Feeding Solidarity At Daycon Strike

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

With the strike at Daycon now in its third week, solidarity on the picketline remains strong even as economic hard times take their toll. “You’ve got to take a stand somewhere,” Victor Scurry said Tuesday as gray skies threatened the Teamsters 639 picketline circling under the watchful eyes of Daycon’s private security guards. “We’re fighting for future workers here, but I’m trying to figure out how to make my next mortgage payment.” Community Services Agency Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy stopped by the picketline Tuesday to deliver supermarket gift certificates for the strikers, and told Union City that “the need for contributions is greater than ever.” Single mom Lynette Burton (r) provided living proof as she walked the line with her 5-year-old son Herman. “Daycon cut off our medical insurance the day we went on strike, and my son’s medication is very expensive. Thankfully, CSA paid for his pills or I’m not sure what we would have done.” McKirchy said that supporters can organize worksite food drives -- non-perishable food items only -- and collect financial contributions. Both can be dropped off or mailed to the CSA, earmarked 'IBT Strikers', at 888 16th Street, NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC 20006. Email kmckirch@dclabor.org for more information. - report/photo by Chris Garlock