Women Fight Back At Annual Solidarity Breakfast

The event was led off by keynote Marisa DeFranco, a candidate for U.S. Senate, who shared stories about her family's experience in unions and her dedication to fighting for working people, immigrants, and women.

Then Mary Rosales, an activist with Lynn United for Change and UAW 1730 member, shared her story of fighting against GMAC Mortgage and Fannie Mae to keep her home despite their attempts to foreclose and evict. "I'm nervous speaking in front of so many people," she said, "but I was much more nervous when I thought I would lose my home." With the solidarity and support from Lynn United for Change, Mary was able to keep her home for herself and her four children.

Digna Martinez, a member of SEIU 615 and a cleaner a GE, then told her story of leading the fight to unionize Complete Cleaners, the company she works for. She said that her husband didn't want her to fight for the union because he was worried she's be fired, but she said, "I knew if I didn't fight, then I didn't want to have the job." The workers at Complete are still fighting for union recognition. Next, Shiela McGillicuddy, a Verizon Worker, gave a call to action for all of us to continue to put pressure on Verizon to give the workers there the fair contract they deserve.

Towards the end of the morning, each table created a protest sign or two to carry down to the Women's March at Occupy Boston the next day. The signs said, 'Stop Injustice at Logan Airport,' Keep up the Fight!' and 'Why is your 1% more than our 99%?'

Rachel Tose created Occupy tents for our centrepieces