Together, we’re building on the momentum we created with our April 4 actions when hundreds of thousands of us stood together, declaring that “We are One” in the fight for economic justice.

Topping the agenda: how to keep that momentum going to build our movement. We’ll have reports on successes in New York and New Mexico and will hear about standing-room-only training in Ohio that’s preparing activists for the November referendum on the state’s anti-collective bargaining measure.

Also on the line will be AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka.

So, spread the word in your locals and plan to join thousands of your CWA brothers and sisters on the phone May 3, at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

And remember that on May 1, we have an unprecedented opportunity to join forces with other union members, civil rights activists and others as we stand up for immigrant workers’ rights and rights for all workers. The list of May 1 events is growing — check it out at www.cwaaction.org.

The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Susana Martinez overstepped her authority when she effectively dismantled the Public Employee Labor Relations Board by firing two of its three members and its executive director.

The Court’s unanimous decision last week ordered Martinez to reinstate the two members fired in March and “refrain from any further efforts” to remove them.

The ruling was vindication for CWA and other public worker unions that joined forces to focus attention on the board’s functions and its need for independence from the governor and administration.

“It’s a classic example of an anti-worker governor overreaching,” said CWA District 7 Vice President Mary Taylor. “Whether it’s Scott Walker in Wisconsin or Governor Martinez here in New Mexico, the public knows an illegal power grab when it sees one. We’re pleased that the New Mexico Supreme Court so strongly affirmed our position.”

Agreeing with arguments put forth by the New Mexico Federation of Labor, the Court said the board needs to be independent from the executive branch because it hears executive branch cases. In fact, of 43 cases pending before the board at the time of the firings, 17 directly involved the governor.

Steve Harvey, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition of Public Safety Officers-CWA, called the decision “a refreshing victory for public workers who are determined to protect the public and provide critical services in the best way possible.”

Michelle Lewis, president of New Mexico State Employee Alliance-CWA said Martinez’s action fired up her members, just as other union-busting governors have done in their states. “We’re mad about watching our rights deteriorate. And we’re fighting back,” she said.

 New Mexico CWAers and other workers rallying April 4 helped draw attention to the governor’s attempt to kill the state’s labor board, a decision the state Supreme Court overruled last week.

Before The Rally at 140 West Street. Click on the photo to view the photo gallery.

CWA members all over the nation stood up for workers’ rights on April 4th and Members of CWA Local 1101 were proud to join them! Many of our members met at 140 West Street after work and walked to the Rally As One. 

Embracing the April 4 movement proposed by CWA just a few weeks earlier, hundreds of thousands of people across the country made their voices heard Monday in their workplaces, their communities and outside businesses and government buildings in the intensifying national fight for workers’ rights and economic justice. 

“April 4th was an amazing day, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii, and we can all be proud of our union,” CWA President Larry Cohen said. “Elected officials and employers are on notice that we will resist their attacks on our bargaining rights and our standard of living. Unorganized workers are more aware that they can organize and that we and other unions will be there with them.” 

Cohen proposed to the AFL-CIO Executive Council in early March that unions and progressive allies plan events for April 4, the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s murder in Memphis. King was there to stand with hundreds of striking sanitation workers who were fighting for dignity, safe working conditions and bargaining rights. 

CWA locals organized more than 300 community events and another 300 at worksites, where members wore red and “Stand Up for Workers’ Rights” stickers, passed out literature and had lunchtime gatherings, among other activities. 

Many April 4 events got good local media coverage that mentioned CWA and even quoted some members. Speaking in Maryland Heights, Mo., about CWA-represented child welfare workers, Local 6355’s Richard von Glahn said, “Our members make anywhere from $22,000 to $31,000 a year. They protect children from child abuse. They’re not the bad guys.” 

CWA members helped plan and participate in events around the country. Many videos have been posted on YouTube.com and are easily found by searching for “April 4” and “CWA.” Hundreds of photos from across the country are posted on CWA’s Flickr page. Click here to view them. 

In New York City, more than 5,000 CWAers and members from 35 other unions and allies rallied at City Hall. 

CWAers also used April 4 to draw attention to the fight for bargaining rights at T-Mobile. Members handbilled at 18 T-Mobile call centers across the country, including New York, Oakland, Maine, Wichita, Kan., and Thornton, Colo. 

At workplaces nationwide, CWA members planned a variety of actions. Some stood up on the job, every hour at some workplaces. Some marched into work together and tens of thousands wore red, as well as stickers, black ribbons and armbands.