The Communications Workers of America sent out the following news release Thursday about the Pittsburgh news workers strike as it continues for four other unions:
On Wednesday, Teamsters Local 211/205 voted to accept severance payments from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette management in exchange for dissolving their union and ending their strike against an employer that has violated federal law with several unions.
“It’s beyond disappointing that the Teamsters would abandon their fellow strikers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “We stood with the Teamsters: in the cold, in the rain, in the snow and in the face of violent scab truck drivers and aggressive police. We will continue to strike and hold the employer to account. And we will never give up on our union or our members.”
“We’re very disappointed with what the Teamsters did,” said CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis. “By selling out in secret, the Teamsters have not only damaged their own credibility but have also jeopardized the possibility of a fair settlement for all the unions involved. We will not forget who stayed in this fight to the end, but right now we’re focused on sticking together because we’re stronger together. And we’re going to get the best possible deal for our members.”
“After 18 months on strike, standing on the picket lines day and late into the nights with Teamster drivers represented by Local 211/205, it’s extremely disappointing to see this unit fall for the company’s divide and conquer strategy,” said Zack Tanner, Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh president. “Newsroom workers won’t be broken, though. We will always stand strong against the company’s union-busting tactics, just as we’ve stood strong against the bosses, cops, and scabs that have tried to break us.”
The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
