We’re a week away from seeing former reality-TV boss Donald Trump – a megalomaniac with a track record of not paying his employees, fanning the flames of bigotry and making “locker-room talk” about sexual assault – assume the highest office in the land.
Whether the impending Trump presidency scares the hell out of you or makes your blood boil, one thing is certain. You are not alone.
Trump’s approval ratings are historically low for an incoming president, and his inauguration will spark protests, marches and collective action from coast to coast.
In the Twin Cities, labor unions have endorsed several planned events, including a show of solidarity with students at an all-immigrant school in St. Paul and a one-day strike by Minneapolis janitors who work at Home Depot. (The retailer’s founder is a major Trump donor.)
Here’s a rundown of inauguration events on our radar. Our comments section is a great place to share anything else Trump-related that’s in the works locally.
Thursday, Jan. 19
• Members of St. Paul Federation of Teachers Local 28 will lead a rally outside LEAP High School, which serves students new to the U.S. Parents, students and community members will join teachers in calling for public schools to serve as “sanctuaries” that protect students from bullying, racism and deportation.
The “Rally to Protect Our Students and Our Public Schools” will start at 3:45 pm. outside LEAP High School, 631 Albert St. N.
Friday, Jan. 20
• In the early-morning hours of Inauguration Day, janitors who clean Home Depot stores in the Twin Cities will go on strike, protesting not only the poverty wages paid by their cleaning-contractor employer, but Trump’s anti-worker agenda as well.
Striking workers are members of the Twin Cities worker center CTUL. Join them on the picket line beginning at 5:30 a.m. at the Quarry store, 1520 New Brighton Blvd., Minneapolis.
• Friday afternoon, organizers plan to march in opposition to Trump’s “racisit agenda,” from the intersection of Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue to Minneapolis City Hall. The “Resist from Day 1” march will begin at 2 p.m., with plans to reach City Hall by 5 p.m.
Several unions and labor organizations have endorsed the action, including AFSCME Council 5, SEIU Local 26 and the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation.
Saturday, Jan. 21
• In solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington happening the same day, activists will stage the “Women’s March Minnesota” in St. Paul, culminating with a rally on the Capitol grounds. The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and IATSE Local 13 are co-sponsors of the march, set to launch at 11 a.m. from St. Paul College.
Union Advocate 