By David Dixon
Charlotte, N.C.
Union and community activists gathered in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 2 to support local Greyhound terminal workers fighting for better wages and working conditions. The gathering was in response to the workers' request for support to combat Greyhound's lies and intimidation tactics.
Greyhound terminal workers ap proach ed Teamsters Local 71 in June to begin an organizing campaign to raise extremely low wages, put an end to unhealthy working conditions, and gain dignity and respect on the job. An overwhelming majority of workers signed union cards.
Greyhound has engaged in a host of scare tactics and intimidation to distract workers from the issues that led them to unionize. The giant bus company has been on an anti-union rampage across the country, fighting organizing drives and intimidating workers into decertifying their unions. In many places, full-time workers were reduced to part-time and lost their benefits.
Anti-war and community activists demonstrated outside the terminal alongside the Teamsters. Members of local ANSWER coalition affiliate the Action Center For Justice, the Auto Workers and the Charlotte Coalition For A Moratorium Now went inside the terminal and spoke with workers. The activists let them know the community supports their efforts to unionize. It didn't take long before management had security escort them from the building.
The Greyhound terminal workers will vote Aug. 4 on whether or not to have a union. Activists said they would return during the voting to let Grey hound workers know that they are not alone in their fight for better conditions and a better life for their families.
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