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 In the closing months of 2003, American workers took to the streets to demand the justice that has been denied them in the halls of political and corporate power. From coast to coast, IBEW members joined tens of thousands from throughout the labor movement to fight for the core principles of trade unionism-the defense of jobs, the right to organize, and protection for the most vulnerable workers. "The trade union movement is the only organized force standing up for the working man and woman in this country," said International President Edwin D. Hill, who himself hit the streets in November and December. "Those in power are doing their best to trample on working families, and it's time we put a stop to it." Workers Demand Freedom to Form Unions on Human Rights Day Union members made their presence loud and clear at more than 90 rallies and events in 70 cities on December 10, 2003, to protect the all-out assault on the right of workers to form unions. Confronted with union organizing campaigns, most employers do whatever they can to stop the effort, subjecting workers to anti-union propaganda delivered by union-busting consultants. They often threaten to shut down if workers join a union. Harassment, firings and other forms of illegal intimidation are routine in organizing campaigns, stacking the deck against workers attempting to join together in a union. The events on December 10 sought to rally the public around the rights of workers. The date was chosen for a reason. December 10 was Human Rights Day, the 55th anniversary of the signing of the International Declaration of Human Rights, the culmination of years of work by its foremost American advocate, Eleanor Roosevelt, who was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations at that time. The massive nationwide mobilization highlighted the need for changes in a system that permits routine violation of workers' fundamental legal right to form or join a union, gross violations of human rights. The IBEW was out in force on December 10. A crowd that numbered nearly 10,000 filled the streets of Boston for a rally and march, closing off downtown to traffic for three hours, said Second District International Vice President Frank Carroll. With an estimated 3,000 participants, the IBEW had the largest union contingent. Boston Locals 103 and 2222 turned out their members in force; and buses from every state in New England brought scores more from other locals. "The IBEW has been front and center on the fight for workers rights," Vice President Carroll said. "We definitely put the IBEW on the map in Boston." Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) spoke at the Washington, D.C., rally from the steps of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Senator, who has been an outspoken labor advocate for four decades, introduced legislation in November to even the playing field in organizing, making it easier for workers to form unions. But with a Republican majority in Congress, the bill is unlikely to pass. And even if it did, the President would never sign it. Kennedy's Employee Free Choice Act would allow for NLRB certification on the basis of signed authorization cards, provide first contract mediation and arbitration and stronger penalties for NLRA violations during organizing or negotiating a first contract. Rep. George Miller (D-California) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. "We have an agenda-the respect and dignity of workers in the United States," Sen. Kennedy said to the more than 2,500 people at the rally. "As long as I have a voice and as long as I have a vote, it will be with you." The crowd at the D.C. rally included a strong IBEW contingent led by President Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Jerry O'Connor, along with the nine members of the International Executive Council who were in town for a meeting, and staffers from the International Office. Officers and members of Washington Locals 26 and 70 were also present, as well as leaders from Local 1160, Marion, Indiana, and Local 2331, Circleville, Ohio, who were in Washington to prepare for upcoming negotiations. The D.C. event featured an appearance by the inflatable rat that is often used as a prop at union rallies. It's no coincidence that it appeared in front of the federal agency responsible for upholding the rights of workers, but an agency which under the current administration has been preoccupied with assaulting those rights. In Philadelphia, a candlelit march to Independence Hall followed the workers' rights board hearing in Philadelphia. Up to 1,000 members of the IBEW came from various locals, said Local 98's Jim Mink. In Los Angeles, more than 5,000 marched with Rev. Jesse Jackson; 2,500 protested with AFL-CIO President Sweeney in New York City; 2,000 rallied with Sen. Barbara Boxer in San Francisco; over a thousand rallied in Minnesota, Atlanta and Cleveland, and 500 participated in St. Louis, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland and Miami. In Boston and in many other cities, workers also testified about their treatment at the hands of employers during organizing campaigns at workers' rights board hearings. Thousands gathered at the historic Boston Commons and marched to the city's National Labor Relations Board office. Kathleen Casavant, Massachusetts AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer, said IBEW locals played a crucial role in preparation and execution of the Boston rally. Boston Local 103 loaned its bagpipes band to the march and relayed messages about the events on its electronic billboard, visible from highly traveled Route 93, Casavant said. Local 103 and Local 222 members leafleted and served as marshalls. The events also involved faith-based, human rights and community groups. "There have been so many battles on workers' rights," Casavant said. "It resonates with the broader community as well." |
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