August 11, 2010: They work side-by-side with Teamster movers who make a living wage and get decent benefits. But some workers at ATM Enterprises are making $8 an hour with no healthcare.

On July 19, more than 40 workers at ATM Enterprises and a related company, Trucking Office Products System, dropped their dollies and picked up picket signs—to transform these poverty-wage jobs into decent jobs with a living wage.

ATM workers voted to join Teamsters Local 814 in June. Their strike has been supported by area locals and New York Joint Council 16.

“They work at the same location. They help move the same furniture,” said Frank Rotundo, a mover at Trucking Office Products System who’s been on strike since July 19. “But ATM apparently wants to keep some workers at poverty pay and pocket the difference for itself. That’s not America.”