Union membership pissed off at Union Leadership for not supporting OWS

[FreakinDJ]

Every where I went this morning on the internet the membership is getting ready to revolt against the international organisations for NOT coming out in direct support of OWS

Revolt is brewing

[boston bean]

1. good news. sometimes those at the top of the unions have lost focus

and aren't doing what is best for those paying the dues.

[FreakinDJ]

2. Shit 1/2 are TeaFarty members - PURGE Baby PURGE

[pintobean]

6. Really? Which ones?

[Ikonoklast]

35. What Union are you a member of?

And how do you know that half of Union membership are Tea Party members? May I see your numbers, based on membership polls?

Thanks in advance.

I know that when surveyed, less than 20% of my Union declared themselves as Republicans.

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ikonoklast]

47. Guess he needs to try harder then, not everyone got the message.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kateannenyc/6248152691/in/photostream/

OWS marched with the IBEW and CWA members in solidarity against Verizon on Friday last.

[Kurovski]

21. Even better news, not very true that unions aren't supporting ows.

http://www.workers.org/2011/us/unions_1027/

Unrec

[boston bean]

23. That isn't what I was saying.

i thought we were talking about the union leaders. And I do think they could be doing more. And I think it's good that the union members are going to make their leaders be more vocal and do what the people w/in the union want.

That is all.

[Kurovski]

24. We aren't? Do you have links to where they say they are not?

I know construction leadership does not. Most likely many of their members are for 0ws, since construction jobs are in the dumpster. Especially since republicans have blocked obama's infrastructure jobs plans.

[boston bean]

26. I haven't seen a mass call for unions to get down to OWS or other locales

from the top.

Maybe I have missed it. This is not a harsh criticism, just an observation that more direction and organization could come from the top.

And that I think it would be very helpful and would push OWS over the top.

[Kurovski]

28. The construction union leaders could use a push, we should all take note.

The rest are doin' fine.


Why would Lech Walesa not support unions? Not that he matters in the scheme of things today.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2171119

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. Yes you have missed it.

Transit workers: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-09-29/wall_street/30216877_1_union-members-and-retirees-support

The United Federation of Teachers; 32BJ SEIU & 1199 SEIU; Workers United; and Transport Workers Union Local 100, which has 38,000 members: http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/09/30/occupy_wall_street_teachers_transportation_unions_set_to_join_wa.html

Writers Guild: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/dan-gainor/2011/10/12/news-unions-support-revolution-occupy-wall-street


AFL-CIO (AFSCME)
United NY
Strong Economy for All Coalition
Working Families Party
TWU Local 100
SEIU 1199
CWA 1109
RWDSU
Communications Workers of America
CWA Local 1180
United Auto Workers
United Federation of Teachers
Professional Staff Congress - CUNY
National Nurses United
Writers Guild East

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/10/05/141089001/occupy-wall-street-gets-union-backing-approval-rating-tops-congress

[boston bean]

36. I believe I have seen those.

I have seen 1 march that was coordinated with the unions.

Have there been more?

Look I'm not looking for a fight, and this is not harsh criticism, just an observation.

It's easy to put out a press release. They need to be more organized and have their members out there daily. Growing the numbers.

That is all.

[proud2BlibKansan]

44. Perhaps you are forgetting that union members work

and it's pretty hard to do that AND be out in the streets every day.

[MilesColtrane]

54. American Federation of Musicians

http://afm.org/news/afm-joins-in-occupy-wall-street-protests

October 5, 2011

Yesterday, AFM Local 802 Executive Board members voted unanimously to support and participate in today’s Occupy Wall Street Labor Community march. The vote came in the wake of mounting demonstrations taking place nationwide, condemning business practices on Wall Street that adversely affect working-class Americans.

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) President Ray Hair announced his participation in the Occupy Wall Street Labor Community march along with activist members of AFM Local 802. Hair explains he is joining the march "in an effort to focus attention on the economic plight of America’s working people. We have borne the brunt of employer-driven contract concessions, pension takeaways and benefit givebacks—suffering one-sided sacrifices—while America’s ruling class, the money men of Wall Street, who blew out the economy, walk away unscathed, bailed out with their big bonuses, consolidating their power," says Hair.

"This is the latest episode in the classic struggle of Capital vs. Labor," he continues. "Capital has cleaned up on American workers in these hard times, very nearly cleaning us out. This afternoon, I’ll be demonstrating the AFM’s solidarity with the labor community by marching with Local 802 members to expand the struggle to hold Wall Street accountable for the lopsided imbalance in the US economy."

