Demo Targets German Embassy in Deutsche Telekom Strike

With whistles blaring noisily, dozens of lunchtime activists marched and chanted outside the German Embassy in NW DC this afternoon to demonstrate solidarity with striking Deutsche Telekom workers who have been out since May 11. Deutsche Telekom -- parent of notorious union-buster T-Mobile -- is attempting to outsource jobs, cut wages, and increase working hours. Although the German government holds a major stake in Deutsche Telekom, German Chancellor Angela Merkel "says she is neutral but we say you are responsible!" said Ken Zinn, Director of the AFL-CIO's Center for Strategic Research. If this can happen in Germany - where a vast majority of workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement - "the same thing can happen to workers all around the world," said CWA President Larry Cohen. "The German government is now a unionbuster and we stand against them today," Cohen added. Demonstrators pledged to return if the strike isn't settled soon.
- Report/photos by Andy Richards