Occupy the Bridge: Important Change of Plans

We will no longer remain silent We are the 99% Strength in Solidarity

Throughout the planning of Occupy the Bridge we have taken leadership and guidance from the workers directly involved in this struggle. It has recently come to our attention that the Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition would like to redirect all efforts towards supporting May Day strike actions and picket lines. Our goal has always been to support and empower the workers on the bridge and we are happy to continue our efforts in whatever direction they see fit. This Mayday we look forward to seeing strong, powerful picket lines, unlike anything the Golden Gate Bridge bosses have seen before.

There will still be a 7am labor rally at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza. Buses will depart from 19th and Telegraph in Oakland and San Francisco City Hall at 6am on May Day to deliver supporters to picket locations. Picket line locations will be publicized at 10pm on Monday, April 30.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2012

Contacts:

Alex Tonisson, Organizer, Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition, (415) 449-0442

Golden Gate Bridge, Bus, and Ferry Workers call for support at May Day picket lines and ask supporters to keep the bridge open.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition issued the following statement today calling for support in their ongoing fight to protect quality affordable healthcare for workers, families, and retirees:

“We appreciate the tremendous support we’ve received from the public, our brothers and sisters in labor, San Francisco commuters, and allies like Jobs with Justice, Pride at Work, and Occupy San Francisco,” said Alex Tonisson, Organizer and Co-Chair of the Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition.

“Bridge, bus, and ferry workers have done everything we can at the bargaining table to reach a fair contract. As we prepare to take the next step in the fight for quality affordable healthcare for workers, families, and retirees, we ask supporters to stand with us at strike picket lines on May Day, and to keep the bridge open.”

Workers have been in negotiations with Golden Gate Bridge District management since April 2011. The current contract expired in July 2011 and there have been over 45 bargaining sessions to date.

The Labor Coalition has offered concessions worth an estimated $2 million each year. Although Golden Gate Bridge District management has acknowledged that the financial needs of the district have been met, they are still seeking to push rising healthcare costs onto workers and their families.

Buses will still depart from 19th and Telegraph in Oakland and San Francisco City Hall at 6am on May Day to the picket sites. Picket line locations will be publicized at 10pm on Monday, April 30.

Read more at Occupy Sacramento