Verizon Strikers Rally- and Picnic- in Silver Spring
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)With hot dogs grilling
nearby, the sun peeping through the clouds and a cool breeze in the trees above,
the mood was more festive than fiery at Tuesday’s noontime rally by striking
Verizon workers in Silver Spring. Metro Council President Jos Williams soon had
the crowd of several hundred CWA 2108 and 2336 members fired up, though, their
chants of “One day longer” echoing past the giant inflatable rat and across
Columbia Pike to the nearby Verizon facility. “This fight is not just about
you,” Williams shouted into the megaphone, “This is a fight for the middle
class, a fight for America!” Maryland State Senator Jim Rosapepe, remembering
the union battles earlier this year in Wisconsin, said that “now those battles
are here in Silver Spring. It’s time for a race to the top, not a race to the
bottom.” As passing cars honked their support, Williams led the crowd in a
call-and-response chant. “When Verizon says giveback, you say” “Hell
NO!” came the full-throated response. Former Local 2336 President Jim Pappas
– called out of retirement to assist with the strike – told Union City that
“I spent my whole life building this contract. I’ll be damned if I’ll miss
a fight to keep it.” Strikers, wearing shirts promising “The longer the
picketline the shorter the strike” lined up for hot dogs and fixings donated
by Glen’s BBQ, served up by Glen Hodges, a retired ATU 689 member. Picketlines and
rallies continue; watch our website for the latest schedule.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock