NYC Occupy Activists Join CWA for Energetic March on Verizon

At least 1,500 union members and Occupy Wall Street activists marched and rallied in downtown New York City on Oct. 21 to demand a fair contract at Verizon. Later, nearly 20 CWA members camped overnight with Occupy activists at Zuccotti Park.

Hundreds of Occupy Wall Street activists joined CWA and union allies Friday evening for a march on Verizon and Verizon Wireless in downtown New York City, declaring, "We are the 99 percent," and adding a second line to the popular chant, "This is what democracy looks like."

"That is what hypocrisy looks like," the 1,500 demonstrators shouted, pointing at Verizon headquarters at 140 West Street.

CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton fired up the already high-energy crowd, praising Occupy Wall Street activists for "having the guts to say, 'We're going to stay here until we win.'" Click here for video.

"What you're doing is for every single person in this country who works for a living or who wants to work for a living," Shelton said. "We're here to say thank you, thank you, thank you."

The Occupy activists marched with CWA, IBEW and other unions from the Verizon building to a Verizon Wireless store near Wall Street. Afterwards, nearly 20 CWA members from the New York area spent the night in Zuccotti Park with Occupy activists who have been there for more than a month.

Mike Gendrom, business agent for CWA Local 1108, said he was inspired by the activists' passion and their strong sense of community. Disgusted by critics who have demeaned and demonized them, he said, "It goes to show that there are some very close-minded people who have no problem putting a label on somebody without getting to know who they are or why they're there."

Gendrom, who will talk more about his experience on tonight's Verizon update call, said the 99-percent activists represent a diverse group but, "fundamentally, we all want the same thing. We want the chance to have a good job that will provide for ourselves and our families with a mild form of comfort and eventually be able to retire with some dignity."

Is your local involved in Occupy protests? Send details and a small selection of your best photos to the CWA Newsletter at news@cwa-union.org.