It’s been 10 years since the Battle of Seattle, when unionists and environmentalists marched together against corporate globalization, but only months since thousands of protesters showed up at the last Group of 20 gathering in London. The G-20’s September 24-25 meeting in Pittsburgh will bring to town leaders of the world’s economic titans, their mission to “strengthen the international financial architecture.”

They’ll be greeted by throngs from labor, antiwar, and environmental justice groups looking to remake the shaky foundations of a crisis-ridden global economy. Although the Secret Service is planning to use 25 miles of seven-foot-high fencing to separate people from decisions that affect them, organizers expect big numbers, and some are planning civil disobedience.

In addition to street heat, local labor activists are convening strategy sessions on the economic crisis. The United Electrical Workers (UE) is co-sponsoring September 23 forums featuring finance ministers from four South American countries, and a “People’s Tribunal” on September 24 to air testimony on the effects of G-20 development policy.

The Steelworkers, the Blue Green Alliance, and the Alliance for Climate Protection are planning an event September 23 with labor and environmental speakers and national musical acts. The global union federations will also hold a two-day meeting in Pittsburgh to coincide with the G-20. Buses are leaving from cities nationwide.

Find out how to get there and how to help organize events and actions at thomasmertoncenter.org/g20action.htm, or call the Thomas Merton Center at 412/361-3022. Other information is at g20media.org.