This workshop focuses on the impact of neo-liberal policies on public sector workers and the role of community support and international solidarity in helping us deal together with the obstacles we face. We rely on the actual experience of labor organizations from the U.S., Mexico and Quebec.

The initial speakers will set the stage by providing an analysis of the attack on public services as part of the neo-liberal agenda.

The second section will use rank and file leaders to describe the challenges facing public sector workers in N.C. and their response: the North Carolina International Worker Justice Campaign (UE); in Chihuahua, Mexico and the response of workers there: the Federacion de Trabajadores Municipales de Chihuahua; and in Quebec and the response of workers there: the inter-union alliance of public service unions (SISP).

The third section will discuss in some detail how we have linked our struggles in ways which have benefitted both of our organizations.

In the final section we will divide into small groups to discuss ways to support these struggles. We will come back together in the end to discuss our conclusions.

*What ideas do you want the participants to take away?
A greater understanding of the neo-liberal agenda and how it impacts both workers and all us who use public services, and that workers and communities must work together to maintain and increase public services.

The importance of international solidarity: how we can learn from each other, are stronger if we support each other’s struggles, and that these relationships can result in victories.
That international law may be a useful tool when it is combined with organizing.

* How does your event connect to the USSF Crosscutting Themes?
This workshop is designed to provide information, provoke reflection and discussion and stimulate planning. It is closely connected to many of the cross-cutting themes, especially neo-liberalism, institutionalized racism, international solidarity, and social and economic justice.

* How will the participants be engaged? We are using a combination of panels with a variety of speakers from different countries, power-point, providing time for discussion, and small group work to directly engage participants.
* What language will your activity be conducted in? In English, with translation from Spanish, and French
* Will you provide oral interpretation? Will you provide equipment (headset and transmitter) for interpretation? We can provide some translation equipment, and some translation from Spanish to English; we will need additional assistance in order to go from English to Spanish or French. And in any case it would be very helpful to have someone who could assist with Spanish and French translation.
* Will you provide handouts for attendees? In Spanish? Yes In English? Yes In another language (if so, state the language)? French USSF will not copy handouts for you.
* What is the biggest challenge/adversary your movement/organization faces? The strength of government which caters to corporate interests.
* What concrete alternative(s) do you propose? In the short run we are working to build stronger organizations and remove barriers to organization.
* What strategies do you propose to achieve these alternatives? Workers in the United States, Mexico and Quebec are using organizing, legislative initiatives, international law, community support and international solidarity to defend public services, confront racism, improve working conditions... in short to take on the fight against neoliberalism and to create a better world.

* Any other special needs? We will be using power point, so will need a screen (and computer if possible).

Plan for session

Co-facilitators Larsene Taylor, UE and Jocelio Drummond, PSI
1. Overview
a. The attack on public services as part of the neo-liberal agenda
Lina Bonamie, president of the FIQ and representative of the inter-union alliance of public service unions (SISP), Benedicto Martínez from the Frente Auténtico del Trabajo and Bruce Klipple, Secretary-treasurer, UE
b. Questions and comments

2. Specific struggles of Public sector workersNorth Carolina, Chihuahua, and Quebec
a. Background on N.C. and the North Carolina International Worker Justice Campaign: Ashaki Binta, UEREF and Jerry Ledbetter, UE Local 150
b. Background on Chihuahua and the Federación de Trabajadores Municipales de Chihuahua: Arturo Silva
c. Background on Quebec and the inter-union alliance of public service unions: Lina Bonamie, SISP
d. Questions and comments

3. International Solidarity
a. Linking our struggles Robin Alexander, UE and Benedicto Martinez, FAT
b. Solidarity between municipal workers in the US and Mexico Max Davis, UE and Arturo Silva, Federación de Trabajadores Municipales de Chihuahua
c. Questions and comments

4. Taking the struggle forward
a. Divide into small groups
b. Come back for conclusions