IAM Locals Join In Solidarity Rally
Portland, Connecticut
May 7, 2004

"We're here and we're not going away," declared IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Lynn D. Tucker Jr. to the crowd gathered in support of IAM members who have been out of work since August 2003, "We stand here today in solidarity, to show this company that when you attack one of us; you attack all of us," declared Tucker.

GVP Tucker came to join members and friends from across Connecticut and Rhode Island on the picket line in front of the Standard-Knapp company, whose workers are member of IAM Local 782/District 26.

Local 782 members have been out of work since the company forced a strike in August of 2003. The strike turned into a lock-out when the company refused an offer by the workers to return to work as they negotiated a new contract. As of this date Standard-Knapp has still refused to negotiate with the Union.

The 'Solidarity Rally' was organized by IAM Local 700, Middletown, CT, who hosted the event and provided food and refreshments.

"All the locals coming together is just great, the solidarity; words can't explain it, you just feel it," said Local 782 President William Quinn.

"Having (GVP) Lynn Tucker come was really something for the guys," said Quinn. "It just shows no matter how big or how small you are, we're all IAM family," he added.

"The solidarity of the membership is terrific," said District 26 Directing Business Representative Everett Corey. "After 9 months it's just astonishing, this is all about company greed and everyone knows it."

The spirit of the day was summed up when Local 700 President David Durbin said to President Quinn, "If there's anything you need, just ask, we're all here for you."