Day of Solidarity boosts housing workers
By
Phebe Eckfeldt
Stevan Kirschbaum
Published Apr 20, 2005 4:22 PM
Bromley Heath maintenance workers and their supporters, April 16.
|
In an enthusiastic display of unity and
solidarity, the Bromley Heath maintenance workers and their supporters on April
16 brought their struggle to the streets of the Black and Latin@ community where
they work and live.
A sound truck filled with workers and surrounded by
supporters wound its way through Bromley Heath, where 1,500 tenants live in one
of the largest public housing developments in Boston. Chanting and handing out
fliers to residents, the workers got out the word about their fight for a fair
contract, safe working conditions and decent, affordable housing.
The
Bromley Heath workers are members of SEIU Firemen and Oilers, Local 3. They are
seeking fair increases in wages and benefits for their families and an end to
management’s unjust, discriminatory practices, such as forcing workers to
handle materials like asbestos, lead paint, human waste and syringes without
proper protective equipment and training.
High on the list of their
demands is funding for public housing instead of the massive $480 million in
cuts proposed by President George W. Bush.
The City of Boston and
management tried to stop the Day of Solidarity, holding approval of the barbecue
permit until 15 minutes before the close of business on Friday night. The
city’s Transportation Department, in a blatantly racist and anti-union
act, denied permits for a street march, sound truck and stage. Workers and
tenants reported harassment and intimidation attempts by management.
More
determined than ever, the workers plunged ahead with their organizing.
“Whose streets, OUR streets!” “Whose community, OUR
community,” became the spirit of the event. Workers and community
supporters worked late into the night making placards and assembling materials,
then were up again in the early hours to construct a sound truck.
The day
ended with a militant rally off the back of the truck, followed by a barbecue
for the workers and tenants, hosted by Local 3.
Articles copyright 1995-2012 Workers World.
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011
Email:
[email protected]
Subscribe
[email protected]
Support independent news
DONATE