To develop a strong organizing program, we need a base of rank and file organizers. One way to do this is a popular education program that enhances the skills and understandings rank and of file activists. Such a program when done right encourages union members involvement in shop floor fights, organizing drives and community struggles. It could’ve also develop rank and file leaders to actually run the workshops. Popular education sharpens the understanding of the moment we’re in and what to do about it. As the old labor saying goes: educate, agitate, organize!
It can't be said enough, unions are the necessary avenue to fight authoritarian regimes like ours. The common and obvious situation to organize is in the work place, but one only has to look at Minneapolis renters strike to see unionizing (read uniting) can come in many shapes and forms. We really do need to organize now.
1. The ever-present and seemingly never-ending corruption, theft, and misuse of members funds by people in leadership positions.
2. Forced Unionism which, while maintaining the appearance of a live labor movement, is more akin to having a coma patient on life support and has enabled entities to have unconstitutional monopoly control over federal employees under labor contracts even if a majority of those employees don't want such. They have no choice, and can not leave or chose another union if they want to keep their job.
Amen!
Workers unite and organize! Unionization is essential in these times.
To develop a strong organizing program, we need a base of rank and file organizers. One way to do this is a popular education program that enhances the skills and understandings rank and of file activists. Such a program when done right encourages union members involvement in shop floor fights, organizing drives and community struggles. It could’ve also develop rank and file leaders to actually run the workshops. Popular education sharpens the understanding of the moment we’re in and what to do about it. As the old labor saying goes: educate, agitate, organize!
It can't be said enough, unions are the necessary avenue to fight authoritarian regimes like ours. The common and obvious situation to organize is in the work place, but one only has to look at Minneapolis renters strike to see unionizing (read uniting) can come in many shapes and forms. We really do need to organize now.
Good post.
Then there are the pair of elephants in the room:
1. The ever-present and seemingly never-ending corruption, theft, and misuse of members funds by people in leadership positions.
2. Forced Unionism which, while maintaining the appearance of a live labor movement, is more akin to having a coma patient on life support and has enabled entities to have unconstitutional monopoly control over federal employees under labor contracts even if a majority of those employees don't want such. They have no choice, and can not leave or chose another union if they want to keep their job.
Great suggestions for strengthening unions. Essential for opposing fascism.
It’s interesting what this is connected with — why they don’t do it.
— Strong decentralization?
— Strong centralization?
— No pressure from below?
Usually people say it’s because there is no competent leadership, but it’s unlikely that the issue is about strong personalities.