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Day of Solidarity boosts housing workers

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.