This report was originally posted on the ANSWER Syracuse website.
As the strike nears the end of its
second week, Verizon workers remain determined and steadfast on
picket lines across the Northeast. In Syracuse, NY, workers are
picketing at Verizon buildings downtown and on the city’s eastside
and other outlets.
On Thompson Rd., workers are holding a
24-hour picket. Workers come in four-hour shifts and are supported by
union and non-union workers alike. Over the last 13 days, nurses,
teachers, AT&T and UPS workers as well as activists from
different social justice and community organizations have joined the
workers on the picket line. Many stop by with pizza, brownies, water
and other snacks.
In a cowardly effort to intimidate
workers, Verizon has installed a 24-hour surveillance camera atop the
building on Thompson Rd. and at many other locations. Verizon has
used the legal system and police to prevent workers from confronting
scabs and management. For several days after the court issued an
injunction, police watched the picketers constantly.
Still, whenever a car approaches the
gate, the picket line closes around or near the vehicle. Workers
shout “Scabs go home!” and “Traitor!” The unity that Verizon
workers display in their struggle is truly inspiring.
Sue, a Verizon worker of nearly 15
years, told us that “We built this company. Some people on this
line have worked here for 30 years. We made this company what it is
today, and now they want to strip us of everything.”
The aggressive offensive against
workers that Verizon has unleashed is indeed perplexing to many.
Another worker told us: “We aren’t even asking for anything more.
All we are asking for is to keep what we have. It’s not like they
can’t afford it.”
For now, management and out-of-town
scabs are working 7-7 shifts at Thompson Rd. On an average day, 50
trucks leave the premises to make repairs. The strike has reduced the
number of trucks to five a day. This is just one statistic among
countless others affirming that it is the workers who make Verizon
run. It is the workers and they alone who produce the profits that
the owners now want to take a bigger portion of.
The ANSWER Coalition urges everyone in
Syracuse to move their feet and join these courageous workers on the
picket line, either at Thompson Rd. or at S. State and E. Fayette
downtown. If you attend the Thompson Rd. picket, you can park in the
lot across the street.
