Family and Friends of Deceased IBM Employees Hold Reflection and Memorial Service.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at 8:00am families and friends of IBM employees who have died of cancer held a brief memorial service and reflection. The short interfaith ceremony took place on the lawn in front of the Santa Clara courthouse at 1095 Homestead Road in Santa Clara.

The first civil trial charging IBM with liability for the cancer deaths
of its employees began at 8:30am that morning.

The event is sponsored by the Alliance@IBM/CWA (http://www.allianceibm.org),the national union for IBM employees and retirees, and the families and friends themselves, and will be conducted by a representative from the Interfaith Council for Social, Economic and Environmental Justice. Several friends, coworkers and attended the service to support the families.

Sammie Burch, an IBM retiree who has coordinated the attendees,
says, "This day brings hope to all of us, the families and friends that
have lost family members and coworkers. I myself have been to so many funerals of coworkers, all Cancer related. The youngest one was only 28 years old. All we can do is pray that this trial will bring out the truth and keep this from happening to other innocent people."

"IBM employees all across the country feel the loss of their coworkers
and friends," adds Linda Guyer, President of the Alliance@IBM/CWA. "We know that seeking justice from IBM can make you feel lonely and isolated,and we hope that this service will help our friends know that they are not alone."

For more information contact Joshua Sperry at the Alliance@IBM/CWA,
(408) 280-1285 email: jsperry@cwa9423.com