On the Strike Line: Remembering Gerry Horgan

One longstanding tradition at CWA is wearing red on Thursdays. We do this not just to show our solidarity with one another but in honor of a very special man, CWA Local 1103 Chief Steward E. Gerald “Gerry” Horgan.

True to his nature, Gerry was a leader, fighting injustice and working for his union siblings. When the union went on strike in 1989 against the NYNEX Corporation, Gerry was on the picket line, encouraging others, running messages, and doing everything to make their strike a success. The corporation, however, hired scab workers to replace the strikers. Gerry was struck and killed by a scab worker who drove through the picket line.

Please click here to watch a video about that day and the impact of his loss.

Today, Gerry Horgan’s memory lives on. CWA Local 1103 continues to honor his memory with an annual memorial service held at their union hall, renamed in Gerry’s honor. Though few people remain who knew Gerry personally, the Local takes great pride in educating new members, whether from his particular unit or not, on the life and death of this hero. Said current CWA Local 1103 President Kevin Sheil, “It wasn't just his sacrifice that is his story. Gerry was a United States Marine, a volunteer fireman, and a mountain rescue team member. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. He was an up-and-coming labor leader. To the members, he was the union. Gerry is gone, but he is never forgotten.”

This year, August 15 will mark the 35th anniversary of Gerry Horgan’s sacrifice.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.