Verizon Workers Get Global Support at L Street Demo
Monday, September 12, 2011
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Verizon workers got a taste
of international solidarity when delegates from UNI -- the global union for
skills and services workers – turned out at last Wednesday’s demo at the L
Street Verizon Wireless store. UNI President Philip Jennings told the crowd of
more than 500 that his members were eager to join with CWA for the march and
rally, and that fighting for workers’ rights around the world, “is what we
do at UNI,” and that ultimately workers will prevail against corporate greed
and political attacks. “What we’re seeing is not sustainable. It is not
fair,” Jennings said. “But this is a struggle that we can win. If anyone can
change the world, it’s the trade union movement.” CWA President Larry
Cohen thanked both local and global allies for standing with CWA, and
welcomed AFSCME President Jerry McEntee and AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who
led the crowd in chanting "Workers, united, will never be defeated!" The march
-- on a rain-drenched day -- began at 5p a few blocks from the White House and
headed toward the L Street Verizon Wireless store. Scores of green-shirted
AFSCME members joined the parade as marchers passed the union’s headquarters
on L Street. Passersby honked in support as the crowd stretched down the
sidewalk for a long block, chanting for a fair contract and demanding an end to
Verizon’s union-busting. About 15 minutes later, the march continued, passing
the White House and ending at the AFL-CIO. Speakers there made it clear that
attacks on one group of workers is an attack on all, whether in the public or
private sector. “AFSCME members work hard, and we want Verizon’s management
to know what we do,” McEntee said. “We pick up their trash. We repair their
roads. We drive their kids’ schools buses and we answer their 911 emergency
calls. And we stand with the hardworking members of CWA, who are calling for
honest negotiations and fair treatment.” View more photos from Wednesday’s
march and keep up to date on Verizon mobilization and negotiations at CWA’s Unity@Verizon website.
- report by Janelle Hartman; photos by Jay Mallin