Hundreds in Buffalo, NY, Brave Chilling Temperatures to Celebrate Workers on International Human Rights Day

December 14, 2011

In Buffalo, NY, hundreds of faith, labor, and community members rallied on December 10 in Niagara Square before marching to three locations that they say symbolize the ongoing assault that workers are under in New York State and nationwide.



The rally, organized by the NYS AFL-CIO, Occupy Buffalo, 1199SEIU and other members of the Fight for a Fair Economy (FFE) coalition, was planned in synch with similar events across the state and in celebration of International Human Rights Day. The NYS AFL-CIO stands in support of the Occupy movements across the state. “These protests give voice to the swelling anger and deep pain caused by the Wall Street rip-off perpetrated by big banks, greedy financial institutions and the politicians they have bought and paid for,” said NYS AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer, Terry Melvin.



“We will continue to support the efforts of the Occupy Buffalo people as the stand for: good jobs, stopping corporate greed and creating a fair and just society for all.”



In reaction to the call for ongoing collective action, the hundreds gathered marched to the headquarters of the Verizon Corporation, which they said was a worst case example of how Corporate America has captured our democracy while leading the charge against the middle class. James Wagner, President of CWA 1122, pointed to the Verizon building, stating “This is a company that lines the pockets of elected officials, pays no taxes, and does wrong by workers. Verizon’s CEO won’t bargain a fair contract despite record breaking profits. The 99% can’t keep sacrificing for 1% CEO’s and greedy companies.”



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As the rally marched on from Verizon, the crowd sang an adapted version of ‘Let it Snow’ called “Verizon: We say no!” The song’s ending landed the rally at the Niagara Station Post Office where those gathered urged Congress to oppose the Postal Service’s plans to close post offices and mail processing facilities nationwide, and to reduce service standards, reducing jobs and services. “No company can grow or even maintain its business by cutting its service. But that's exactly what the Postal Service is proposing to do. That’s bad for workers and bad for our communities,” said Bob McLennan, President of Branch 3 of the National Association of Letter Carriers.



“Hundreds of us-members of the faith community, students, the unemployed, working class people, retirees and people who care about the future of our city, state and country- have all gathered in Niagara Square to call for policies and corporate practices that support the 99% of us. Policies that include fair and equitable taxation, good jobs and quality public services,” said 1199 organizer James Crampton.



The last stop of the March before returning to Niagara Square was the NYS Office Building where leaders expressed support for the tax code deal reached in Albany this past week, but also strongly urged more action to hold corporations and the 1% accountable and raise the revenue needed to create new quality jobs.



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Rosemary Rivera of Citizen Action of New York stated, “Although the new tax codes created earlier this week are a step in the direction to close a portion of the deficit gap, we, as an organized movement of the 99%, must continue on to the next step make sure our voices are heard in the fight against corporate greed and that the 1% begins to pay their fair share of these tax burdens.”



With ongoing chants and song, the group finished their celebration with food, music and speeches in Niagara Square. Event organizers said they hope that this event has shown that it is the labor force that moves America forward. With millions across America who want to work but have been shut out, it is time to put America back to work.



"Workers are the 99%, we are going to make this economy fair for all! We will stand in solidarity and make the political system work for us, not the 1%,” said Albert Brown of Occupy Buffalo.