Corporate greed drives strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20141224/OPINION02/712249947

December 24,2014

As you all probably know, the FairPoint strike has now entered its 10th week. Since Oct. 17, FairPoint workers have been fighting a gallant fight for their rights and the rights of all working people. I have noticed that you, the press or media, have been silent about the real issues.

I remember with some angst the situation when myself and other Chittenden County Transportation Authority bus drivers were on strike and much of the media focused on nonexistent financial issues. I remember hearing constantly the repeating of the company line “the drivers earn such and such a year, and that entitles us to treat them any way we want.” At no time in our strike had we asked for one dime, but the company refrain was “it is all about the money.” And you followed along and did not report the truth until it was inescapable.

Well, in the case of FairPoint the inescapable truth is it is purely about money. But it is not greedy workers seeking more. It is greedy management and hedge funds seeking to rape and pillage the hard-earned middle-class pay of the workers.

How much have you reported the fact that the workers offered $220 million in concessions? How much have you reported that while claiming they cannot pay workers a reasonable middle-class wage with benefits, they are paying people from all over the world (literally) $6,000 a week to break the backs of our own hometown friends and neighbors?

FULL story at link.