| NEW YORK, July 14---Gary Magliari, a UWUA Local 1-2 shop steward, explains that the lock out was not due to failed negotiations, as has generally been reported, but was a deliberate act, "a strategic move that was planned years in advance of the union's contract running out on July 1. " Stripping away union benefits," says Magliari, "is part of Con Ed's move towards needed consolidation prior to selling the company, to make it more attractive to a buyer without a freighted 4-year union contract. Attending today's Local 1-2 rally were supporters from other unions, including TWU, postal workers and a contingent from the Occupy Labor Alliance, On Tuesday July 17 protesters will assemble at 4 Irving Place at 4:30pm and march to Union Square for a pro-labor rally at 5:30pm. Filmed by Liza Béar lizajbear@gmail.com See also youtu.be youtu.be and www.thevillager.com 6:30pm text update: Medical benefits have been reinstated for all 8600 locked out Con ED employees, from union president Harry Farrell | Views: 18 0 ratings |
