Striking Kaiser workers hold rally at picket lineL’Observateur / April 7, 1999GRAMERCY – More than 400 striking Kaiser steelworkers and friends rallied Thursday afternoon on Airline Highway at the picket line.

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 7, 1999

Among those addressing the crowd, strung out along the shoulder of Airline and speaking with a megaphone, was Leon Lynch, international vice-president of United Steelworkers of America, who told them the union has $210 million in its strike defense fund and they would “spend every penny” to insure a fair deal for the Kaiser workers.

Local 5702, United Steelworkers of America President Wayne Stafford was also joined by two busloads of delegates from the U.S. SteelworkersInternational Conference on Civil Rights and Women being held in New Orleans, with representation from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Local officials also attended in support, including St. James ParishSheriff Willy Martin Jr., Parish President Dale Hymel Jr., Assessor GlennWaguespack and Clerk of Court Edmond Kinler Jr.

The rally was preceded with a sit-down catfish fry at the Lutcher Public Relations Building, next to Lutcher High School.

“The PR building was packed!” exclaimed Stanley Folse, union safety chairman.

Stafford said that yet another round of negotiations aimed at ending the strike is still set April 5-9 in Denver, Colo. The strike began Sept. 30,1998.

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