[rugger1869]

52. You forgot AFGE n/t

[suffragette]

48. Here are links for some of the calls made here as well as unions joining march

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/10/06/seiu-asks-42000-members-to-join-occupy-seattle
Local SEIU Asks 42,000 Members to Join Occupy Seattle
posted by DOMINIC HOLDEN on THU, OCT 6, 2011 at 1:29 PM
You wanted more labor support for the Occupy movement? More than today's news about support from the King County Labor Council and the The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO? You got it.

Service Employees International Union 775 president David Rolf tells The Stranger today the group will formally announce its support this evening for the Occupy Seattle movement, asking its 42,000 members to join the protests at Westlake Park and committing financial and logistical resources to the occupation.

Rolf says about the protests in Seattle, New York City, and other cities around the United States: "I think it’s the start of something big."

The SEIU is asking its members to join the protests in Westlake Park on Saturday, attend another event on Monday (details to be announced), plus another event later in the week. Rolf says today he asked the the Occupy Seattle fundraising coordinator "what they need and what is useful. We want to be helpful however we can."



Above article includes links to other union leaders' calls to support:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/10/06/king-county-labor-council-asks-its-75000-members-to-join-occupy-seattle-protests
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/10/06/washington-state-labor-council-declares-solidarity-with-the-occupy-seattle-protesters
http://www.seiu.org/2011/10/seiu-supports-occupywallstreet.php


Occupy Seattle and Unions March Through Downtown Seattle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEbyDlNL7UI&feature=related

[LiberalFighter]

3. That is total bullshit

union leaderships are supporting

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. +1

I agree.

[MilesColtrane]

4. Could you be more specific?

What unions?

Where is "everywhere I go on the internet"?

[pintobean]

5. Unrec - you need to support that claim

with links. "Every where I went this morning on the internet" isn't good enough for me.

[Bennyboy]

11. dITTO.

[upi402]

7. My union has it on it's homepage!

Front & center-
OWS baby!!!:patriot:

[boston bean]

15. They need to start organizing more effectively.

Yes the lip service is great. And I know members are in support. And I know there has been some support such as marching.

But it is the leaders who need to be front and center and making the calls to get the people out in the street, or striking, or somehow just letting everyone know they are not taking the shit anymore.

I have seen leaders of groups/unions/politicians not doing the real work, only paying lip service and then doing another thing that is not in the best interests of its members.

I think every member of every association ought to be cognizant of this point. It happens day in and day out.

[Starry Messenger]

53. As far as I know, OWS was started without anyone asking unions if they wanted to be involved.

We're in the middle of a big push for Obama's jobs bill, I think it is actually pretty great that the big national unions took a chance to strongly endorse something that looked kind of flaky on first glance. I actually think this is more effective than what we were doing, but it takes time for a big organization to make a decision to split their focus like that. I know people always want us to be more radical (and I do too) but this is actually a pretty impressive showing so far.

[Tippy]

8. I have a feeling that was the plan early on.....

They didn't want to intrude....Some would have said they are trying to take over....They did come every union person I know personaly backs OWS 100% and if needed they will be there...So does the4 leadership...sometimes it is best to hang back .....

[Ikonoklast]

9. 1.3 Million UFCW Workers support OWS and their goals.

My Union Local and International came out fully in support of OWS.

I'm going down to Occupy Cleveland tomorrow to show my support and solidarity with my OWS Brothers and Sisters.

[curt_b]

20. Oct. 18 Press Release from UFCW

http://www.ufcw.org/press_room/index.cfm?pressReleaseID=567

“The people “occupying” cities across the country are workers, students, and the unemployed. They are our friends and relatives, our neighbors and co-workers. They are fighting for the same things we are: good jobs, fairness, and an end to corporate greed and attacks on workers. And it's part of a larger movement, one that started earlier this year as workers fought back against corporate greed and right-wing politicians in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and across the nation.

“In Wisconsin, hundreds of thousands of workers and outraged community members stormed the capitol in Madison after anti-worker politicians rammed through legislation attacking the rights of workers. In Ohio, over a million signatures were gathered to repeal Ohio's SB 5. Corporate America has launched an unprecedented attack on our jobs and our rights, but the other 99% aren't just rolling over.

“So exactly what do we – the 99% – have to be so angry about? To begin with: worker productivity has been rising over the past decade, but wages have remained stagnant while the cost of health care has skyrocketed, leaving the average American struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the gap between the richest 1% and the rest of us has gotten even wider.

“What we have seen over the past few weeks is more and more ordinary Americans standing up and demanding their share of the success that's being hoarded by the wealthiest 1% of the country. UFCW has been encouraging its members and local unions to join Occupy actions in their communities. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these brave Americans as they fight to make America a better, more just nation.”

