Shaun Richman

October 1, 2006July 17, 2023

Rally at Pace University for Union Rights

Two years ago, the bus drivers and mechanics at Pace University, – an institution that just gave its President David Caputo a $100,000
raise while doling out stingy “merit” increases of less than 3% to the staff – organized a union to win better pay and benefits. The University has refused to recognize and bargain with the union ever since.

On Friday, October 6th, 2006, Pace University will host an “employee recognition day” and a self-congratulatory “birthday celebration” for its 100th anniversary. Join New York State United Teachers, the NYC Central Labor Council and AFL-CIO on Friday, October 6th, 2006 at 2:00 for a solidarity rally in support of the bus drivers and mechanics at Pace University. Hold Pace accountable. Demand that they recognize the rights of their workers on this “employee recognition day.” Let them know that a legacy of union-busting is nothing worth celebrating.

Join us at 1 Pace Plaza at the corner of Park Row and Spruce Street, directly across the street from City Hall and immediately south of the
Brooklyn Bridge exit ramp in Manhattan.

September 30, 2006July 17, 2023

Still More Turkeys

I just got yet another $400 check from Mayor Mike to thank me, the Finance Commissioner says, “for keeping New York City strong during difficult times.”

Well, gosh, I try. But I’m still not voting Republican.

September 12, 2006July 17, 2023

Mall Strike!

For years I’ve wanted to picket a shopping mall. Low wages, tacky store names urban sprawl and poor design are the crimes that leap immediately to mind. Add union-busting to the mix. At the Simon mall chain, which owns the Walt Whitman, Smith Haven, Source and Roosevelt Field malls here on Long Island, the employees of the firms that are subcontracted to clean the malls are members of the janitors union, Local 32BJ – all except for the food court cleaners. Now they too are organizing to join the union and are facing the typical barrage of threats, harassment and intimidation. The federal government’s National Labor Relations Board has ruled that management’s activities are illegal Unfair Labor Practices, and on Friday the union will stage a one day strike to protest this illegal activity.

There will be a rally on Friday the 15th at 5:30 PM at the mall entrance at 630 Old Country Road in Garden City (right off the Meadowbrook Parkway). I’ll be there with bells on.

September 7, 2006July 17, 2023

Things Overheard on the First Day of College

1. “Dude, our dorm is, like, the loudest dorm on campus. We were playing Blink 182 really loud all night long.”

2. “Excuse me. Can you tell me where room L77 is?”

3. “So, my mom called me this morning at, like, a quarter to seven, and she’s like, ‘I just want to know how your first day of school was,’ and I was like, ‘Mom, give me some space.'” (Whining italicized.)

4. “Is room L77 in the basement?”

5. “They’re selling dorm posters by the bus stop. I got this cool ‘Scarface’ poster.” “Cool.”

6. “Are you looking for room L77, too?”

7. “Cute shoes. Are you a biology major?”

8. “If we can’t find room L77, does that mean that class is cancelled?”