Verizon workers paused on the picket lines at noon on Monday to observe a moment of silence for Gerry Horgan, an employee who died during the 1989 strike. Picketers throughout the northeast marked the 22nd anniversary of his death. According to the Communications Workers of America (CWA), a vehicle hit Horgan, a CWA member, while he was picketing. Several hundred striking workers were expected to gather in Valhalla for a wreath laying ceremony at his gravesite.
Meanwhile talks between and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the unions representing the striking workers, continue in Rye and Philadelphia. According to Verizon spokesman John Bonomo there is no progress to report. 45,000 landline workers walked off the job on Sunday, August 6.
About 50 picketers, who were walking in front of the Verizon Wireless Store on Route 59 in Nanuet, joined in the commemoration. Local 1107 Business Agent Dan Caprara said the workers move between two locations in Nanuet.
“In the morning we congregate at the Nanuet garage,” said Caprara. “We make our way here when the store opens at 9:30, 10.”
