New Member Alert! Communication Service for the Deaf Workers Fight So That Every Worker Has Dignity in the Workplace

Workers from the Communication Service for the Deaf in Syracuse, NY voted last week by a supermajority count of 34-0 to join CWA Local 1123!

The workers, who are Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Operators, provide 711 relay services for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community. Mass layoffs in a different division of the company motivated them to organize and seek membership with CWA. With many workers making $15 per hour or less, they’re also seeking to make improvements to salaries and working conditions.

“Every worker deserves a living wage and dignity in their workplace, through the power of collective bargaining and the support of our union families,” said Katelyn Evans, speaking at a Labor Day event at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. “This unionizing process has let me see that advocacy and fighting for what’s right is really something that motivates me and empowers me and makes me excited and passionate.”