Hi from Steve T. in Norway

Great report from our comrade Steve visiting Oslo

Hi all, just thought I would drop you a line from Oslo.  Got sent here by US Labor Against the War at the request of the Norwegian Peace Initiative, their nationwide anti-war group.  Although they have unions in the coalition, they are struggling to involve more grassroots folks from the labor movement.  It seems like they are doing a pretty good job, though, without my help. The president of the Peace Inititative, Thomas Tallaksen, is 28 years old.I spoke to members of the LO today (Land Organization, their big labor federation).  I did a powerpoint presentation that focused on four members of my union and their relationship to the war.

Then I went to their big hospital, all unionized of course, and spoke to the local leaders there.  They have a suite of offices IN the hospital!  Also went to their emergency room and talked with paramedics and the hospital administrator, a nice pro-labor guy.  The health care union there will be going on a limited sympathy strike on May 1st to protest the use of a non-union x-ray company.

Finally, I went to a local of the electrical workers union (hey John) and talked to 35 members there.  The union´s symbol is Thor, god of thunder and lightning.  People said it was good, but I’ll be darned if I can read a Norwegian audience.

Had dinner at the home of a union activist couple and learned a lot, including how to get beat at video tennis Wii by their 8-year old son.  Did I mention they have one year paid maternity leave in Norway?

Will be speaking at the University tomorrow (Friday, I think) and then on Saturday at their anti-war rally, which will move from the Parliament to the US Embassy, where I get to talk!  Maybe if Murphy writes my speech. I can get to see the inside of a Norwegian jail.

I am sure that you will have all the details (and turnout) for the student conference done by the time I get back next week.  Right?

see ya soon,

Steve