October 18, 2005 - Anger and solidarity fueled a recent gathering of nearly 450 workers from eight different unions in New York City for the first joint meeting of the Metro-North Labor Coalition. More than 1,000 days have passed since their contracts reopened for negotiation and management continues to refuse to bargain in good faith.
The Labor Coalition includes the American Railway & Airway Supervisors Association, TCU/IAM Lodge 5041; IAM District Lodge 19; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers System Council 7 and Local 1573; International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 808; National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, SEIU, System Council 2; Sheet Metal Workers International Association; TCU/IAM System Board 86 and Districts 227, 1043 and 1402; and Transport Workers Union of America Locals 2001 and 2055.
“Our coalition is serious and united” said TCU International Vice President Joel Parker, who serves as spokesman for the coalition.
“And by being here at this meeting, every person regardless of craft or job classification is showing management that we will stand together and will not be split apart.”
Coalition members at the meeting also heard from Roger Toussaint, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents 35,000 NYC transit workers. Toussaint pledged that he and his membership would work with the coalition to win fair contracts for all involved.
Large contingents from the IAM and TCU also rallied at the meeting. It was, reports Parker, a “very spirited, very successful” meeting. “Everyone is ready to stand together, and do whatever it takes.”
