Jackson backs strikers, attacks ‘workfare’

Adrian A. Havas

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 9:16 a.m.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, speaking to union members striking the Frontier Hotel, urged federal lawmakers to pass legislation that would prohibit employers from permanently replacing striking workers.

Jackson said Tuesday that such a law would equalize the powers of labor and management during disputes.

"People want to work," said Jackson, who was in Las Vegas to address the National Conference of Black State Legislators. "They don't need to be threatened with 'workfare.' The Bible says people are worthy of their hire."

Jackson is kicking off a nationwide campaign to ban permanent replacement of striking workers.

The House of Representatives resoundingly passed legislation to that effect last summer, 247182. The Senate is expected to vote on its version of the bill early next year.

The bill faces a tough fight. Conservatives oppose it because they say it would prompt more strikes and cause chaos in American companies. President Bush has promised a veto if it arrives on his desk.

But that does not faze Jackson, 50, a former Democratic presidential contender and frequent spokesman for labor.

"In the final analysis, we must fight for moral imperative, not on political calculation," he said.

Jackson nonetheless took pains to assuage conservative fears of excessive union power should his "Workplace Fairness" legislation become law.

"We want profits for employers, and wages for workers," he said. "Our message is clear: Put America back to work. If we can rebuild Europe and the Soviet Union, we can do it here."

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., one of the sponsorsof the bill, also was onhand at the Culinary Union headquarters. She commended Frontier strikers for "standing up."

"You represent the working people of America," Waters said. "You're doing it at a rough time."

Though he has frequently been paid high sums by the international Culinary union to appear in Las Vegas, Jackson defended doing so.

"Some get their money from the super rich and PACs," Jackson said. "We get ours from the working people. And for that we're proud."

Jackson said he chose notto run for president again so hecan fight for people "locked out of the equation." He urged vigilance against bigotry and anti-Semitism.

"We fight for dignity, jobs and health care," Jackson saidof his Rainbow Coalition. "We fight against injustice."