We often feel uplifted when we hear about locally owned and operated businesses. We want very much to think that such businesses, by virtue of being locally owned and operated, are dedicated to theWestern New York economy and community at large.
So it is extremely disheartening to witness the 134-year-old Buffalo Wire implementing an extremely destructive business/labor strategy, which thoroughly undermines the WNY economy and the Buffalo Wire workers’ ability to care for their families and be economically productive in our community.
The strike against Buffalo Wire began November 5, 2006. For years the workers, in the best interests of cooperation and dedication to their company, agreed to concessions. But in the end the employer turned worker cooperation into corporate welfare by demanding that the workers continue to subsidize the boss’ mismanagement, pay and lifestyle.
So the bosses want to enhance their East Amherst and Orchard Park lifestyles by demanding worker wage cuts of $7,500-$8,000, increasing employee health costs and cutting worker vacation time. This is no way to treat employees who have given Buffalo Wire 39 years of service nor is it any way to treat younger employees trying to provide a decent standard of living for their families.
This strike about standing strong against those who are trying destroy a decent standard of living that all American working families have a right to. Their fight is our fight. They are true patriots.
What can you do to support Buffalo Wire Workers?
Lynn D. Tucker
GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT
