Hillary Clinton silent as AFL-CIO defends right to protest

Facing what it considers to be a “significant” threat to its right to protest, some Teamsters say they’re growing frustrated with Hillary Clinton for taking no position on the issue critical to the unions survival.

Five members of Boston Teamsters Local 25 were indicted on extortion last year after members allegedly threatened and intimidated the non-union crew of Top Chef as it was being taped at a local restaurant. The second highest ranking member pleaded guilty to attempted extortion; the four others are awaiting trial.

But now, according to Deadline, the AFL-CIO filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Boston asking that the feds drop the prosecution, because such legal action may cause union members to refrain from lawful picketing for fear of prosecution.

“Few, if any, union activists would take to the picket line if a U.S. Attorney could second-guess their motivations months later and cause their lives to crumble and their financial well-being to evaporate,” the motion says. “If the superseding indictment is not dismissed, union members engaged in lawful peaceful picketing will be subject to the threat of felony prosecution where, as here, some other party participants in the concerted activity either exceed the bounds of good taste or otherwise engage in picket line misconduct.”

As they face what they consider a serious threat against their rights, some union members are growing increasingly frustrated with Hillary Clinton, because the Democrat nominee for president is not speaking out.

“Is she getting so much money from Hollywood and big business that it is trumping her ability to side with us unions,” says one Teamster who didn’t want to be identified. “Is she no longer on the side of the unions? It certainly seems that way.”

“I am beyond disappointed. I am angry. We’re facing a significant threat here to our rights. I always thought of Democrats being on the side of Teamsters,” says another, “and her silence on this matter tells me a lot.”