REPRESSION VS. APATHY

Warning: Graphic Images of Violence

Two Photos to consider:

Police presence at the Homesteaders Strike, 7/6/1892

Police presence at a peaceful Walmart strike and protest, 10/4/2012

120 years of progress, and we still have armed forces marching on our workers. If you speak to non-union or anti-union folks, you will hear some nonsense about how Unions have out lived their usefulness. They will tell you we needed Unions 100 years ago, but we have laws now to protect us. This misbegotten belief fails to understand the underlying force Unions exist to fight: greed. Greed ships jobs over seas to cut labor costs, but you'll never see the price of the product go down. Greed cuts safety corners to save money, and greed ramps up unsustainable production requirements, so greed injures and kills workers. Greed tries to scare us all back in line, and failing to do so with normal job threatening will literally call out the police. And not just to scare us, but at points, attack:

Police and Strikers clash in Minneapolis, 5/16/1934

South African Police kill striking Miners, 8/16/2012

Labor History is punctuated with this style of violence and intimidation. The Occupy protests regularly produced images of peaceful protests being "kettled" or pepper sprayed. Currently in Wisconsin, The First Amendment is under attack by laws banning the carrying or posting of protest signs in the Capital Rotunda, and citations are being delivered to Patriots who challenge this law at work!

Intimidation has long been used by the empowered to control our attempts to pursue justice, both economic and social. Suppression tactics have long been successfull in keeping certain populations from voting. African-American voters and their supporters were met with brutal assaults during the Civil Rights Fights to gain equality and protect their rights to vote. When threats failed, violence followed:

The bodies of Schwerner, Chaney and Goodman, murdered by KKK members, 7/21/1964

But here's the thing. It didn't stop anybody:

African Americans lining up to vote in 1964

And when people have lived under repression and violence, the oppportunity to have a voice calls them action, no matter where you live or who you are:

Afghan women lining up to vote in Kabul, 10/4/2004

Our history shows, time and again, that violence and suppression may slow people down, but it rarely stops us. When the state deploys its muscle, the people stand fast.

Where violence works to slow progress, apathy simply eats away its core. Many workers today, Union Workers, have little appreciation for what efforts were required to win things we take for granted. Basic Safety in the workplace, like vents and fire escapes, became required after young women burned to death in textile mills, or died of lung cancer in their 20's. To suppress a miners' strike for the 40 hour work week, Colorado National Guard was dispatched and they murdered 11 women and children. People died or were murdered for fire escapes and the weekend.

But it is the apathy that threatens to do what force could not. Led to believe their vote does not count, 65% of Utahns do not vote. Led to believe there is no option other than the boss's declaration, many Union Workers attack their shop stewards, instead of joining in the defene of their work place agreements. Or worse, these workers are willing to allow the bosses ignore our contracts so they can get some personal benefit: going home early, or calling in sick once a week.

As apathy and selfishness consume our weaker members, greed and selfishness consume our "job creators." Failing to understand that reducing wages for public employees just means putting them on assistance programs or consigning them to a life of poverty, many misled citizens attack the Unions as the Unions protect the Middle Class.

On a national level, one Presidential candidate has been openly campaigning about rolling back Union protections! Watch the short version here, and the full version here (mainly running from 14:45-17:20, and 21:30-21:55.) Enacting national Right-to-Work-For-Less laws, repealing Davis Bacon, ending Project Labor Agreements (PLA's) and so-called Paycheck Protection: banning automatic dues check-off (paying your dues automatically through a pay roll deduction.) Despite the attitude of the apathetic worker, the actions of the Monied Interests sure suggest Unions still play a major role in preventing the most egregious actions of greed. As Union membership has declined, so to have the take home wages of the American Middle Class. But even more telling, as productivity levels go up, and lacking any Union protections, most of the money created by our labors is not going to us. Inequality is growing at an alarming rate. In fact, since 1979, only the top 20% of income levels have seen positive economic growth. Wealth created by the booming production levels of the other 80% of Americans. That there is real wealth redistribution.

It is almost enough to make even the toughest Union Thug cry.

And where do we find today's most notable source for inspiration: Walmart. Walmart, who threatens to close any store that Unionizes. Walmart, who places security cameras around their stores, not for preventing theft or violence, but to catch Union Organizers. Walmart, who has driven manufacturing jobs over sees to cut costs without ever passing the savings on to you.

Faced with having their work site close up, 70 workers at nine different locations have struck Walmart. Walmart prides itself on its low prices, but it does this with starvation wages and passing the costs of insurance to tax payers. All the while the Walton Family (Walmart Heirs) enjoy unimaginable wealth. The money could go to workers, but the workers are afraid to stand up because of what they might lose: a job that does not even pay enough to afford food. God bless 'em and good luck, because we have two clear choices in this day and age:

Food Stamp Recipients lining up outside of Walmart just before their benefits reset at midnight

OR

Striking Walmart Workers walking the picket line

 

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Lesson One: SOLIDARITY

There has been some lamenting within the Left following our trouncing in Wisconsin.  We picked a fight and we got beat; it happens.  A number of Lefties have expectations of what Labor can do, how Labor should do it, and yet have no experience in Labor.  This is evident in a number of good writings (TheNation, LBO, The Progressive, Andy Kroll) and is brilliantly summed up by our friend at Streetheat.  This tells me there are some things we need to remember about Organized Labor.  So let us start with the most basic of basics:

Lesson One: SOLIDARITY - An injury to one is an injury to all

The International Workers of the World (aka the Wobblies) slogan, "An injury to one is an injury to all," sums up our lot.  When trying to organize into a Union, 1 in 17 campaigns will see the termination of key players.  They aren't fired for poor performance, they are sacked for trying to Organize.  Not only is this illegal, as you have a Constitutional Right to freedom of association, which includes Organizing, but it is really effective at killing an Organizing Drive.  If the remaining workers become afraid, then the cause is lost.  However, if they see the intimidation for what it is, pull together and support the fired activists, and dig in deeper, then the Union Spirit is alive and kicking.

Supporting your fellow worker is the crux of Collective Bargaining.  We are all in this together, we all benefit from our joint efforts.  We stand united or fall divided.  Use your own cliche, but it is all the same idea: we either defend each other or we don't.  When my shop has a termination to make a point and create fear, we collect cash to help the worker.  I encourage my fellow workers to give the money they'd like to receive.  I do this for two reasons: first, the Golden Rule is always applicable.  Second, the reality is that the bosses could have fired any one of us, they don't care.  It's not about performance, it's about creating fear.

In reality, as adults we must use the same strategies we used as kids on the playground, for the same reasons, really.  Bullies are so common in the workplace that some anti-bullying organizations report as many as half of America's workers are being bullied or have witnessed it.  When we stand silent in those moments, we give our consent to that behavior.  That evil triumphs when we say nothing.  It doesn't need to be that way.

The Strength of Solidarity


A series of clips on YouTube from a former Union-buster outlines the power of Solidarity.  The fact is that in every successful organizing campaign, it is the Solidarity that keeps the organizing workers strong and united.  Solidarity is the Faith of the Church of Union.  Without it, no existing Union shop can survive any concerted challenge.  With it, any unorganized work place can raise themselves to the Promised Land of Collective Bargaining.

One of our Pledges as Teamsters is to treat every Brother or Sister with compassion.  To put ourselves in their shoes before we react or judge.  This is critical because that simple exercise derails the knee-jerk reaction that erodes Solidarity.  Our older fellow workers don't move as fast we they once did.  Our Sisters often times face subtle (or alarmingly obvious) forms of harassment at the hands of management (or sometimes us) and that will impact their job performance and their personal life.  Fellow workers of color, or of the LGBT community, or of a different religion, or whose native language is not English, are all easily labeled as "different."  And different is the foundation for division.  It takes an intentional effort to step over this foundation of division and not get tripped up, but it is worth it.

When standing together, there is very little we, as workers, cannot achieve.  A recent organizing campaign in the Florida Corrections System by the Teamsters is a brilliant example.  Months of heavy lifting, overcoming barriers ranging from the usual problems, to logistical difficulties like shifts running 24/7 across an entire state, generated the victory of over 18,000 new Teamsters.  As soon as the vote was counted, the Governor and his anti-Union Legislative buddies immediately set about privatizing the Correctional System.  The machine was in place and just kept humming.  The privatization attempts were beaten as well.

The End Goal


There is nothing more to Solidarity than demanding both our fair share and our due respect.  Wages, health care and a comfortable retirement are examples of what we are due in return for our labors.  The freedom to lead a dignified life, and the respect inherent in simple issues like safety and civility, should not require some legally binding contract to secure.  But the fact is, they do in many work sites.  The recent attacks on Unions and America's Middle Class make it quite clear that not only is there a class of people who would prefer to see us broke and broken, but they won't afford us the simple respect of allowing us a say in our communities.  That's pretty cheap.

