CSEA STANDS WITH OUR LABOR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA LOCAL 1170

CSEA SUPPORTS OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM CWA
The local labor community came out in force this afternoon to rally in
support for Frontier workers from CWA Local 1170.  Hundreds of people
attended the rally at Washington Square Park, across the street from
Frontier corporate offices on Clinton Ave in downtown Rochester.
photo:  Ove Overmyer

Rochester, N.Y.--  Hundreds of people rallied today in support of Frontier Communications workers represented by the international union, the Communications Workers of America (CWA).  Workers have been working without a contract for several months with no agreement in sight.  After the rally, attendees marched in unison in front of their employers headquarters carrying a coffin that says "corporate greed" and chanted, "We want a contract now!"

One of the main concerns voiced by workers is keeping jobs in Rochester. Many CWA Local 1170 workers don't want to live in fear of losing their job after decades of dedicated service to Frontier. The workers’ fears are valid considering the numbers.  In in the last ten years,  Frontier CWA represented employees in the Rochester area have gone from 840 down to 450.

Speakers at the rally and march included Rochester Labor Council President Jim Bertolone and CWA International Vice-President Chris Shelton among others.  Bertolone reminded attendees that we are facing unprecedented times-- and encourged everyone to rally behind the WE ARE ONE initiative.

CWA, the largest telecommunications union in the world, represents over 700,000 men and women in both private and public sectors, including over half a million workers who are building the Information Highway.

CWA members work in telecommunications, broadcasting, cable TV, journalism, publishing, manufacturing, airlines, customer service, government service, health care, education and other fields.

CSEA Monroe County Local 828 officers Bess Watts and Ove Overmyer were in attendance.  To see a photo gallery of the rally today, you can go here.