District 3 Safety and Health Activists Discuss Concerns, Solutions

Safety and health activists from 22 locals in District 3 met recently for a weekend seminar in Jacksonville, Fla., to discuss workplace safety concerns and solutions, including the development of state-based occupational safety and health committees and electrical hazards training.

Panel discussions included workplace ergonomic issues affecting customer service representatives and technicians, bathroom sanitation on the job, public worker safety and health legislation just passed in Florida and achievements of a joint CWA/AT&T safety and health committee in Louisiana.

The 46 participants also participated in workshops on CWA's campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act. Presenter Booker Lester, administrative director for District 3 Vice President Noah Savent, detailed the appalling and often illegal behavior of employers who intimidate, threaten and fire union organizers and activists, including workers who fight for safety on the job.