CWA Activists Rally Around 99 Percent Spring/Challenging Corporate Power

Tens of thousands of progressive activists nationwide joined 99 Percent Spring / Challenging Corporate Power trainings last week, laying the foundation for a series of non-violent, direct actions this spring.

Participants told stories about what made them part of the 99 percent, discovered the roots of America's economic collapse and learned how to fight back.

At the CWA headquarters training, CWA President Larry Cohen choked back tears as he described T-Mobile's recent decision to close seven call centers and lay off 3,300 workers. "I'm tired, I'm angry, I'm distressed from seeing how hard our members fight these battles only to go backwards," he said. "The only way we can fight this is together."

John Smith, who hosted a 60-person session at CWA Local 4320, said a lot of contact information was exchanged among the participants. This week CWA members banded together with Jobs with Justice and other activists for a Tax Day protest.

More national demonstrations are being planned, including a protest at the Verizon Communications shareholder meeting on May 3. Keep an eye on www.the99spring.com for future actions.