DC labor movement demonstrates strong support as Verizon strike continues

Over a thousand striking workers and their supporters took over F Street in downtown DC Thursday afternoon as the strike by 40,000 CWA and IBEW members entered its 37th day. The “Day of Action” was called by CWA locals 2108, 2222, and 2336 – and the DC and Maryland labor movement were there to answer the call, turning out in largenumbers and a strong show of support. The afternoon started with a massive picket line outside the F Street Verizon Wireless store, which was essentially brought to a standstill for hours. The picket was followed by a march to the White House and a rally at Lafayette Park, where -- amid a sea of red CWA t-shirts -- local elected officials and labor allies pledged their ongoing support to the striking workers. A very special thanks for all of our delegates and members who helped make the action a success, including SEIU 32BJ, UNITE HERE 23 and 25, ATU 689, WBNG, DCNA, IBEW, APWU, NNU, UFCW 400, OPEIU 2, UFCW 400, Jobs With Justice, and the many more who made the day of action a great success. (We know many more of you were there, send us a note and your pictures!). We’ll continue being out there as long as it takes to win, and a reminder that affiliates and delegates are encouraged to continue the “adopt-a-store” picketing campaign as well as making donations and contributions through our Community Service Agency for the striking workers (see story below for details).
- Carlos Jimenez, Executive Director, Metro Washington Council
photos: panorama shot by Ed Smith (DCNA); others by George Farenthold, OPEIU 277