Cohen: 'A Turning Point is Building in Ohio'

Speaking to Delphi workers and supporters at a Feb. 25 "Rally in the Valley" in Warren, Ohio, CWA President Larry Cohen, IUE-CWA President Jim Clark, and other union and political leaders looked out from the podium to a sea of solidarity — 8,000 workers, retirees and members of the community.

In addition to IUE-CWA members wearing red t-shirts, there were UAW members wearing yellow and AFSCME members in green. Also joining in were members of the USW, UFCW, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Utility Workers, Painters, Firefighters, Teamsters and Service Employees.

Cohen welcomed them all and urged communities across Ohio to join the fight to keep manufacturing jobs in the state. "It doesn't matter what color we wear, we all stand for the same things. We need you to stand with us. This is too big to win alone."

Seeking major cuts in wages and benefits as part of its reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Delphi has three times asked the court to push back the date when it can seek to void its union contracts — most recently to March 31 — saying it wants to bargain new agreements with its unions that will help it cut costs. Yet, said Clark, negotiations have yet to begin in earnest.

IUE-CWA Locals 84755 in Dayton, Ohio, and 83698 in Clinton, Miss., have already voted to strike if necessary, and IUE-CWA locals at six more plants are scheduling strike votes.

Pledging to fight as hard as possible to maintain living standards for workers and retirees, Clark said the union does not want to strike but will be ready to hit the streets if necessary. "Hopefully, they won't test our resolve, and they'll regret it if they do."

Boos greeted every mention of Delphi's decision to give executives up to $38 million in bonuses. Said IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board Chairman Henry Reichard, "It doesn't make sense. Delphi is in bankruptcy and we're rewarding the executives who put it there? Where is the shared pain?"

Three congressmen from the area — Tim Ryan, Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland — turned out to show their support. They urged the crowd to ask where candidates stand on Delphi during this fall's elections in Ohio, which will see not only congressional races, but a senate and gubernatorial race.

"This is a time of moral crisis," said Rep. Ted Strickland. "America is hurting. We need new leadership."

"There is a turning point building in Ohio, and we all feel it," said Cohen, reporting to CWA officers and staff after the rally. Noting that Strickland is running for governor and Brown for the Senate, Cohen said: "They both are totally on our program — jobs, trade, health care, Social Security and workers' rights. They are convinced that is the only way they can win. Ohio is a turning point."

But Cohen was most moved by the efforts of IUE-CWA members to build solidarity in their plant, in the community and with other unions. "There are 20,000 red 'Dignity' yard signs at nearly every home and store front in the area. IUE-CWA Local 717 has made the yard signs a project for the last few weeks. And the 2,500 members in the plant are wearing red every Thursday as Delphi workers have been doing every Thursday since Dec. 10."

District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen also attended the rally, and former IUE-CWA president Ed Fire served as master of ceremonies.

"It was windy and cold, but the excitement was heartwarming," Cohen said, "We can be so proud of Jim and our Delphi members. At this darkest hour in the middle of an Ohio winter they were there, outside for hours, almost celebrating their chance to fight back."

IUE-CWA Local 84717 Shop Chairman Don Arbogast spoke of their pride and determination. "We have the right to defend our way of life and a moral obligation to defend our community. We are the tax base of our community. It's the middle class that keeps this country afloat."

Said Cohen, "I am convinced that the fight at Delphi may yet be historic. Of course, we all hope that we can save jobs and prevent poverty wages by negotiating in the month that remains. But if not and we are forced to strike, this will be a community-based strike like we have not seen in generations."