New York forum highlights Woodlawn workers’ struggle

The New York City branch of Workers World Party held a special forum Jan. 28 in solidarity with the Woodlawn cemetery workers, the Band of Brothers, based in the Bronx. For several years, these workers have been fighting the oppressive, racist owners of the Woodlawn cemetery, who are threatening to eliminate union jobs and slash wages. Teamsters Local 808 now represents them and is strongly fighting for their rights. This struggle has engendered tremendous community, labor, student and political support. A Feb. 21 mobilization is being organized for the Brothers.

Three members of the Band of Brothers — Enrique Cross, Todd Brown and Angel Correa — thanked the audience for their ongoing support and vowed not to give up the struggle until victory. A number of speakers addressed the need to build unity for this struggle, including Dinae Anderson, a student activist; Chris Silvera, a Teamster 808 official; and Ramon Jimenez, the Freedom Party New York state attorney general candidate in 2010.

The revolutionary spirit of the Egyptian people was imbued throughout the meeting due in part to a report given on the anti-Mubarak uprising by LeiLani Dowell, a managing editor of WW newspaper. The meeting was chaired by Band of Brothers organizer and WWP member, Gavrielle Gemma. A song in solidarity with the Band of Brothers was performed by people’s artist, Heather Cottin, and others.

— Report and photo by Monica Moorehead