'Stop the Presses' strike event raises $2,500-plus and lots of solidarity

On the first day of the Post-Gazette strike, Chris Copen, owner of Bottlerocket Social Club, offered his venue to the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh as a location for a strike fundraiser.

On day 16 of the strike, the event — Stop the Presses: A PG Strike Fundraiser — took place and brought in thousands of dollars to the Pittsburgh Striker Fund.

Near the end of the night of musical acts, a DJ set, speeches from striking staffers and hours of dancing and joyous solidarity, Copen stood outside of his bar in Allentown and said of the fundraiser that he was “happy to do it.”

Inside, more than 100 people attended and more than $2,500 was raised for the strike fund.

“There is no Post-Gazette without its union journalists,” said striking copy editor/page designer Natalie Duleba, who spoke between musical acts. “If there was any doubt of the commitment we have to the Post-Gazette, this strike is proof.”

Photojournalist Steve Mellon gives a speech before introducing Andre Costello & Forestry Division on Wednesday, Nov. 2, during a fundraiser for striking Post-Gazette workers at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood. “You don’t get too many opportunities in life to be a part of something extraordinary,” Mellon said about being a part of the strike. “Folks, this is one of those opportunities.” (Emmalee Reed/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

Striking photographer Steve Mellon and Guild President Zack Tanner also spoke.

“There have been over 120 workers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who have stood up and said, ‘I am not going to take this bad treatment anymore,’” Tanner said.

Family, friends and other supporters of strikers crowded the bar and dance floor, making donations and cheering on strikers. Attendees could buy special drinks, such as the Morning Post and the Evening Post.

Kingly Spirits, a Strip District distillery, donated a percentage of purchases during the fundraiser to the striker fund.

East Liberty’s Rory Mendat, a member of the Socialist Alternative political party, said members “are always standing in support of striking workers and in solidarity with all workers.”

“I’m always down to support workers rights,” said Downtown resident Tanner Sievert, who is also a big fan of the disco ball in Bottlerocket.

Rock acts Chet Vincent, as well as Andre Costello & Forestry Division, graced the Bottlerocket stage, as did soul-funk singer Kenny Stockard, with whom striking news assistant Rick Nowlin jammed, killing it on the saxophone.

The DJ duo Jellyfish closed the evening with an electronic dance set, as a fog machine turned the dance floor into a haze of boogie down solidarity.