In the end, the fight is over power, and their money is very powerful.  But so is our Solidarity.  It is now, has been, and forever shall be, the one weapon in our arsenal that can overcome the money, the lies, the fear and whatever else the power hungry throw at us.  So stand tall, fellow workers, and stand together.

And here is a video I think speaks to the same end: Man on Fire by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes.  It ends in a alley, what can I say?

A Little PAC flak:

I've been a little busy with the kittens as of late. I know, there should always be time for fightin'!

I'm reposting (with permission) an e-mail my friend and our Local's Recording Secretary sent back in response to an donation request for Mitt Romney.  Our hero lives in Utah County, which is the reddest of the red, politically.  I've added some links in case not every one is familiar with Labor Lingo (and some free advertising).  Also I included our PAC link so you can help fight on the political front.

Mr. Keegan;
Normally I would just unsubscribe from you and and your organization's email list. But as I mowed my lawn today with my American made Toro lawn mower, wearing my American made Red Wing boots, and my my union made denims, socks, underwear, and shirt it occurred to me you deserve a response to your "idiotic" accusation.                                                                          

I live in the most Republican County in the most Republican state in the nation. (Both are named Utah). I work for a company that is being "vulture capitalized" (Bain Capital)  by a few investment groups. Maybe you've heard of "Hostess Brands." That's right, we make and I deliver "Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake." We (Hostess) are in our second Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in the last 8 years. I have been sent a W.A.R.N. notice. If you don't know what that is, Goggle it. Bottom line is that at the very least I can expect a pay cut if Hostess survives, and most likely will be out of work before the election in November. I have 24 years in with this company and am 58 years old. My retirement has been frozen (I need 6 months to qualify for early retirement) because Hostess just arbitrarily quit making their contracted contributions. How much of a chance do you think I'll have finding work? My age and past union activism are certainly not resume builders in a "Right to Work for Less" state like Utah! 

Everyday as I drive the 10 or so miles back and forth to depot to do my 10 to 14 hour a day job, I get the finger at least 3 or 4 times because of my Obama/Biden sticker. I am a proud Teamster and currently serve my Local's membership as both a Shop Steward and the Recording Secretary. I contribute $7.00 weekly to our D.R.I.V.E. Political Action Committee. Since you are so sure I need to support your PAC, how about you supporting mine? Our PAC has already come out in support of the President. Even though it stands for Democratic Republican Independent Voter Education, DRIVE supports those who support key labor issues. (Guess who gets the lion's share of our contributions). In conclusion, an accusatory tone doesn't work well with me. Especially when you have no idea what my situation is or views are. It kind of sounds like a Tea Party type assumption on your part. The old: my way or no way. 

The bottom line is this: just because my personal financial situation makes me unable to contribute to "Liberal Organizations" as I have when times were better, does not make me the enemy. There are ways to support the President and liberal causes other than with "the Almighty Dollar".
                                                                                                                               
I'm sure as a member of the 1% you'll never even see this;
                                                                                                                                                    
But as member of the 99%, I sure feel better;
                                                                                                                                                                                   All do respect; 

"Honorary Alley Cat"

Well said, Brother.

Not So Smart, ALEC

The American Legislative Exchange Council, ALEC, has put the Kibosh on Utah's raging progressive movement's attempt to hold a simultaneous event during ALEC's 39th Convention in Salt Lake City at the end of July.  You know, Utah, that bastion of liberalism?

An attempt to rent space in the same hotel as ALEC ran contrary to ALEC's idea of proper decorum, I guess.
 
It is interesting to note that the the L in ALEC does stand for Legislative.  That would be the governing body comprised of people elected by The People to do The People's Business.  But The People are officially not invited.  ALEC keeps in its hotel contract the power to chose who does and does not get to rent space during an ALEC Convention.  They must fear someone might shine too much light in their direction.  Do you know who else scurries away from a little light?  Cockroaches.  Cockroaches, unlike ALEC, are actually quite useful to the working men and women of America.  A quality rubber cockroach can be deployed during a meal at a restaurant to quickly settle the bill in your favor.

Utah may not be the welcoming destination point the Council had hoped.  School Vouchers, a pet project of ALEC, was passed in Utah in the 2007 Legislative Sessions.  It was so unpopular among Utahns that it was repealed via referendum that November.

