Demands Of The Occupy Movement

As the Occupy Movement continues to spread across the nation, there has been a lack of cohesion within the movement.  Sure, people are angry, but what do they want?  In the union business, this is known as a remedy.  When you have a grievance, you always present a remedy to the problem.  So far, the Occupy Movement has failed to display a clear vision outside of We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore. While this is good, it would seem that the time has come to begin constructing a remedy for the culture of corporate greed, and political corruption that supports it.

I'd been tossing the idea around for a few weeks, and a couple of nights ago, I jotted down the following:


Nearly two hundred-fifty years ago, women and men in the not quite united states of America started a movement against a government which had become detached from the realities that made up their daily lives.  It was a government rife with corruption that protected only the interested of the wealthy elite, while ignoring the well-being of the vast majority of its citizens.  Our forefathers took it upon themselves to rid themselves of this tyranny not through violence, but by social action and mobilization of the oppressed.  It was the oppressive government who first resorted to violence, but in the end, the people were victorious.


Now, in our present times, we find ourselves living under similar circumstances.  Aided by a corrupt government, a small plutocracy oppresses the remaining 99% of the population.  The time has come for all people who are endeared to freedom and equality, who truly believe in the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, to mobilize in a movement for the people's democracy.  

Some among us have already engaged this struggle in the form of peaceful occupation of the monuments of oppression and corruption.  Now that the struggle has begun, it is time for us to state our demands who have sought to control us for far too long:
 
1. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE FOR ALL.

2. IMMEDIATE FORGIVENESS OF ALL FEDERAL STUDENT DEBT.

3. UNIVERSAL PUBLIC EDUCATION THROUGH COLLEGE.

4. INTRODUCTION OF THE STANDARD 35 HOUR WORK WEEK.

5. THE COMPLETE END OF DISCRIMINATION FOR GENDER, RACE, AGE, RELIGION, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

6. INSTITUTION OF A BAN ON ALL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.  ALL ELECTIONS WILL BE PUBLICLY FINANCED. 

7. IMPLEMENTATION OF CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS - 3 TERMS IN THE HOUSE, 2 TERMS IN THE SENATE.

8. AUTOMATIC COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT(COLA) FOR SOCIAL SECURITY TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.

9. ENFORCE THE RIGHT OF ALL WORKERS TO JOIN A UNION IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.  ALL NLRB ELECTIONS MUST BE HELD WITHIN 5 DAYS OF PETITION.

10. GUARANTEED HOUSING FOR ALL CITIZENS.


As was the case with our forefathers, the government has resorted to violence in response to our peaceful protests - but just as they were victorious, so shall we, the 99% prevail in this struggle.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

What Is Scab?

This is Jack London's definition, and I find it to be the most accurate description I've ever seen:


After God had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, and the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. A scab is a two-legged animal with a corkscrew soul, a waterlogged brain, and a combination backbone made of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles.

When a scab comes down the street, men turn their backs and angels weep in heaven, and the devil shuts the gates of hell to keep him out. No man has a right to scab as long as there is a pool of water deep enough to drown his body in, or a rope long enough to hang his carcass with. Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with a scab. For betraying his Master, he had character enough to hang himself. A scab hasn't.

Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Judas Iscariot sold his savior for thirty pieces of silver. Benedict Arnold sold his country for a promise of a commission in the British Army. The modern strikebreaker sells his birthright, his country, his wife, his children, and his fellow men for an unfulfilled promise from his employer, trust, or corporation.



The bottom line is that when you cross a picket line, you are taking money from another man's pocket, and food from his children.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

It's Time To Strike The No Strike/No Lockout Clause

Much has been said by various leaders in the labor movement over the last several years about the lack of solidarity in the labor movement, yet most of them seem to ignore one of the biggest causes of this problem - The No Strike/No Lockout Clause in most union contracts.

Admittedly, the plus side is very attractive to union leaders and workers:  The company agrees not to lock you out for the duration of the contract.  Well, at least they say they won't lock you out.  These rules may not apply if you work for Albertsons, Ralph's, Sterling Chemical, Castlewood Country Club...you get the point.

