On the morning of April 15, hundreds of members from dozens of unions gathered in Hollywood and began marching 28 miles to San Pedro. The 3-day pilgrimage built unprecedented support for 350,000 workers across L.A. County who will negotiate new contracts during 2008. Greyhound workers will not be at the bargaining table this year, but ATU Local 1700 members were involved at every step of the way.

Steward Leonard Weaver said the march showed that people “of all backgrounds can come together and work for the benefit of the working class of America.”

Weaver said a rally by the janitors’ union reminded him of a famous 1968 strike the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was supporting when he was killed. “It reminded me of the garbage workers in Memphis 40 years ago, where people you don’t normally see were getting together for a new contract.”

Sindy Vasquez said she marched to represent all the women drivers of Greyhound. “We all want the same thing – to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Vasquez, who drove for Los Angeles’ old Rapid Transit District for 12 years before coming to work for Greyhound seven years ago, said Local 1700 members must support other unions if we want them to support us when we are in a contract fight. “We have to stand together as one.”

William Griggs was impressed by rallies of day-laborers and healthcare workers, as well as the final event on the docks that drew thousands of rank-and-file unionists. “Unions are coming together for better pay, better benefits, and better lives for our families,” said Griggs, a 5-year veteran of Greyhound who previously worked as a Teamster for 10 years.

Walking for three days with members of other unions gave Donald Davis a better appreciation of their demands. “This is a great showing,” the 11-year veteran said, looking out at the sea of union banners and picket signs along the San Pedro waterfront. “It makes you proud to be a part of this.”

“If you ask me,” said retiree John Moreno, “this is pretty good support.” Moreno walked strike lines twice – in 1983 and ’90 – during more than 30 years of driving for Greyhound. His message to Local 1700 members today: “Stick together.”

Driver John McQuaid also marched on Day One.

Local 1700 members Sindy Vasquez, Leonard Weaver, John Moreno, William Griggs and Donald Davis (top) join thousands of Los Angeles union members on the San Pedro waterfront on April 17 to cap the Hollywood to the Docks march.