Labor leader arrested in demonstration by Seattle grocery workers

[icymist]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA%20Grocery%20Protest%20Arrest

Thursday, May 13, 2004 · Last updated 5:36 a.m. PT

Labor leader arrested in demonstration by Seattle grocery workers

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE -- Washington state's chief labor lobbyist was arrested during a rally by supermarket workers, resulting in a second protest outside the East Precinct police station.

Robert "Robby" Stern, special assistant to the president of the Washington State Labor Council, was arrested Wednesday during a rally by about 100 workers and supporters who oppose changes in health care benefits demanded by supermarket chains in contract talks.

Stern, a lawyer and former gas company welder and pipefitter, said after being released he was preparing to lead a final song at the end of the rally when he was asked to leave a crowded sidewalk in front of a Safeway store on Capitol Hill.

"It's going to be three minutes and we will be gone," Stern said he replied. "It (the arrest) makes no sense."

After the song was done, he was handcuffed and arrested on a charge of obstruction, a misdemeanor.

(more)

[1monster]

1. It makes plenty of sense. It's called intimidation.

"It's going to be three minutes and we will be gone," Stern said he replied. "It (the arrest) makes no sense."