Oregon Public Broadcasting

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance at a fundraiser for Senator Gordon Smith in Portland Friday prompted union organizers to stage a protest. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Chanting: “Smith, get off it. These trade deals for corporate profit.”

A couple of dozen workers carrying placards, marched and handed out leaflets outside the Oregon Convention Center.

They called for an end to international trade deals like NAFTA and to what they call Smith’s ‘union busting activities.’

Ken Allen, of Oregon AFSCME, told the crowd he is insulted that Smith would even invite Schwarzenegger here.

Ken Allen: “Seven weeks ago Schwarzenegger decides he’s going to slash every state worker’s job in California to minimum wage to balance the budget and thank goodness there’s a legislature there that said no to that.  They were going to negotiate a budget. But Gordon Smith has showed who he wants to align himself with. Schwarzenegger and George Bush.”

Smith’s aides said he would not comment on the fundraiser or the protest.