Solidarity Brings Christmas Cheer to Striking FairPoint Workers and Families

Workers and unions around the world have donated thousands of toys, clothes, diapers and gift cards to ensure the families of striking workers have a happy holiday season. The gifts are being distributed to CWA and IBEW workers throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Striking FairPoint workers bring some holiday cheer to their co-workers and families, thanks to the generosity and support of workers and unions everywhere.

The IBEW-CWA Solidarity Fund has also received nearly $200,000 in donations since the strike began on Oct. 17, the New Hampshire Labor News reported.

The New Hampshire Labor News is an online site that's been giving tremendous coverage to the fight by FairPoint workers for a fair contract.

"This incredible outpouring of support is going to make the holidays a whole lot happier for our families," Don Trementozzi, president of CWA Local 1400, told the Labor News. "Two months ago, we took a stand against corporate greed. And now, to see so many people standing up for us – and especially our kids – it gives you the strength to go one day longer and one stronger."

Workers were forced to strike after FairPoint unilaterally imposed a contract that ended restrictions on subcontracting and outsourcing, froze pensions, increased health care costs for active workers, slashed retiree health care, and added a two-tier wage plan with big pay cuts for new hires.

Click here to help support these brave workers by contributing to the IBEW-CWA Solidarity Fund. CWA's Members' Relief Fund covers 215 striking CWAers, but the 1,500 striking IBEW members have no strike fund.