Unfortunately, the down side to a No/Strike/No Lockout clause is a huge one.  Not only are workers barred from going on strike, it bans just about any labor action, including leafletting, picketing, and slow-downs.  Bigger than the issues just mentioned is that most of these clauses prohibit sympathy strikes, and forces members to become scabs and cross picket lines of other unions.

It would seem to me that if the leaders of today's labor movement are searching for the reasons that workers aren't as united as we were 60-80 years ago, this might have something to do with it.  In exchange for not locking us out, which is not always effective, especially if the workers get into the plant and have a sit-down strike, the labor movement has signed over our most effective weapons:

1. The ability to control our own labor.
2. The ability to unite with other workers to effect commerce.

Without these weapons, the labor movement has become soft, weakened, isolated, and although it pains me to say it: corporatist.

So how do we solve this problem? Well, there are a few ways.  Some are more radical(effective), and some are more moderate(somewhat less effective).

1. Remove the No Strike/No Lockout Clause completely.  Instead of wasting time and money on arbitration cases that drag on forever, change the grievance procedure where any class action that is not solved at the 3rd step can result in a strike.  Of course, this means that unions will actually have to mobilize workers, which is what our purpose is supposed to be in the first place.

2. Keep the No Strike/No Lockout Clause, but retain the right to picket and leaflet.

3. Keep the right for sympathy/general strikes.  At the very least refuse to cross picket lines.  What the hell ever convinced the labor movement that it was alright to force our members to become scabs?

If you want real solidarity and a united labor movement, this would be a good start.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

A Few Things I'd Like To See This Labor Day

Here are a few things I would like to see this Labor Day:

1. An actual push by the labor movement to organize new workers. I actually kind of liked the AFL-CIO commercial last year, but I'd like to see one this year that simply lists the benefits of being in a union vs. non-union with a message that says "If you'd like to learn more about joining a union or starting one where you work, call this number" with a number set up by the AFL-CIO to direct people to the appropriate labor union.

Sounds simple doesn't it? It is, except it would mean that big labor would actually have to spend some money on organizing - what a concept!

2. While millions of Americans are watching football, wouldn't it be awesome to see a commercial(maybe even the sort of one listed in number 1) featuring some of the biggest names in the NFL, who oh, by the way, happen to be union members, publicly supporting unions and encouraging people to organize?

3. Since it hasn't happened up to this point, wouldn't it be nice to have a union friendly President come out publicly in support of unions, and the right to organize freely under the Employee Free Choice Act? Does anyone remember Candidate Obama saying he'd be right out there on the picket line with workers? If anyone has a picture of Obama in Wisconsin, or at the Ohio Statehouse, or on the picket line with Verizon workers, please send it to me - I think I missed something.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

p.s. - if you are interested in joining a union, please post a comment and I'll direct you to a union in your industry.

Locked Out: The NBA

While the media has covered the NBA lockout, it has failed to gather as much attention as the NFL Lockout that recently ended without any games being canceled.  This is due to a few different reasons:

1. The NBPA is not as strong as a bargaining unit as the NFLPA.
2. The NBPA has not done as good a job winning the battle in the public square.

While the NFLPA immediately went on the offensive with a unified voice to the public, NBA players have wasted time with a faux decertification threat, and some of its members have entertained the idea of playing overseas.  Neither of the two have helped their cause.  It would seem that the NBPA would want to hammer the NBA owners with the fact that they are asking for major concessions from the players at a time when the league is making record profits.

Albeit, there are teams who are losing money every year, but that is mainly due to poor ownership coupled with a bad economy.  This situation could be rectified by working out a deal similar to that of the NHL, where the smaller, less profitable markets are helped out by the rest of the league.  Unfortunately, the owners would rather take it out on the workers.

Unfortunately, the people hit most by this will not be the owners or players.  It will be the people working for $8 an hour at the arenas who might lose work because of the lockout.  I hope the owners keep that in mind as they are thinking about solutions to this situation.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

Verizon On Strike!

