> Ok, I probably wouldn't go to a union group and use the phrases "class
> struggle unionism" and "class collaborationism." But I'd talk about the
> concepts, wouldn't you? I'd want to talk about the fat paychecks and the
> lack of democracy too. Union leaders are paranoid about the members, which
> is understandable, since it's nicer to take $200 lunches at Bouley (as one
> "progressive" union local president in NYC used to do) than it is to go
> back to working in a cubicle or on the line. I would also talk about a
> vision of the future, about the sustainability of the car, about labor's
> strategy against capital, and maybe even the nature of work. Really,
> Michael, what else is there to say?
I would dearly love to be a fly on the wall during this conversation. You could have some GM workers on your radio show. Take the show on the road to Flint. No ringers like union officials, analysts from Labor Notes or New Directions activists. It would be cool to have people like that on at some other time - but opening a dialogue between you and some ordinary auto workers would make for a very interesting show. Maybe a couple of workers who are on strike and a couple who are laid off behind it.
I hope you would seriously engage in your critique of the union and your "vision of the future, about the sustainability of the car, about labor's strategy against capital, and maybe even the nature of work." You could also ask them why they are waving the flag and explain why globalization is a non-issue.
This is a serious suggestion, Doug, and one which is well within your power to take up Since I don't live in New York and can't get your show on the radio, I'd buy the tape. --
-----Laurie