CWA Local 4319: SOLIDARITY FOREVER!

SOLIDARITY FOREVER!

By Ronald Honse
April 2002

Solidarity!

When the union's inspiration through worker's blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
For the union makes us strong.

Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
For the union makes us strong.

SOLIDARITY FOREVER !! What Does It Mean?

“Solidarity Forever” is the universally accepted anthem of the American Labor Movement.

In December of 1861, Julia Ward Howe was visiting the camps of the Union Army and heard soldiers singing a favorite song, one they called "The John Brown Song." She liked the tune but thought the lyrics could be improved, and so she wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." That song became a rallying cry against slavery and oppression during the American Civil War.

Years later, Ralph Chaplin was also inspired by the tune, this time to write a song that is a rallying cry for workers around the world. This song is "Solidarity Forever”.

But, what is “solidarity”? The dictionary defines it this way:

Main Entry: sol.i.dar.i.ty
Pronunciation: "sä-l&-'dar-&-tE
Function: noun
Etymology: French solidarite, from solidaire characterized by solidarity, from Latin solidum whole sum, from neuter of solidus solid
Date: 1841: unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards.

But “solidarity “ is more than a word. It is a commitment. A commitment to be there when your sister or brother needs you. To be there when things are not going so well, as well as when they are.

In recent months, the economy has been depressed. As a result members in almost all of our bargaining units are experiencing trying times.

In the Library unit, vacancies are not being filled, budgets are being cut and state funding is under attack. All this, as we prepare for contract negotiations this fall.

Allen Acres is the residential care facility for children in Allen County. In Allen County, members in the Children Services Bargaining unit, working at Allen Acres, are being threatened by unequaled downsizing. This, despite the fact that a levy was passed to expand the facility and make it a state of the art teaching model.

At SBC/Ameritech, overtime has been all but eliminated, workers are being shuffled between departments, weekend scheduling has been increased and people unfortunate to have experienced a disabling injury or illness find their pay and benefits denied despite following their doctors orders to the letter. This, in the face of unprecedented competition in the local service arena.

Can solidarity alone resolve all these issues? Of course not. But unless we present a unified front to confront them, our chances of success are greatly reduced. We must fight to preserve jobs and our benefits at all costs. Those that came before us fought hard to attain these jobs, rights and benefits. We are the custodians of their work. So I ask you to put self interest aside and concentrate on the greater whole. Make the Union’s issues your issues. The union exists because of you, and its strength resides in each and every one of you.

I can assure you that the elected officers and representatives are doing everything we can to assure a strong union. When an issue presents itself, ask yourself “ How does this affect the entire membership of the Union?” If your actions are guided by the answer to that question, you are indeed practicing solidarity. That anthem became a rallying cry for a reason. Give it a try.

Ron Honse
President, CWA Local 4319

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