Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Union Members Should Organize
Many union members agree with the criticisms of what the union leadership is and isn't doing, including in relatin to the ILWU struggle. Now it's necessary to organize to force a change in the unions.
Report from Seattle
I was in Seattle recently for the James Hightower "Rolling Thunder" event. While there, I had a chance to talk with some ILWU members. They agreed with a leaflet I was handing out from "Labor's Militant Voice" which criticized the approach of the unnion leadership. The leaflet pointed out the seriousness of the attacks and how this apporach of the union leadership (concessions, commitment not to defy any union busting laws or court orders, reliance on the few remaining liberal Democrats) has lead to defeat after defeat in the past and is bound to do the same in this situation.
Where these brothers differed was on the issue of organizing and speaking up to oppose these policies. They felt that unity in the face of these attacks was necessary. "Yes," I said, "unity is necessary, but unity for what?"
It is clear that the leadership will not change these policies on their own. So unity means, in effect, unity based on whatever the present leadership says and does. This is a recipe for continued defeats. Where and how will this end? How will this process be reversed.
I think it is vitally necessary for the rank and file to organize to fight for a different approach within the unions. It is necessary to form groups, caucuses, within the different unions and to link up across unions. We should start with some fundamental principles: fight for higher wages (at least a $5.00 per hour increase) and better conditions and a shorter work week, starting with whatever contract is up for renewal, with the pledge to use this contract battle to build a movement for all workers. Organize and prepare to openly defy back to work orders and other court injunctions. Physically prevent any struck work place from operating - build mass pickets and workplace occupations to keep out scabs. No reliance on the Democrats.
These should be a few general starting points which should be applied in the specific situations. I think that in these negotiations of the ILWU it is vitally important for Longshoremen to organize to fight for this within their union and within the labor movement as a whole.
I think that there are many union members in different unions who would be very enthusiastic about this. I personally know some.
John Reimann
expelled member, carpenters Local 713
PS. For those interested, I urge you to check out http://www.LaborsMilitantVoice.com
I was in Seattle recently for the James Hightower "Rolling Thunder" event. While there, I had a chance to talk with some ILWU members. They agreed with a leaflet I was handing out from "Labor's Militant Voice" which criticized the approach of the unnion leadership. The leaflet pointed out the seriousness of the attacks and how this apporach of the union leadership (concessions, commitment not to defy any union busting laws or court orders, reliance on the few remaining liberal Democrats) has lead to defeat after defeat in the past and is bound to do the same in this situation.
Where these brothers differed was on the issue of organizing and speaking up to oppose these policies. They felt that unity in the face of these attacks was necessary. "Yes," I said, "unity is necessary, but unity for what?"
It is clear that the leadership will not change these policies on their own. So unity means, in effect, unity based on whatever the present leadership says and does. This is a recipe for continued defeats. Where and how will this end? How will this process be reversed.
I think it is vitally necessary for the rank and file to organize to fight for a different approach within the unions. It is necessary to form groups, caucuses, within the different unions and to link up across unions. We should start with some fundamental principles: fight for higher wages (at least a $5.00 per hour increase) and better conditions and a shorter work week, starting with whatever contract is up for renewal, with the pledge to use this contract battle to build a movement for all workers. Organize and prepare to openly defy back to work orders and other court injunctions. Physically prevent any struck work place from operating - build mass pickets and workplace occupations to keep out scabs. No reliance on the Democrats.
These should be a few general starting points which should be applied in the specific situations. I think that in these negotiations of the ILWU it is vitally important for Longshoremen to organize to fight for this within their union and within the labor movement as a whole.
I think that there are many union members in different unions who would be very enthusiastic about this. I personally know some.
John Reimann
expelled member, carpenters Local 713
PS. For those interested, I urge you to check out http://www.LaborsMilitantVoice.com
For more information:
http://www.laborsmilitantvoice.com
Add Your Comments
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$180.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network