The key here is what the USWA is planning to spend the money on.
We can start with the $10M on organizers. They're going to do what? My experience with union organizers has been that they're ambitious, committed, educated people who aren't getting much accomplished (and there are some significant exxceptions) because the workers have to organize the union; the unions, in practice, can't organize the workers.
What are "industry-wide, multi-district" organizing programs? That's another $10M. Which industry (or industries)? Is the bulk of the money going to be used as a strike fund for workers willing to walk without an NLRB election? If not, I can't imagine the purpose. Maybe Tom can clue us in.
Half of the money ($20M) is to be used for "organizing plans". I'd be happy to sell them an organizing plan for a mere $300,000. Or on my volume discount, a dozen plans for $1M. A baker's dozen.
I hope I'm wrong to be cynical about these plans. I hope the USWA will be doing more than increasing staff. Really, I hope this plan will make some headway, but, geez....
Representing workers is a very different operation from organizing workers. I'm not sure that any organization can focus on both at the same time.
James in Philly
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