NYC Politicians, Community Rallies Around Cablevision Techs

Cablevision workers rally with New York City Public Advocate Letitia James.

Below: These Cablevision techs’ kids want a fair contract for their families.

On the first day of Black History Month, more than 300 Cablevision technicians, CWA members, allies and elected officials gathered in midtown Manhattan to rally for a fair contract. It was the two-year anniversary of the Cablevision workers vote to join CWA and the one-year anniversary of the illegal termination of 22 technicians.

"We're going to continue to stand with you. It's a shame that after two years of having decided you want to be represented by a union, that we're still fighting for that to be respected. That's a true shame," said New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Speakers also included NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, NYC Public Advocate Leticia James, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rev. Al Sharpton and a host of other officials from the city council and state assembly. The Tech 22 performed and CWA was joined by our partners, including SEIU Local 32BJ, TWU Local 100, Operating Engineers, SEIU Local 1199, NYCC, Make the Road, Working Families and Occupy Wall Street.

NABET-CWA Local 51011 president Thomas Cappo, center, with officers James Keyes and Tim Gorry, join CWA Cablevision members and supporters at the anniversary rally.

"There's a war being waged on unions and working people – a war! And this Cablevision is part of that war," said Nadler.

Sharpton fired up the crowd, shouting, "This is our day! This is our time! Solidarity!"

Lawrence Hendrickson, a Brooklyn Cablevision tech, vowed that workers would not give up. "This year the walls of injustice will come crumbling down at the knees of the workers," he said.

Check out these two videos from the event.