Dozens of people attended the free public screening of We Are Wisconsin at the Lethbridge Public Library on January 21, including PSAC members and the general public.
The free screening was hosted by the PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council to highlight the similarities between the 2012 Wisconsin struggle for labour rights and the challenges facing workers in Canada today. PSAC National President Robyn Benson was in attendence to introduce the film, speak about the parallels, and answer questions after the film.
“This film is an inspiring testament to the power of citizen activism and shows the power that people hold when acting collectively,” said Benson. “PSAC has strong members, and that makes a strong union. Multiply their determination across our ranks and just think what we could achieve.”
The Lethbridge Herald attended the screening and interviewed Robyn Benson for an article the following day. PSAC Prairies Regional Executive Vice-President Marianne Hladun also attended to field questions post-screening.
Omnibus legislation, the erosion of collective bargaining rights, and the vilification of labour organizations and public services in Canada today make this topic both relevant and timely. The PSAC, currently in negotiations with Treasury Board, is on the frontlines of the struggle against anti-unionism and the devaluation and destruction of Canadian public services.
Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore has raved about the film in the past, saying, "This film will be the record people will refer to a hundred years from now when they study this era of greed."
