Why We Wear Red: Remembering Gerry Horgan

Gerry Horgan, a Chief Steward for CWA Local 1103, was a "natural born leader" in Westchester County. He was on the front lines of the 1989 NYNEX strike, fighting for a fair contract that would protect workers' healthcare.

Thirty-four years ago today, when the strike was just two weeks old, Gerry was struck by a car and killed by a scab worker who drove through the picket line.

On the day of his funeral, thousands of CWAers wearing red lined the streets for a mile along the route to the church - one member later referred to the sight as "a red wall of people lining the way".

Since 1989, CWA members continue to show their solidarity and honor Gerry's memory and his sacrifice by wearing red on Thursdays - a custom that has been adopted by CWAers across the country.

Click here to learn more about Gerry, the 1989 NYNEX strike, and about why we wear red.