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World Federation of Trade Unions in Solidarity with New York City Power workers
Tuesday 17 July 2012, 12am
The worker lock-out by the NYC power monopoly, Consoldiated Edison, violates the mission and goals of the workers union, Utility Workers Local 1-2. After refusing to negotiate in good faith, the Company locked out the union’s 8 thousand members. The draconian, barbaric demands of Con Ed were met with a resounding unity of the union members.
Not only does that corporate action violate every international trade union convention, but also, puts over 10-14 million New Yorkers at dire public health and safety risk given the intense heat wave that has gripped the New York city area.
The arrogance of the Con Edison management has been exposed through their own media statements. They make pious comments about the welfare of workers, and then they cut their wages and take away their health benefits. Massive trade union and public pressure has forced the Company to reinstitute these health benefits.
The Mission statement of the the Utility Workers union mirrors that of the WFTU, itself: “We, the Utility Workers of America, believing it to be a natural, right and just that those who toil should enjoy to the fullest extent the wealth created by their labor…..It is impossible for us to obtain full reward of our labor other than through united, industrial action; And believing that labor acting along economic and political lines can secure a more equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth for all those performing useful service to society.”
WFTU affiliates around the world, especially in Greece, have personally witnessed the barbaric actions of employers seeking to impose their own view of the world. This especially true in regard to pubic workers, in general; and power workers in particular.
The WFTU is in full solidarity with Local 1-2, Utility Workers and look forward to aiding their struggle to whatever extent possible
For more information visit: www.wftucentral.org
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