Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson today became the most prominent member of the Super Bowl-winning team to come out in support of the public employees in Wisconsin currently protesting against Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to strip many of the them of their collective bargaining rights.
In a statement, Woodson, who is one of the team’s elected representatives to the players’ union, said: “I am also honored as a member of the NFL Players Association to stand together with working families of Wisconsin and organized labor in their fight against this attempt to hurt them by targeting unions. I hope those leading the attack will sit down with Wisconsin’s public workers and discuss the problems Wisconsin faces, so that together they can truly move Wisconsin forward.”
Seven current and former Packers had previously signed a letter in support of the AFL-CIO’s efforts to derail Walker’s plans — but Woodson is a six-time Pro Bowl player and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, with considerable star power.
NFL owners and the players’ union are currently in mediation to try and reach a new collective bargaining agreement of their own, before the current deal expires on March 3.
Read Woodson’s full statement:
Last week I was proud when many of my current and former teammates announced their support for the working families fighting for their rights in Wisconsin. Today I am honored to join with them.Thousands of dedicated Wisconsin public workers provide vital services for Wisconsin citizens. They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. These hard working people are under an unprecedented attack to take away their basic rights to have a voice and collectively bargain at work.
It is an honor for me to play for the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and be a part of the Green Bay and Wisconsin communities. I am also honored as a member of the NFL Players Association to stand together with working families of Wisconsin and organized labor in their fight against this attempt to hurt them by targeting unions. I hope those leading the attack will sit down with Wisconsin’s public workers and discuss the problems Wisconsin faces, so that together they can truly move Wisconsin forward.
Eric Lach
Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website’s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl(at)talkingpointsmemo.com
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