Liberal groups, perhaps a little late to the party, are joining in this week on the Occupy Wall Street protests that spreading other parts of the state and country.

The protestors, who spread news of the demonstrations via social media, are being joined by a bevy of groups affiliated with the progressive movement, including labor unions and the Working Families Party.

And the protests are heading outside of Lower Manhattan. Syracuse, Albany and Boston are also due to have to spin-off demonstrations later today.

“Occupy Wall Street has brought into sharp focus a reality that cannot be denied: corporate greed is responsible for harming the lives of millions of working people and unemployed people,” Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

WFP Executive Director Dan Cantor, put out a statement as well urging supporter for the rallies.

“We stand with them in their call for a more just and equitable society,” he said. “It’s time to do more than just stand with these protesters. It’s time to walk with them.”

In an email, Cantor tells supporters that the WFP will co-sponsor “Solidarity March” at 4:30 starting at City Hall. He says “the spirit of Wisconsin and Tahrir Square is alive and well in New York City.”

The support comes as 700 people over the weekend were arrested after NYPD said they blocked traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, though protestors claim they were led onto the bridge, which police dispute.

And as Crain’s New York points out, support from the progressive movement comes a bit belatedly after they were initially reluctant to join.

A full list of endorsers can be found here on this facebook page.

Other groups involved today include the Transport Workers Union, 1199 SEIU, Strong Economy For All and 32BJ.

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