Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1998 10:06:16 -0700 To: lbo-talk at lists.panix.com From: Phil Gasper <pgasper at cnd.edu> Subject: Re: class war redux?
> We'll know that things have changed for organized labor when
>workers not unionized start going on strikes. Until there are some
>really chaotic labor disruptions, very little organizing of new
>employees is bound to take place and organizing new employees should be
>the number one goal of the left. Companies bargain with unions when a
>unionized workforce is seen as the better alternative to something else.
>We need for that "something else" to come together.
>
About 700 non-unionized stawberry workers at Coastal Berry in Watsonville walked out on a one-day wildcat on July 24 to protest intimidation against UFW supporters and the "victory" of pro-company "union" (funded by the growers) in a sham election the previous day. There has been coverage in the SF Examiner, Socialist Worker, SF Bay Guardian and the latest issue of Labor Notes.
Things really are beginning to change in the labor movement.
Phil Gasper Chair, Dept. of Philosophy & Humanities College of Notre Dame Belmont, CA 94002 650-508-3732