Brothers and sisters: We’ve got your back. That’s my number one message to you. We have your back!
And when I say, “WE,” I’m not just talking about those of us standing here. I don’t just mean the tens of thousands of CWA and IBEW members up and down the east coast. I’m talking about the millions and millions of working people of the AFL-CIO.
We are in this together, because what happens to you happens to us. When it comes to standing up for working people in America, standing up for what’s fair, standing up for what’s right, you are the tip of the spear. You don’t simply represent yourselves. You represent all of us. This is what our movement is all about. You are the front line, and let me tell you, you’re doing a fantastic job. I couldn’t be prouder.
I recognize how difficult this is. It’s never easy to go on strike. It’s a sacrifice. Not just for you, but your entire family. It takes tremendous courage.
I’ve been there, my friends and neighbors, and brothers and sisters have been there. I know what it takes, and I have your back.
It’s not easy, but together we’re going to win.
Verizon managers are playing the same old game. But guess what? We know how to play it better, and we’ll win because we stand for what’s right. That’s what prevails in the end. They’ll fight strong, but we’ll fight stronger.
They’ll fight long, but we’ll fight longer, one day longer!
We’ll stand together today, tomorrow, and as long as it takes to get a fair contract!
God bless you, and God bless this picket line!