CWA Members at Center of Inaugural Events

CWA and the entire union movement are playing a big part in Presidential inaugural events in Washington, D.C., from answering President-elect Obama's call for the National Day of Service to spotlighting the Employee Free Choice Act around the city.   

Millions of Americans attending Barack Obama's inauguration next week will see numerous Employee Free Choice banners such as this one, high atop CWA's Washington, D.C., headquarters.

Millions of people attending the inauguration will see giant banners calling for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act hanging on buildings, including CWA headquarters and other union buildings in the heart of inaugural activities. 

For the first time in inaugural parade history, an all-union float will carry union members as part of the American Workers Contingent. Some 23 CWAers will participate as part of the union group marching in the parade.  

CWA also has answered President-elect Barack Obama's call for community service on Jan. 19, the National Day of Service that honors Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. CWA locals, districts and headquarters employees are taking part in a nation-wide union food drive, with locals establishing collection sites at union meeting and worksites and delivering the goods collected to local food banks and pantries.

CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill said the growing economic crisis has hit working families especially hard and food bank inventories nationwide are dangerously low. "We must step in to help in every way we can."

Some locals are joining with other groups in their communities to focus even more attention on the cause. Local 4025 in Upper Peninsula, Mich., is teaming up with a radio station to promote its food drive, others are hosting special events to attract donors and volunteers. 

Many locals also are accepting monetary donations for food banks in lieu of canned goods. Steve Abbott, CWA Local 7108, pointed out that "every dollar donated can be turned into almost $13 worth of food."

CWA also has agreed to work with AT&T in 30 cities to collect food. Drives will begin Jan. 12-19 in six cities with the greatest need: Sacramento, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Hartford, Conn., and Dallas, and will continue Jan. 19 through Jan. 27 in the remaining cities.

Locals that want to participate in the food collection project can use the web form to send in your information.

To date, these CWAers are participating in the National Day of Service food drive:

CWA Headquarters

District 1: Locals 1031;1037; 1040; 1062; 1067; 1087; 1104; 1108; 1114; 1150; 1153; 1168; 1298.

District 2: Locals 2201; 2204; 2275; NABET-CWA Local 52031.

District 3: Locals 3108; 3180; 3204; 3212; 3250; 3403; 3511; 3517; 3907.

District 4: Locals 4025; 4100; 4217; 4250; 4310; 4319; 4401; 4621; 4622; 4998; AFA-CWA Local 24046 and District 4 staff.

District 6: Locals 6137; 6151; 6200; 6202; 6300; 6377; 6402; 6508. 

District 7: Locals 7055; 7108; 7175; 7750; 7777; 7800; 7803.

District 9: Locals 9000; 9415; 9417; 9421; 9505; 9509; 9575.

District 13: Locals 13500; 13550.