A little over a week ago, 45,000 Verizon workers went on strike.  To find out how you can support them or join them on the picket line, click here:

http://www.cwa-union.org/

Support our sisters and brothers at Verizon!

In Solidarity,

Joseph

Post Mortem in Wisconsin: How Labor Missed Another Opportunity

Let me be the first to say this: Labor could have won last night.  Adding to its ever-growing string of missed opportunities, Big Labor fired yet another round into its already bullet-riddled feet. 

Yes, winning two races in GOP territory is a big accomplishment, and should be lauded.  However, the avoidable strategic missteps that kept Democrats from winning a crucial 3rd race cannot be ignored.  Allow me to present a few observations I made on the ground in Wisconsin:


1.  Labor once again let the Democratic Party run the show.  Imagine if Labor would have run its own candidates as independents.  This would have neutralized heavy party-line voting in the GOP strongholds.

2.  Resources were wasted in two Districts that everyone, especially the Democratic establishment, knew were never in play.  I'm not saying you don't make an effort, but you don't waste money and resources by opening offices and using political operatives where you know you have zero chance of coming within 7 points. Districts 10 and 2 should have been run by local volunteers - kind of the way any districts in the state of Virginia that are west of I-81 are run without paid staff.

3.  Democrats relied on outdated ground-game strategy that effectively turned out the vote against them in stronger GOP districts. When you're running in a district that is heavily stacked in the other direction, you can win by getting your people out to vote, and try to get everyone else to stay home.  By harassing independents, who tend to break Republican, you incite them to get out to the polls and vote against you.  If Democrats would have focused only on union households in these precincts, and left moderate Republicans alone, they would have had an outside shot at an upset by winning the turnout game.  Unfortunately, they beat moderates over the head with as many as 7-8 house visits in some cases.  I believe this in effect turned out the GOP vote in areas where the GOP did not even have a committed ground game.


4.  Labor allowed themselves to be to spread out.  While the Democratic establishment is expected to try to compete everywhere, the Labor Community should have targeted its efforts on the 3-4 Districts that had the best prospects for winning.  Unfortunately, as I stated in point number 1, Labor allowed the Democratic establishment to run the show and waste valuable resources on races that were not winnable. 


Conclusion:  I believe that if Labor had committed its resources only in Districts 32, 18, 8, and 14, we would be looking at a Wisconsin State Senate with a Democratic majority.

Unfortunately, we will never know.  There is always January, and a certain governor who will be eligible for recall.  I believe that is a fight we can win.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

On The Ground In Wisconsin

I landed here in Green Bay yesterday morning, and will be here through the August 9th elections.  I've been keeping some notes to chronicle my experiences.  Here's what has happened thus far:

August 5th

4:00am - Sweet mother...it fells like I just went to sleep five minutes ago.  I quietly slip out of bed, trying not to wake up our 11 month old son.  My wife has threatened to kill me if he wakes up.

4:25am - I go out front to wait on my taxi cab, which thankfully doesn't take very long.

5:00am - I get to the airport, where I congratulate my TSA inspectors on their recent NLRB election to join AFGE.  They say they hope it will help improve working conditions. 

6:15am - I get to enjoy a 2 hour layover in the Detroit International Airport.  There is no WiFi, nothing open, but there is a Kubrick-inspired tunnel that makes you feel like you're an extra in The Shining.

9:00am - I finally touch down in Green Bay.  I pick up my car and head straight to the District 2 Offices in Kaukauna. 

11:00am - I meet a few guys from IUPAT(Painters) who have already been here for a few days.  We take a few packets and head out to Seymour to canvass some union households.

12:21pm - Hey, a buffalo farm!

1:04pm - Whoever said it would be cooler in Wisconsin is due for a kick in the ass when I return to West Virginia.

1:11pm - Decide to utilize the car for canvassing.  Oh heavenly a/c!

