Religious Leaders Call for Justice at Comcast

May 22, 2006

Religious leaders, accompanied by a gospel choir, joined unionists on the eve of Comcast's annual shareholder meeting in Philadelphia at a vigil to support the right of workers to organize. The cable giant, called the "Wal-Mart of the telecommunications industry," has a long history of obstructing organizing campaigns and bargaining over contracts.

Third District Vice President Don Siegel represented the IBEW at the vigil, held May 17, with Gina Cooper, International Representative, IBEW Telecommunications Department.

Rev. Jack O'Malley, representing the Western Pennsylvania Labor Religion Coalition, recounted the experience of religious leaders who met with Comcast executives in April, asking them to amend Comcast's Code of Ethics to affirm the right of freedom of association in the workplace.  After Comcast said that they were not interested in any further meetings with the group, it only strengthened the resolve of clergy to organize more support among their peers for Comcast's workers, says O'Malley.

An appeal signed by over 100 religious leaders, representing groups including the Jewish Labor Committee, the National Catholic Peace Movement and United Church of Christ's Justice and Witness Ministries was circulated at the vigil.  The document calls upon Comcast to clarify its code of ethics which calls for "understanding and conforming to laws, customs...and human values."

"We believe that it is not enough for Comcast to say that it conforms to law, when this country's federal labor law allows the company a wide range of options to negate the spirit of the law," says the appeal.  "In fact, the 'custom' within the business community in the United States is to aggressively discourage freedom of association in the workplace."

Participants in the vigil joined in a "Litany for Workplace Fairness at Comcast," calling upon Comcast's Senior Vice President for Human Resources, Charisse Lillie, to resume the company's dialogue with religious leaders. "For Comcast workers who have lost all hope of obtaining union representation," repeated those assembled, "Lord hear our prayer."

Larry Ihfe, president of CWA Local 6150, spoke about the struggle of Comcast workers from Farmers Branch, Texas who voted in favor of CWA representation last June, only to see Comcast stonewall the local in first contract negotiations.  "Comcast is a repeat offender, but there doesn't seem to be a penalty for ignoring the law," says Ihfe.

Richard Womack, representing the AFL-CIO, denounced the firing of Will Goodo, a 10-year Comcast employee and Navy veteran who was fired by Comcast earlier this year.  Goodo's offense was testifying before the Oakland, Calif. City Council about the fight for workers rights at Comcast.

"We are grateful for the support of the religious community for workers at Comcast," says President Edwin D. Hill.  "Comcast's opposition to the rights of workers to organize affronts all who believe that moral principles should guide our professional lives."