Letter of Solidarity for ATU Local 1220

The May Day 2010 organizing committee has composed a letter of solidarity for the members of ATU Local 1220 representing operators and mechanics with GRTC. We have sent a formal letter to Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220 in Richmond, and emailed their national office, as well as a letter to the editors of Style Weekly, Free Press, & The Richmond Times Dispatch. If you agree please pass this letter on for others to read.

Fellow Workers,

On behalf of the organizers of Richmond May Day 2010, an event geared at celebrating the history of working class struggle, we'd like to stand in solidarity with the union members of ATU Local 1220. Among these organizers are individuals, students, union members, community activists, and above all, workers and riders of GRTC.

We've been made aware by the media that there is potential for a strike by GRTC union members of ATU Local 1220. We'd like to know how we can show our solidarity. We fear that the 40,000 daily passengers of GRTC do not understand the gravity of the situation, and likely view the strike as an inconvenience. Local media has been breeding fear of job loss for those who depend on the transportation to move around the city. We'd like to help alleviate some of that sentiment.

We understand the need for union solidarity as well as solidarity among the working class in general. We'd like to help get the message across to the general public so that they understand, with pressure placed on the employers at GRTC, we can effectively avoid the need for a strike. If a strike must happen, we will stand firm with the union members throughout the duration of the strike, for the workers deserve to receive competitive wages and a contract that effectively works in favor of the operators and mechanics of GRTC. In the end, we hope the public will leave with the realization that standing together helps to strengthen not only the workers of GRTC, but that of all the working class.
In Solidarity, May Day 2010 Organizers


Contact Information:

Email: maydayrva@gmail.com | Website: http://maydayrva.org |