"Howard 4" Make Noise At Opening Convocation

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Howard University trustees, alumni and returning students received an unexpected ‘welcome’ from fired WHUT Channel 32 workers and their supporters last Friday at the university’s 145th Opening Convocation. As attendees arrived – including US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice – demonstrators walked an informational picket line for several hours bellowing “Union busting is disgusting!” and “Howard University – we expect better!” while leafleting passersby. “When it comes down to business, these people are cold,” fired worker Olise Nwachukwu (above, far right), a NABET-CWA 31 member, told Union City, referring to the public broadcast station’s new manager, Jefferi Lee. “That’s why you need union representation – to protect our rights and ensure that we are treated with respect and dignity.” NABET-CWA’s Carrie Biggs-Adams told Union City that four of the station’s six workers – who collectively represent more than 58 years of service to WHUT Channel 32 – were unfairly fired after their contract expired on June 30. “The letters of discharge say the workers violated policies and procedures,” said Biggs-Adams, “but provided no dates, no specifics and no details.” She added, “this is union busting at its worst, and we need the public’s help to expose the unconscionable conduct of the station manager.” Nwachukwu agreed, saying, “Public actions like this are very embarrassing to the station and the university, which has historically prided itself on promoting the principles of justice and equality.” Click here to send an email to station manager Jefferi Lee demanding the reinstatement of the workers. Watch Union City for upcoming actions, or click here for more information about the Howard University 4 ‘We Expect Better’ campaign. - report/photos by Adam Wright