We discuss the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire on its on

e hundredth anniversary, and

its implications for the labor movement then and now. We’re joined in the studio by Steve Thornton of SEIU 1199.

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Photo shows bodies from the fire. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/familytreemagazine/5553242173/sizes/l/in/photostream/

(NihiloZero)

As impressive as the tens of

thousands of Wisconsinites have been in protesting the harsh austerity bill being pushed through by Governor Scott Walker, let’s not overlook the fact that this battle is just getting started.  Any lulls in protest activity are still punctuated by huge protests on the weekends and literal signs for a general strike are appearing and being carried all over town.  Horns are still blasting around the Capitol building at any given hour and vigils are still being maintained.  There is a sense that the unions, and the rest of the populace, are preparing themselves for the next round.  And as hard as it might be to conceive of these huge recent protests as part of a rope-a-dope strategy… it is the general population that has been playing gently with the Governor thus far.  History has shown us that the masses ultimately have the power, if they are willing to use it, and it doesn’t appear that the right-wing has a very thoughtful tactician to guide them through the impending battles.

That said… the protest movement, particularly insomuch as it is being manipulated by mainstream politicians and self-appointed marshals, could falter.  It will be up to individuals, thinking for themselves and communicating their ideas horizontally, to prevent this movement from becoming too watered-down and compromising.  It should not be misunderstood — the power at this point is in the hands of the masses of protesters.  Not to put too much of fine point on it, but it’s somewhat reminiscent of the scene in Fight Club when Tyler Durden reminds the local politician…

“The people you are after are the people you depend on. We cook your meals, we haul your trash, we connect your calls, we drive your ambulances, we guard you while you sleep. Do not fuck with us.“

I’m not suggesting that union members should start fight clubs, and lord knows I wouldn’t want to go fisticuffs with a steelworker, but the point is that no one should allow their power or importance in society to be diminished — especially when considered collectively as part of mutually beneficial organization.  The people hold the real power in this world — as long as they are willing to use it.  They should not be looking to give concessions — they should be looking to take them, all of them.  And when the grassroots “leadership” starts talking about giving concessions… their megaphones should be shoved somewhere the sun doesn’t shine.  The notion of giving concessions at this point is beyond ridiculous — unless you’re willing to take yet another step towards giving everything away.

Continued…

Hundreds of union

members and supporters gathered at

the state

Capitol in Hartford in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin, and to support rights of collective bargaining here in CT.

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(Hartford) Following the successful solidarity rally

held 3 days earlier by local unions and allies, MoveOn.org organized another show of support

for Wisconsin workers facing threats to their right to bargain collectively.