To All Delegates and Members

May 16, 2000

Next Tuesday or Wednesday (May 23-24), the Communications Workers of America (CWA) may stage a one-day walkout against the Bell Atlantic Telephone Company. As I did when there was a possible strike against residential building owners recently, I would like to remind you that – as a PBA member and member of the labor movement – there are certain things you should do and not do when another union is involved in a labor dispute.

Number one: Unless you are on-duty and are required to do so because you are conducting official NYPD business, have been called to the location through the 911 system, or have been directed to the location by a supervisor, or you are off-duty and a police-emergency exists,do not cross picket lines. That means if you are off duty and have private business with Bell Atlantic, you should not conduct that business there when picket lines are up.

Number two: Do not accept any off-duty employment in security or in any position which would replace a striking worker. This is not only strike-busting but legally dangerous in the present climate when cops are getting into hot water for on- and off-duty incidents.

If you are posted to any strike detail at a Bell Atlantic location, you should follow all orders from an NYPD superior. State law prohibits police officers from encouraging or participating in any type of strike. Don’t engage in any activity that will help or hurt the CWA workers’ cause.

But always remember that they are fellow union members trying to negotiate a fair and equitable collective bargaining agreement with their employers, just as we PBA members are doing with the city. It is a time to show solidarity not only with our fellow uniformed union members and our fellow municipal union members, but also with private sector union members.

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Lynch
President