CWA/USW Regional OSH Conferences: Atlanta, GA and Phoenix, AZ

Some 500 CWA and USW health and safety activists participated in the unions’ second and third 2011 regional occupational health, safety, and environment conferences conducted September 11-16 in Atlanta, Georgia and September 25-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. Inspired by CWA President Larry Cohen remarks at the Atlanta conference and District 7 Vice President Mary Taylor’s presentation in Phoenix which focused upon integrating workplace and environmental health and safety issues into the Union’s movement building efforts, activists enthusiastically involved themselves in the conference activities.

Co-chaired by CWA’s Occupational Safety and Health Director, David LeGrande, conference activities included a variety of sessions on the economic and political assault upon workers, unions, and occupational and environmental health and safety, CWA and USW local union fight-back activities, as well as CWA issues. In addition, CWA local union activists gave presentations regarding fight back activities involving both public and private sector workers and members in Texas, Florida, Washington, and New Mexico.

The conferences also featured lively sessions in which CWA and USW activists discussed and laid out fight-back ideas and strategies including joint health and safety work involving all levels of CWA and USW.

Tuesday through Friday sessions focused upon health and safety training. Covered in both two and four-day periods, training topics included Union Approach to Health and Safety Committees, Workplace Ergonomics, Incident Investigation, Labor and the Environment, Chemical Process Safety Management, Radiation Safety, and a series of OSHA certification courses.

In addition, in a display of solidarity with Verizon workers, CWA and USW health and safety activists joined with CWA District 3 and 7 staff as well as leaders from Locals 3204, 3250, and 7019, and activists from Job with Justice in conducting demonstrations at Atlanta and Phoenix Verizon Wireless stores.

View the photo albums:

• Atlanta, GA
• Phoenix, AZ