Union Occupies County Chambers

by Jeremy Morrison

It’s an interesting mix: the union and Occupiers. While their messages may dovetail, the group’s styles vary wildly.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t rain,” said Mike Lowery, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395.

“I need a shower!” called out a member of the Occupy contingent, putting a positive spin on the storm clouds hovering overhead.

The two groups converged on Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza Nov. 3 for a march down Palafox Street and into the Escambia County Commission chambers. The union welcomed the Occupy Pensacola contribution in its struggle toward a better deal for area transit employees.

“We’re hoping they’ll pay attention,” said Lowery, as he prepared to present commissioners with 5,000 signatures calling for the county to take over the transit system.

Currently, Escambia County Area Transit is managed by Veolia. Over the past couple of months, the French company and union employees have been hitting a brick wall at the negotiating table.

Lowery said he would like to either see the county take over management, or renegotiate the contract with another management company.

“They’re hands off,” he said of county officials. “And that’s not working.”

As they prepared to march, people took turns at a microphone rallying the crowd. A couple of the Occupy folks climbed up in nearby trees for a better view.

“It’s through marches and trumpets that the walls come tumbling down,” Nathan Monk led the group in a prayer.

Other speakers connected the transit employees’ struggles to the Civil Rights-era. County commission candidate Lumon May said, if elected, he would fight to keep money in the community, as opposed to sending it overseas with a multi-national management company.

Gary Rauen, international vice president of the transit union, told the crowd that the Commission would probably not allow them to applaud during the meeting. Then he told them to do it anyway.

“You do whatever you want to do,” Rauen said. “You do what’s from the heart.”

In a parade of chants, drums and banners, the group began their march. Afternoon sidewalk diners casually sipped their beer and watched the rally flow down the middle of Palafox.

The group paused outside the county building. They waved flags and signs and shouted by the fountain. Inside, a couple of security guards prepared to usher the rally through the metal detectors.

Once inside the chambers, the group found the Commission was indeed opposed to applause.

“We just don’t do that,” Commissioner Wilson Robertson scolded them. “If you continue to do that we’ll have you removed. We do not allow applause.”

One after another, union supporters took to the public forum podium to voice their concerns. Employees weren’t happy with the work environment. Riders weren’t satisfied with the service.

“I’m asking where’s the justice,” Rauen wrapped up the group’s argument.

Prohibited from applauding, members of the gallery took to wiggling their fingers in the air as a show of support. It’s an Occupy thing. It looks strange, but the commissioners seemed to enjoy it.

“I think the hand signs are very effective,” Commissioner Grover Robinson told the group.

Commissioners informed the union members that the county was financially strapped and not in a position to bolster bus service, and was currently evaluating its contract with Veolia.

Commissioner Gene Valentino also said that a regional mass transit system—one incorporating nearby counties—should be considered.
“Let’s talk about a mass transit system,” Valentino said. “It’s what the rest of the world is doing.”

The Commissioner added that such an operation would require a gas tax.

“Now, you gonna support a gas tax?” he asked.

Earlier, at the plaza, Lowery had said that supporting a gas tax would be the union’s next move. In the commission chambers, Rauen reaffirmed that to the board.

“Mr. Valentino,” he said. “We will absolutely support a gas tax.”