servants and officials are doing all we expect them to do. The airport might have delays but it will get plowed and flights will get out.

Our children are being sent home and their teachers and principals will do their best to make sure they are home safe. I am certain there are a host of others who are working very hard to make sure that we get through yet another snow emergency.

These are services provided by public sector workers. Many will not ever know that they are appreciated or even thought of today.

This is why I am a taxpayer in the state of Wisconsin and proud of it. I know and expect certain things will just happen and they do. So when you think about the services you receive and the ones you take for granted, thank a public sector worker! They are worth every dime we pay for them and more.