Verizon Workers Get Global Support at L Street Demo

(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