Local Unions Blast Possible Federal Cuts
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: February 20, 2013
Local unions are fighting mad about possible federal sequestration cuts.
Teachers, postal workers, and other union employees rallied in Rochester this afternoon.
While the job cuts would meaner fewer federal employees, these union members say it will end up trickling down to the local economy and workforce.
Their signs shout what they say shouldn't be touched - things like medicare and healthcare.
"We shouldn't have any more cuts to medicare because that is what funds our hospitals and with the expansion of the affordable health care act we are going to need more money to come into these systems, not less," said Dana Alas, SEIU 1199 Political Director.
They say lawmakers need to work together to prevent these cuts.
If it doesn't happen, they fear moving a giant step backward.
"It's been one crisis after another and if congress gets enough pressure they may back off a little bit, but only time will tell," said James Bertolone, President of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Labor Federation.
Local union workers say tax the wealthy and cut subsidies to big businesses to solve the issues.
