Where is the AFL-CIO on things like $15 to $24 an hour minimum wage or on the universal basic income (UBI). Also, the idea that the French has on a universal robot tax to support the UBI. A robot tax because the more technology advances, the more machines take over our jobs. Then, there is the attack on the U.S. prevailing wage, the Davis-Bacon Act, which Republicans have attack and now want to end prevailing wage protections.
This is not only a union matter, but a nonunion issue for all workers who now earn a living wage when working on government jobs. It is time unions and nonunion workers get together and hit the streets, and if we don’t the workers will be working for less than minimum wage and no union healthcare or pensions.
The union busting GOP are turning the working class against itself, black against white, men against women, Jews against nonJews. Using hate, division, white supremacy, misogyny, religion and racism are the choice weapons in every union busting fight in this country.
What the AFL-CIO needs is a national strike to test the power of unions and to build confidence in our workers, and also to see where our strengths and weaknesses are. Use this information to begin ro rebuild our power base by engaging the rank and file, the people inside the trade union membership, and by also campaigning for the hearts and minds of the unorganized working class for they could be the reserve troops when the street battles begin.
So far, our unions have been on the defense and we are losing. The best defense is a good offense, and we had better start our offense. In order to do this, we have to have a plan for what we want and need. Some defensive actions, such as strikes and boycotts, are a good start and could help build our membership or at least support on the upcoming battles.
It is us against the billionaires, and don’t forget the GOP’s right to work bill that they want to get passed nationwide. If they want a national right to work bill, then we must counter with a national strike.
I hope that I am wrong, but what I see at this time is our unions are going to be in the fight of their existence. This is the most perilous time of our life. The life we had is threatened like never before. Unions are the largest organized group of people who can save our country if things keep going the way they are heading at this time. We need to all stand together for power, but we each must prepare and plan to take care of ourselves and our families. We can fight the big fight and not be distracted by worry about things that can and should already be taken care of. For instance, stashing at least one month’s pay and at least a month or even a year’s worth of food, whether the food is staples (pasta, rice, canned goods) and meat or chicken in the freezer. Keep your vehicles' tanks full and if possible a gas can full. It’s in your best interest to also save money for house or rent payments plus extra. This is not new thinking for us old trade workers who had to prepare when...
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