Why I Wear Red on Thursdays

Fellow Members

I am wearing red today. 

Not because a steward told me to. 

Not because it’s Thursday and I’m “supposed to”.  

I am wearing red to honor Gerry Horgan.  Gerry was a CWA Chief Steward killed on August 15th, 1989 while picketing during a strike against NYNEX.  He was hit by a car as someone crossed the picket line.  He was the first CWA member ever killed on a picket line. 

I am wearing red to honor Michelle Rodgers.  Michelle was an IUE-CWA activist killed in January of 2003 while reporting for picket duty.  She was struck by a police car while crossing the street to join fellow members on the picket line. 

I am wearing red to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me and those who will come after me in their efforts to keep us safe in our workplaces, in their fights for fair wages, and in their quests for justice and equality. 

I am wearing red to honor each and every one of us, for what we bring to the world and the changes we make in it every day.  The strength we have to forge the future cannot be overstated when we stand together. 

I am wearing red today.

I will be wearing red next Thursday too.

Join me.

In Solidarity 

Joseph Snyder 

President, Communications Workers of America, Local 4302