Reply #13: What labor movement in the US? [View All]

"Oh yeah, SOLIDARITY for everybody else. A union of port workers doesn't seem to give a crap about the kids at McDonalds."

You are so right German-Lefty! A union true to its words would refuse to do business, let alone have a conference or any type of meeting, with a non union business.

The problem with the "labor movement" in the US dates back to Sam Gompers. In order to get the government off his back he agreed to back off the social side of union organizing. He agreed only to strike for better wages and not to challenge capitalism. Still did not keep the government off "labor's" back but that's the deal with the devil he made over 100 years ago.

Another problem is that Americans have this notion that if only they work hard enough they too can become the CEO. Americans do not view themselves as members of a class but more as pre rich...my boat will come in one day. That may be true but for more and more people the boat is a casino.

Unions also do a very poor job of educating their members. All the members hear is that they need wage increases.

I think the organization that comes closest to allying non union and unionized workers and connecting the dots is Jobs with Justice. As a member of JwJ you agree to participate in five actions (mostly demonstrations) in a year.