Howard Dean, others, cancel Berkeley speeches over union dispute there.

[madfloridian]

http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_3814499?source=rss

Figueroa, Dean cancel Cal speeches
State senator, Democratic Party chairman will honor union picket line

Two more Democratic politicians have canceled graduation speeches at University of California, Berkeley over a union protest. Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, who is running for lieutenant governor, announced Thursday that she will not deliver the keynote address at the School of Social Welfare commencement Saturday.

Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, who ran for president in 2004, told university officials Thursday that he will not speak at the Boalt Hall Law School graduation Saturday either.

Both have said they are honoring pickets by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, a university spokeswoman said.

The university spokeswoman said this is the first time in "recent memory" that speakers have backed out over union activities.

[bluestateguy]

1. Good for him

In spite of Dean's unfortunate mistake the other day (the gay marriage thing), I think he is doing a fine job as DNC chair.

[madfloridian]

3. Well, it will continue unfortunately.

Both sides are after him over this. It is like being swiftboated, and it is going to continue. Not much anyone can do about it. Other politicians can make mistakes and be forgiven. This will continue with anger, and that's sad.

[madfloridian]

2. State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez

also honored the picket line. I like that they are doing this.

[madfloridian]

4. More details on the picket line and strike. Students cheered.

http://www.berkeleydaily.org/text/article.cfm?issue=05-12-06&storyID=24111

"Political luminaries are refusing to cross a picket line at UC Berkeley graduation ceremonies this week. State Assemblymember Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) was a no-show at the campuswide convocation Wednesday, where he was scheduled to give the keynote address.

Howard Dean won’t attend the commencement he signed up to front Saturday for the Boalt Hall School of Law, according to UC Berkeley spokesperson Marie Felde. She said State Senator Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont) is also planning to back out on her scheduled appearance at a UC Berkeley graduation ceremony.

That announcement at Wednesday’s commencement inspired graduating students to cheer. UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau stepped in for the assemblymember to give an impromptu speech."

..."Nunez, Dean and Figueroa are refusing to break the picket line staged by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME), the union representing about 400 UC Berkeley custodians who have been battling university administration over compensation since November. Workers still have about two years left on a three-year contract."