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:: Friday, June 04, 2004 ::

The Rebirth Of A Movement? Bill Pearson, The Joe Hill Dispatch
The potential rebirth of the labor movement has very little to do with fancy union buildings in Washington DC or highly paid spin doctors who are out there convincing workers wage cuts, benefit reductions and two tiered contracts are really good for their well being. Sadly, even those who hold really good jobs as union officers are mouthing nicely crafted words that workers find little truth in.

There-in lies the beginnings of a new movement, one where honesty is at the core. The doctor’s of this reincarnation are the workers themselves. In years past, truth was limited to whatever the employer or the union leadership said it was. Today, it isn’t limited to a handful of folks in power. The ability to openly express ones feelings, concerns or even anger is readily available.

Web sites/the Internet has become one of the most empowering mediums ever. Workers have found they can immediately access information, engage in discussion, and even begin to educate themselves. They don’t need to rely solely on their elected leadership. In fact, the biz union model was built on the premise workers didn’t need to get involved. They simply needed to pay their dues and the Union reps and officers would “fix” it for them.

posted 6:43 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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