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Updated On: Jun 18, 2010 (14:59:00)
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ORGANIZE!
We warm our hands at a fire we did not build. Things we sometimes take for granted, like the right to collectively bargain, grievance and arbitration procedures to settle workplace disputes, wage increases, health care, pensions, even the eight hour day, were fought for and won on the picket line and at the bargaining table by the brave men and women of the labor movement who came before us.
Currently, union density in the private sector is down to just under 8%. That is four times lower than what it was at its peak in 1955, and the lowest its been in 100 years. Unless we organize, the fire is in danger of going out. Do not think that there are not those who would like to put that fire out. Consider the case of Scott Brown, the newly elected Republican Senator from Massachusetts. Senator Brown could not wait to get to Washington D.C. In fact, he had his swearing in ceremony moved up for the sole purpose of making himself eligible to cast a vote to block President Obama's pro-labor nominee for a vacant seat on the National Labor Relations Board. Make no mistake, labor is under attack!
Organizing is the key to survival. Not only does the labor movement need to increase membership, but existing numbers members need to ensure that the fire still burns for themselves and those who will come after them by supporting each other and punishing those who would put that fire out.
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