Buffalo, NY-On February 12th, the Coalition for Economic Justice welcomed the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers (UE) to Buffalo on their national speaking tour. CEJ was eager to learn from their story and congratulate them on their triumph over big banks and corporate greed in Chicago, IL.
In December of 2008, 260 UE workers were outraged to learn that in just 3 days their jobs would be eliminated. With federal law on their side (WARN), and a worker-based union, the Republic Windows and Doors employees staged a lock-in. For 6 days, workers remained inside the shop, demanding payment for what they were rightfully owed, pensions and vacation. On the 6th day, the Bank of America, the financial backer of Republic Windows and Doors, wrote a 1.7 million dollar check to cover the employees pensions. The UE lock-in received national acclaim and coverage.
Ron, an employee of Republic Windows and Doors, and longtime Shop Steward, spoke to the power of the lock-in. He thanked National Jobs with Justice for providing such crucial support during those six days and the implications of this critical victory. The 100 people who packed the Presbyterian Church to listen to Ron’s story were deeply moved by their heroic actions. They greatly appreciated the fact that these brave workers were regular people who simply recognized something needed to be done.
Emmanuel Fried, a 96-year old Buffalonian, playwright, and former UE organizer in the ‘30’s, introduced Ron and the accompanying UE organizer, Abe. Emmanuel, known more widely as Manny, spoke of his organizing days, his excitement about the rank and file driven union, and his desire to see more unions exercise more militancy.
Those in attendance kept Ron and Abe busy with questions. They displayed an avid thirst for details regarding the decision making process and what it felt like to come out of the shop victorious. The event was an amazing success. Attendees ranged from Law Students, to Community Activists, Faith Leaders, to Union leadership.
