Over a Thousand Strong, Masachusetts Labor Movement Rallies for Striking Clear Channel Billboard Wor

http://www.iupatdc35.org/node/797

Over a Thousand Strong, Masachusetts Labor Movement Rallies for Striking Clear Channel Billboard Workers

Labor Leaders, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Democratic State Committee Chair John Walsh, State Representative James Eldridge and others Stand with 25 Members of IUPAT DC 35 Local 391 and 2 Members of IBEW Local 103 at April 19th Rally

STONEHAM, MA, ISSUED APRIL 20, 2007 -- On Monday March 19th, after over two years of stalled negotiations with Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising, 25 members of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 Local 391 were forced out on strike. Since that time 2 IBEW Local 103 members have joined the strike. Rather than accept significant cuts in wages, benefits and working conditions, the union members have taken the fight to Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising. Exactly one month later on April 19th by company headquarters in Stoneham over 1,000 union leaders, members, retirees, community allies and political figures attended one of the largest, most passionate and most impressive labor rallies in recent memory.

http://www.iupatdc35.org/image/view/795

Since March 19th these union brothers and sisters have been walking the picket line in a show of impressive solidarity at the Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising company headquarters at 89 Maple Street in Stoneham, Massachusetts. They remain on the line seven days a week and that is where they were given this support. Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Democratic State Committee Chair John Walsh, State Representative James Eldridge, Revere City Councilor George Rotondo, and Melrose Alderman and IBEW Local #103 member Ronald Seaboyer all joined labor leaders and the thousand-person-strong crowd in emboldening the strikers that they are not alone and that they have incredible support in labor, government and the community from which they can draw strength and assistance throughout their struggle.

Ralph Harriman, Business Manager of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 emceed the rally, kicking it off by saying, “There might be 27 families on the street, but this amazing crowd proves they’re not alone.”

FULL story and more photos at link.