Gas Station Owner Joins Wisconsin Protest

In this report, Sue Ledbetter, Wisconsin Labor 2008 state director, reports on workers protesting gas prices in Madison.

With gasoline costing $4 a gallon, more than 20 union members rallied in front of a Madison gas station yesterday to protest John McCain’s proposed tax cuts for Big Oil while average working families strain to pay ever-rising prices.

Motorists passing by honked their horns in support of the protestors who carried signs proclaiming “Bush & McCain Love Big Oil” and “Tell McCain: No Tax Cuts for Big Oil.”

Dorothy Curtis, a member of Electrical Workers Local 965, told the group that out-of-control gas prices hurt the entire community. As Curtis was speaking, the protestors, representing 11 unions, were joined by a surprise visitor.

The gas station owner came outside and, instead of asking the protestors to leave, told them the skyrocketing gas prices had hurt his business. He even picked up a sign and joined the rally before going back to work.

The Madison protest is one of dozens across the country by union members who are hitting the streets to demand a new national energy strategy and assistance for working families.

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