DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts expresses support for “Occupy Wall Street” protestors in light of 700+ layoffs at NYC’s Department of Education

“From Madison, Wisconsin to Ohio, from Florida to California and right here in New York, public workers and all workers have begun to fight back against cuts to wages, benefits, jobs and services.

“They are standing up against the Wall Street-style corporate greed that destroys communities nationwide and deprives students of educational opportunities and future employment. These actions have resulted in the foreclosure on the homes of many working people and increased homelessness, while also forcing many to forgo or delay retirement.

“Just this week, more than 700 low-paid DC 37 members, mainly workers of color at the NYC Dept. of Education, will lose their jobs while wealthy private contractors will continue receiving millions of dollars in payments from New York City and the DOE. The ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protestors have said enough is enough, stop the destructive corporate greed. We couldn’t agree more.”

District Council 37 is New York City’s largest public employee union, with 125,000 members and 50,000 retirees.