It has been a tradition of IBEW 2222 to wear red on Thursdays as a sign of solidarity. But like all attempts to show strength, if they fail they can show weakness.

These days it seems as if some members wear red on Thursdays and some members don’t. Maybe some think it’s silly or unimportant.

To those members, let us remind you of where the tradition began, and why we continue it today.

In 1989 the IBEW and CWA held a 16 week strike in order to maintain the health benefits that we all enjoy today. During that strike many people made sacrifices, but two members, Buzzy Farren from IBEW 2222 and Gerry Horgan from CWA 1103 sacrificed their lives. Both were killed during the strike, and IBEW & CWA began to wear red, symbolizing the blood that was shed in our struggle.

This responsibility of wearing red on Thursdays should not be taken lightly. It is our way of showing our solidarity, and it is our way to show that we do not and will not forget our brothers. They laid down their lives for us – the least we can do is remember them by wearing red on Thursdays.

So let’s hold each other accountable.
This should not be considered optional.

WE WEAR RED ON THURSDAYS