By Gary Glennell Toms
Marvin Billups, a construction foreman
with IBEW Local 3, spoke at a Harlem Community Board 10 meeting several weeks
ago and alleged that Charter Communications, Inc, was engaging in questionable
business practices that could place Spectrum customers in jeopardy.
In addition, Billups claimed that
Spectrum is hiring technicians from Texas and other states to replace those on
strike, which is illegal, and claims to have irrefutable proof.
"If these things weren't bad enough, New York State Attorney General Eric
Schneiderman has a class-action suit pending against Spectrum for failing to
provide high-speed service as advertised," said Billups.
On July 18, the National
Action Network (NAN), in partnership with Spectrum, hosted a conversation
about technology for economic mobility and social change. The two partnered on
NAN’s Harlem Learning Lab, a free community
source for students and seniors with courses in web design, graphic design,
digital literacy and networking, among other digitally-focused programs.
According to NAN, technology has become
a leading focus of its national platform and believes that ending the digital
divide is a crucial part of the modern civil rights platform. Attendees
included New York State Senator Brian Benjamin, Majora Carter, CEO of StartUp
Box, and Camille Joseph, Charter Communications, Inc.
Billups and members of IBEW Local 3 also attended the meeting, which was held at NAN's national headquarters in Harlem. Billups voiced his concerns and questioned Charter Communications representative Camile Joseph about statistical data that was released by the company.
"We didn't show up with the
intention of being disruptive, as some assumed. We just wanted to ask questions
and have the community hear our side of the story. Period. I asked Ms. Joseph a
question that she couldn't answer or was uncomfortable with, and that was clear
to everyone in attendance," Billups said.
The strike has entered its fourth month,
and the situation has reached critical mass for many walking the picket line.
"City marshals recently evicted one of the strikers and his family, and
another man, who's dealing with a serious medical issue, is on the verge of
losing his medical coverage," said the foreman.
"We just want Spectrum and those
involved in the negotiations to do the right thing. I've given 29 years of my
life, and those on strike have devoted just as much time. Their reward? Some have been forced
to go on food stamps just to feed their families. It's not right. All we want
is to have this resolved as quickly as possible. We just want to go back to
work."
On July 27, Mayor Bill de Blasio released the following statement via Twitter:
"This administration is concerned that Charter Communications may not be taking its franchise agreement with the city seriously. We have no choice but to conduct an audit to guarantee that Charter is in compliance, particularly with worker's rights provisions."
Related stories:
No comments:
Post a Comment