3:25pm - Return to office and call it quits for the day. They tell me that one of the local volunteers is throwing a cookout for the out of towners, and I decide to check it out.

6:30pm - Sweet baby Jesus in the manger, these are the best bratwursts I have ever eaten.

8:15pm - Headed back to the hotel.  I am completely drained.

August 6th

8:00am - Time to get ready for a fun-filled day of canvassing in District 2!

9:00am - Arrive at office

9:30am - Take my packet and head out to a local neighborhood.

9:37am - I notice a guy who looks like he might be dropping literature at the same houses I have on my list.  I decide to hide for a minute to find out what he's up to.

9:39am - This guy is from Operation Rescue out of Milwaukee.  Since he hasn't spotted me, I decide to tail him.  His literature is wedged in the cracks of the doors.  Unfortunately, when I put my literature there, it makes it too wide to keep both flyers, and one of the flyers falls out.  This coincides with a hefty breeze that takes the other flyer far, far away. 

11:35am - Arrive back at the office.  I sit for a few minutes and rest.  I then pick up another packet and decide to head back out.

12:04pm - Why did I decide to park in the 2800 block and walk all the way down the street canvassing to the 1400 block.  I can't even see the car now.

12:15pm - Finally arrive back at the car.  I am dripping sweat and look like I'm about to die.

3:00pm - I finish my packet after walking what feels like 5 miles.  I've had enough for today...

5:15pm - I decide to check out Lambeau Field.  It's a nice stadium, and the only non-profit NFL Team.  Lots of labor-friendly people here.

9:00pm - back at the hotel for the night.

More updates as things unfold.

In Solidarity,

Joseph

SEIU/DISTRICT 1199 WV/KY/OH MAKES HISTORY WITH STAFF UNION

Recently, my fellow union staff made history by ratifying the first staff union contract in the history of SEIU/District 1199.  While the bargaining unit was voluntarily recognized by the leadership of the union, it still took some effort to negotiate the contract, and to get a ratification vote from a bargaining unit that is spread out over three states. 

SEIU/District 1199 WV/KY/OH has a reputation for being one of the most, if not the most, democratic, member-driven SEIU Local.  This achievement should go a long way in cementing that reputation.  There had been three prior attempts to organize the staff, but for a variety of reasons were unsuccessful. 

The vote to ratify the negotiated contract was approved overwhelmingly by the bargaining unit, which includes all full time and regular part time salaried administrative organizers, lead administrative organizers, member communications liaisons, political liaisons, member relations liaisons, field organizers, field researchers, lead field researchers, outreach organizers, and member strength organizers.

While this is a very positive step for the staff and the union, there are some major challenges that present themselves:

Due to the small bargaining unit size, and lack of affiliation with a larger labor organization, the staff union may have a difficult time staying financially stable.  For instance, arbitration can be very costly, and a bargaining unit of forty employees may end up paying astronomical dues in order to cover those costs.  There also is the issue of keeping up with the administrative side of things.  Because there is no affiliation with another labor organization, there are no paid staff to spend time handling issues that may arise.  While the bargaining unit is made up of union staff, their already hectic schedules might make it difficult to keep up with staff union issues.

In Solidarity,

Joseph  

Back In Action

So...it's been a few weeks since my last post.  I've been tied up in contract negotiations in Eastern Kentucky, where management is utilizing what I like to call The Crystal Ball Theory.  That's when your company has made money, but you think you may possibly not make as much money, so let's punish the workers based on hypotheticals.  You'd think I'm joking, but I'm not. 

That aside, it's been a crazy world in the labor community in the last month.  I got to be a part of collecting a record number of petitions to get a referendum on Ohio Senate Bill 5.  I'm preparing for officer elections next month, which is one of my favorite parts of the union business - democracy in action, and to top it all off, my fellow SEIU/1199 WV/KY/OH staff members made history by ratifying our 1st staff union contract.  I'll be sure to have a lengthy post on that tomorrow.

Enough with the lull in posts, I'm back in action!

In Solidarity,

Joseph