20 april 1968 & communications workers of america strike, day 3

#OTD 20 April 1968 The Communications Workers of America (CWA) were on the 3rd day of their strike against the C & P Telephone Company (930 H St, NW), part of a larger, national strike against the Bell Company. The pickets took place at the main C&P office and 200 other locations throughout the city.

The 11,000 union members, represented by the AFL-CIO, sought higher wages equal to the level of those paid in New York City. Charles Torongo, head of the DC area CWA bargaining committee, was prepared to hold out for this specific demand even if the national strike ended.

Pat Bendetti, a clerk, hung a sign from the local CWA office (917 G Pl, NW) that read:

"MR. BELL [BUYS] SPACE AGE EQUIPMENT BUT PAYS STONE AGE WAGES."

Your comments are welcome below. Do you, a family member or a neighbor recognize anyone in this photograph? Did you know Pat Bendetti? Charles Torongo? Did you, a family member or neighbor work at C&P Telephone Company? Were you a union member? Did you participate in the strike? Do you remember service disruption? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: Courtesy, Library of Congress, U.S. News & World Report 18 April 1968. LC-U9-18994. Photographer, MST.
Harriett Griffiths, "Phone Workers Strike But Calls Go Through," Evening Star 19 April 1968.
"CWA Board Is Called Here on Talks in Phone Walkout." Evening Star 21 April 1968.
"Phone Strike Continues," Evening Star 28 April 1968. Includes photo of office and sign.