In Support of Striking Clear Channel Workers

WHEREAS, 27 members of Sign and Pictorial Local 391 of IUPAT D.C. 35, and IBEW Local 103 have been on strike since March 19, 2007; and

WHEREAS, after 18 months of negotiating and working without a contract, Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising Company abandoned negotiations with its employees and instituted a $60-a day pay cut, a 7-day work week, and stripped the workers of their healthcare and pension plans, and grievance and union security protections; and

WHEREAS, one day after workers went on strike, Clear Channel began flying in scab workers, and announced that the striking workers had been permanently replaced; and

WHEREAS, a recent accident involving a scab worker who fell thirty feet from a billboard has proven just how irresponsible and dangerous Clear Channel's business practices are; and

WHEREAS, the Boston-based Bain Capital is in the process of buying a controlling stock of the Clear Channel division where workers are striking; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO supports the striking Clear Channel workers and will assist all appropriate actions taken on their behalf, with the goal of resuming negotiations so that strikers may return to work with fair working conditions; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO will assist the campaign to reinstate the fired workers in any way possible, including actions directed at Bain Capital as they acquire control over the shop where the strike is taking place; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO will transmit a copy of this resolution and other information to all relevant parties to demonstrate its ardent support for the striking Clear Channel workers in their struggle for justice.

Submitted by:
Robert J. Haynes, President
Louis A. Mandarini, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer