AN OPEN LETTER TO THE U.A.W.: WORKER LIVES MATTER!
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE U.A.W.
While the media, the ‘expert’ analyzers for the big three automakers, and a few misinformed workers suggest that these blue-collar strikes being rolled out is a problem for America, many of us know the history of work stoppages and why this is a turning point in the life of the working class. These strikes are sending a clear message to these Goliath’s of profits and power…WORKER LIVES MATTER!
It is ironic how the wealthiest justify their ‘right’ to earn obscene profits that come directly off the backs of those they employ who offered concessions to HELP them stay in business and now when the concept of sharing in those benefits is raised, it is a problem. A billion dollars is a formidable figure, so when automakers post $3, $5, and $12 billion dollar profits collected over 3 months during their mandated reporting, they can’t claim poverty the next day. It is truly disgusting to watch apologists from this college or from that corporate think-tank explain how workers are greedy and should accept the ‘generous’ offers made by these corporate powers. It is truly sickening to watch television anchors rationalize how wonderful these corporate offers are. They all forget what a sacrifice those on the picket lines are suffering through to secure a better quality of life for the whole of the working class…themselves included.
Workers had to strike to gain recognition of the 40-hour work week. Thank you very much! Workers had to strike to gain recognition of overtime and time& a half. Thank you very much! Workers had to strike for healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. Thank you very much. Workers had to strike for all the benefits so many of us enjoy today so the sacrifice they are making nationwide, state-wide, or locally is for the benefit of us all.
When new contracts in future years are being organized for these tv anchors, these college professors, these economic ‘handkerchief-head’ experts and the rest, let’s see which ones stand up to REFUSE pay increases, to REFUSE vacation days with pay, paid family leave, and a series of newly-won benefits achieved by striking Blue Cross/Blue Shield workers, Casino workers, Nursing Home workers and United Auto Workers. They will probably be the first ones in line making demands.
Support workers on strike nationwide who are fighting for us all. Recognize attempts to divide us. Go to the picket line when you can with hot coffee, peppermint candy, or bring your chair to sit near them in support so they will see that we care and that we are grateful. Stand United!!!
“Our country and the world stand at a crossroads. Humanity has the potential for economic security and abundance. A community of the people, by the people, and for the people, where children can grow in peace, is possible as never before. Or–if we do nothing—we face increasingly unlivable conditions caused by private ownership of the wealth that human labor has created. The purpose of the League of Revolutionaries for a New America is to build consciousness and unity among the most impacted workers, to be able to secure the needs of humanity and avoid the destitution and environmental disaster threatening life on our planet as we know it.”
From the League of Revolutionaries for a New America Program
https://lrna.org/lrna-program/
Listen To The League.
Maureen Taylor
MWRO – State Chair
Demand Basic Needs !
Program of the League of Revolutionaries for a New America
https://lrna.org/lrna-program/
The Voices of the League series of articles are intended to encourage a dialogue with developing revolutionaries. We highlight issues of the day and areas of special interest to new revolutionaries to provide a guide to action. Please make your thoughts known by commenting at the end of the article.
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