Dave Newman was a frame worker for the New York Telephone Company and a member of Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 1101. His clash with the CWA leadership, and especially the administration of local president Ricky Carnivale led to a major legal struggle.
In 1975, Newman was elected as a CWA, Local 1101 steward by the workers at 104 Broad Street. Following his criticism of the CWA leadership in his regular column for the rank-and-file publication Broad Street News, he was removed from office by the Local Executive Board in December 1976. A protracted legal battle ensued, and Newman was eventually reinstated, on free speech grounds, by a court order in 1979.
Newman later ran for election as business agent for the Southern Division of CWA Local 1101, and although his campaign was unsuccessful, he was able to mobilize a rank and file movement within the Local.
From the guide to the Communications Workers of America, Local 1101: Dave Newman Files, 1972-1979, (Tamiment Library / Wagner Archives)
