Gary Port Stands With Workers - Loyalty Must Run Two Ways

Aug. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Communications Workers of America (CWA) were joined by Gary Port, Democratic Candidate for Hempstead Town Supervisor on yet another hot summer day on the picket line.  CWA members employed by Verizon are on strike to protest the attack on the middle class.

Port, a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, small business owner and civic leader from West Hempstead is concerned that the recent attacks on the middle class will continue without strong leadership, and loyalty.  

"I have learned in the Army that loyalty must run two ways. The management at Verizon has demanded loyalty from the workers, but feels need to return that loyalty and so is ready to jettison them, despite the company realizing large profits. These are honorably men and women who just want an opportunity to work and support their families. Belt tightening, if needed, should start at the top, not at the bottom," stated Port.

CWA was forced to strike when version refused to bargain and instead proposed outsourcing more jobs (including sending jobs overseas), slashing sick days, eliminating benefits for workers who get hurt on the job and cutting the health-care benefits to retirees.

Over the past four years Verizon profits exceed $19 billion and compensated their top five executives with hundreds of millions of dollars, while allowing the working class to dwindle on the line.

Gary Port is the Democratic Candidate for Hempstead Town Supervisor, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, partner in Port and Sava, Scoutmaster, founding member of the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and a family man with four children. To learn more about Gary Port visit garyport2011.com.