[Enrique]

10. International Brotherhood of Bank CEOS?

:shrug:

[Bennyboy]

12. AFTRA????

http://www.naplesnews.com/blogs/he-is-that-guy/2011/feb/23/union/

[patrice]

13. IWW & SEIU are with OccupyKC. IWW marches with us. nt

[patrice]

14. delete duplicate

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Huh?

I get an email nearly every day from AFL CIO and several weekly from my union encouraging membership to get involved with OWS.

What unions are you referring to?

[Kurovski]

18. Construction unions are not in, all the others are.

I'll get the article if i can do it before my ride arrives...

The op above is *somewhat* of a piece of crapola. Make note.


http://www.workers.org/2011/us/unions_1027/

Edit to post a snip:

Almost every major national labor union — except in the construction trades — and the AFL-CIO have endorsed Occupy Wall Street. But more important is that in major cities they have offered significant organizational, financial and political support to this movement.

New York City, where OWS was started more than a month ago, is not only the financial capital of the world’s dominant economic power, but is also the U.S. city with the largest percentage of unionized workers. From the response of union members, it is clear that this call has broad support.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. Hit and run post

Unrec.

[Kurovski]

22. Make note of name.

Why not, eh?

[pintobean]

29. Just trying to stir up shit

I guess. Reply #2 really pissed me off.

[proud2BlibKansan]

31. Well. If this really is about 99% of the people,

then yes, there will be a tea partier or two or three involved in the OWS movement.

I had several great conversations here at our Occupy event with republicans who are just as outraged as we are over the hold corporations have on our government and our political process. I found that refreshing. If we really want to change the system, it's going to have to involve people from both sides of the aisle.

[pintobean]

34. I took the comment as the poster thinks

half of union leaders are tea partiers.

[proud2BlibKansan]

41. I see that now.

Yuck.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Starry Messenger]

25. Um.

Morning drinkies? I've been bowled over by the level of support unions have thrown to OWS. I even squeaked out a warm feeling toward my union leader, who usually I enjoy as much as I enjoy cauliflower, when she offered support for OWS.

[Kurovski]

27. Be sure to unrec!

I mean...if you feel the need.

[Starry Messenger]

30. I accidently hit rec.

*shame* One of those is me. I shouldn't DU before that second cup of coffee. Hopefully some kind soul will unrec in my place.

[pintobean]

32. Uh-oh

It sucks when that happens.

[Ikonoklast]

37. That looks more llike an "Unrec" to me.

Or to be more precise, what many here *think* an Unrec is.

[pintobean]

38. lol. true that

I was trying to be funny about hitting the wrong button. I've done that a few times and it really sucks.
It really is amusing how some people get all bent out of shape about unrecs and want justification.

[Ikonoklast]

39. I never really got that, either.

Some of the most thought-provoking threads in the history of DU were massively un-recced.

Hell, if I just wanted everything I ever posted to be popular, I'd just post pics of my kitties.

[Kurovski]

40. I keep lists!

LISTS!!!

[pintobean]

42. Uh-oh

:scared:

[Ikonoklast]

43. Stop waving that blank piece of paper around and calm down,

Senator McCarthy!




























:P

[workinclasszero]

49. I was at an occupy march Oct 15

Quite a few union guys were there. A UAW rep gave a speech at the park and was just about overcome with emotion. He said: "Ive been waiting 40 years for something like this to happen!"

I think for the most part our union brothers and sisters are backing OWS to the hilt!

[Ikonoklast]

50. I think part of that emotion is coming from the traditional divide between

Blue Collar and White Collar, educated versus non-educated workers.

The travails of blue collar employees usually got little or no recognition from college students, after all, many of them went to school to get away from their parents type of work, and then there were those that always thought they'd be telling some blue-collar guy what to to one day, just like their Dad, the company owner does.

Now that the economic divide is narrowed, and the employment outlook for even highly-educated people looks grim, there is more common ground to be found between these two classes of workers.

This is what terrifies the Billionaire Class; if they cannot divide the 99% any more, and as working people we come together as a force to be reckoned with, they are doomed.

[socialist_n_TN]

51. Obviously from the replies in this thread.........

this might not be a popular reply, BUT history shows that the trade union leadership is a part of the labor aristocracy and is USUALLY less militant than the membership on most issues. Simply because they're actually a PART of the bourgeoisie class. Their usual goal is to channel working class discontent into "safe" areas, like voting, supporting one of the bourgeoisie political parties, and "compromise" that ALWAYS screws the workers. NOT in militant street actions like strikes and demonstrations.

And truly, even with all the lip service of "support", there hasn't been any actions to speak of. So yep, this commie would watch the trade union leadership like a hawk.