Shipyard workers mobilize By Elizabeth Kenny
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD - Cheers erupted from the Union Hall lawn on Wednesday afternoon as nearly 100 shipyard employees pledged to demand that their elected officials preserve the rights of civilian workers at federal installations.
"This is my country, my shipyard, my future and your future, and you all need to get on the phone and let your freakin’ elected officials know that they work for us," John Joyal, a long-time shipyard employee, shouted to an emotional crowd.
Workers had gathered to educate themselves on the National Security Personnel System passed by Congress last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Union workers say the act calls for regulations that will strip all civilian federal employees of their basic rights.