Cablevision Illegally Locks Out, Fires 23 Workers

Brooklyn Cablevision/Optimum illegally locked out and fired 23 workers who were attempting to discuss the lack of good-faith bargaining by the company with management. This activity is protected by federal law.

CWAers and progressive activists are rallying around the 23 workers and sending a message to Cablevision CEO James Dolan.

Sign that petition here: Outrageous

And check out this video.

Illegally locked out and fired Cablevision workers, clergy and New York City elected officials including Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn rally outside a Cablevision garage. Management refused to let workers in or talk with any of the group. Workers reminded management that "we'll be back."

Nearly 300 Brooklyn Cablevision technicians and dispatchers joined CWA Local 1109 a year ago, by an overwhelming vote. They had the support of elected officials and community leaders from throughout New York City.  The company has given all non-union technicians raises ranging from $2 to $9 an hour, to stop organizing among other Cablevision workers, but in bargaining with the Brooklyn workers, the company has refused to discuss economic issues yet.

CWA has condemned Cablevision/Optimum’s action as an illegal and outrageous attack on workers. Last week, CWA filed unfair labor practice charges over the company’s bad-faith bargaining.

Click here to keep up with the latest news and CWA Local 1109 on Facebook.

“Over the last year, Cablevision/Optimum has demonstrated it not only lacks respect for its Brooklyn employees who have chosen to stand up for their rights as workers, but also for federal labor laws and the entire borough of Brooklyn,” said Chris Shelton, CWA District 1 Vice President. “Cablevision has illegally failed to negotiate in good faith with its Brooklyn workers, illegally intimidated workers in other boroughs, and today brazenly violated federal law by illegally locking out and terminating workers for protected activity.”

This wasn’t Cablevision/Optimum’s first violation of federal law. The company recently settled NLRB charges that it violated the Brooklyn workers’ rights, and CWA expects a Board complaint to be issued on other acts of intimidation and harassment.