Solidarity with Verizon Workers

Since the Verizon strike began 10 days ago I have been inundated with emails asking me to support the Verizon workers. Actually, I walked the picket line on the second day of the strike and have continued to offer my support as the days have continued. Like so many things in our current over politicized climate, I was very aware that my actions could merely be seen as an 'old lefty' that had found another battle to fight.

Although I wouldn't deny my political leanings, I haven't offered support based on those leanings (well it isn't the primary factor). To put it simply, I have walked the picket line, provided money to help buy back-to-school supplies for the children of striking workers, and offered help with food and finances if the strike continues because I am a follower of Jesus. Not an exemplary follower, mind you, but one who firmly believes that although Jesus called his followers to be people of peace and reconciliation, he also immersed himself in the idea of 'social justice' -no matter what Glenn Beck and my right-wing Christian brothers and sisters say to the contrary.

I find it amazing that the management of Verizon would decry the 'Cadillac' health insurance policies of their workers when they earn salaries 300 times greater than those who actually do the real work. Give me a $55,000 salary per day, as Verizon's CEO makes, and I won't worry either. By using the argument that even though billions of dollar of profits roll in each year the 'line' service is losing money is simply saying that instead of long range planning that supports workers, Verizon management would rather make the employees suffer now than begin to address the issues that would return this portion of the business to profit or re-tool for the future. My union member father would have said that is just laziness! In other words, profits over people!

Back to Jesus for just a moment. Let's say that Verizon does have a health care plan that puts them in the upper 1% of workers in the United States when only health care insurance is considered. I have no way of knowing if that is true since I don't necessarily believe everything I read. Then supporting workers so that they don't continue a race to the bottom is all the more important. Offering sufficient health care insurance to workers isn't 'Cadillac' insurance at all. It is Christian. Until we become enlightened enough to offer universal health care to everyone then it is my duty, as a person of faith, to stand with those who struggle to maintain a dignified life. Jesus came to offer life to the full. That is why I'll continue to walk the picket line. Who is that man in the red shirt just in front of me? I think it is Jesus. So I guess I'm in the right place.