In 2011, a bill (HB477) limiting the ability of citizens and the media to access government records created such an uproar that it was repealed after a mere two weeks of public fury.

In this year's Utah Legislative session, a bill banning sex-ed in public schools again ignited the scorn of the general population, and languished on Governor Herbert's desk, only to be vetoed as soon as the state's delegate selecting caucuses were settled in a decidedly non-Tea Party way.  While Senator Hatch, the intended target of Tea Party agents, is no wine sipping liberal, he's no tea drinker either (his LDS religion eschews both alcohol and caffeine.)  Having seen Hatch's moderates carry the day, the Governor immediately vetoed the bill, much to the dismay of our ultra-conservative Eagle Forum.

No, ALEC has chosen to visit Utah at a weird time for us, politically.  As a state we may trend heavily conservative in our voting records, Salt Lake City itself is a stubborn little enclave of progressive folks.  Our Mayors are Liberal.  Our gays are gayer.  We pride ourselves on really good local beers (too many to link to, trust me, you can't go wrong.)  And ALEC is coming to our town.  But they don't want to have anything to do with us.  And, ironically, we've sent most of their darlings packing in our latest GOP Convention.

So, I guess we'll just have to exercise our constitutional rights and go downtown to make a little noise.

Wailing Away, Way out West, Over Wisconsin

This Runnin' Ute don't truck with that Badger Walker.
Wisconsin Governor Walker is nothing more than an over glorified Union buster with really, really, really rich friends. Out here in Utah, Wisconsin's problems might seem distant, but they aren't. Nor are they insignificant.
Wisconsin is a Union state while Utah is right-to-work. RTW weakens Unions immensely. So much so that RTW states are basically little ships of workers moored to the Union states. Our benefits and wage scales are as strong as they are because our neighboring states are fortified by Unions. Non-Union workers get their wage scales and benefits in RTW states based on competing with Union workers. Every worker benefits from strong Unions in states like Wisconsin. (National RTW groups call them "Forces-Unionism" states.)
So why, then, is Walker's recall so necessary? When an aggressive anti-Union campaign is piloted by a Governor, but clearly funded by Industrial Barons (Koch Brothers), on a statewide level, with more Governors and more Barons watching closely, you must understand that our moorings are being hacked away. Without Union states, workers in RTW states will suffer.
It will be a helluva lot easier to defend our territory than it will be to recapture. As a stunningly inspirational US Marine told a room full of Teamsters at the UNITY Conference: we only fight for a position once, we never give it up.
What is at stake? Here's a list, you'll find the best parts of your life are on this list.
(I especially like #2 because the first Teamster Strike was over the right to take a break AND FEED THE HORSE!)
As for Wisconsin, God Speed, Badgers, you're fighting for everybody today (well, 99% anyway)


http://www.unionplus.org/about/labor-unions/36-reasons-thank-union

An Introduction

An Introduction:

A local voice caterwauling Union Ideals in the anti-Union wilderness of Utah.
If the squeaky wheel gets the grease, then I'll be one tough cat to grab.

I start this blog to add a voice supporting Unions.  The anti-Union forces are loud, well financed, and have television networks.  And one House in Congress.  And it would appear several Justices on the Supreme Court.  And a large stable of Governors.

Generally speaking, I will be responding to local Op-ed pieces in the paper, or timely discussions in my communities: Labor in general, and Utah.  This is also a great forum to announce and support events and causes.

I have always thought the most universally applicable solutions to social, civil and poverty-oriented problems have been through Unions.  Unions were promoting racial unity before it was cool.  Unions demanded equal pay for women doing equal work in the middle of the 20th Century.  In Utah today, the gender-pay gap has women earning $0.76 to a man's dollar.  In Union shops, everybody with comparable seniority earns the same wage.  Equity is equity, and what used to be a call for racial or gender equity is now a call for civil equity of the LGBTQ community.  Unions still offer the best pay, the best health insurance and the best retirement plans (we have pensions.)  Unions should appeal to people on all points on the political spectrum: from the most liberal because we take care of those in need of support; to the most conservative because we provide any Union worker the means to provide for him or herself and family without relying on Government assistance.  Unions have been doing this kind of work for more than 100 years, and yet it was the Unions the joined the Occupy Movement.

So, I lend my voice (if anybody is listening)
B3