SUPPORT ACTIONS FOR THE BART WORKERS

BART Workers Call for United

Labor Rally Organizing Meeting

When BART workers went on strike July 1, the whole Bay Area was affected. BART hired a major union buster to put the workers on strike, then blame the workers in a highly visible battle to bring Wisconsin-style attacks to the Bay Area and drive down living standards for all of us. The 30-day contract extension expires Sunday, August 4 at midnight, yet BART management still refuses to negotiate, likely forcing the workers out again starting Monday, August 5.

BART workers represented by ATU 1555 and SEIU 1021 invite all workers to stand up against Wisconsin-style attacks in the Bay Area on Thursday, August 1 at 5pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza (Oscar Grant Plaza).

BART management is following suit with other bosses who try to pit the public who relies on public services against the workers providing the public services. BART cried poor and pressured workers to give up major concessions for the last eight years, though it was discovered BART had tens of millions in surpluses. BART’s records now show a $125 Million annual surplus, but they believe they can generate enough public hostility against the workers or keep them out on strike long enough that they are forced once again to take major concessions.

This struggle is not just about BART. We’ve seen the same attacks on the city workers of Oakland, Hayward, San Francisco, at the Oakland airport and Port of Oakland, and throughout the area. Workers who are more vulnerable – those without unions, or undocumented workers – face even greater struggles. The plan to close City College of San Francisco adds to attacks on current faculty and staff jobs by denying access to education and jobs for many future workers. We invite all affected by and concerned with these struggles to help plan and organize the August 1st rally to fight privatization and defend decent jobs for the Bay Area.

WHEN: Thursday, July 25, 5pm
WHERE: ATU 1555 Hall, 132 Ninth Street, Oakland, CA.
(by Lake Merritt BART)

For more information, contact ATU 1555 Recording Secretary Chris Finn at chrisfinn@atu1555.org or 415-867-5174