Salutin: Where’s the union’s inspiration?

[CHIMO]

There’s exhilaration among the forces of “the left,” especially in the U.S., over an apparent revival in union militancy. It centres on huge protests in Wisconsin and even a “sit-in” — redolent term — at the state legislature against anti-union laws introduced by the governor.

This mood has spread. Last Saturday saw rallies in all 50 states — a bigger turnout, said Michael Moore, than anything the Tea Party has produced. “I knew sooner or later people would say they’ve had enough,” he added. “Americans are connecting the dots,” said a progressive online journal. A sigh of relief on the dispirited left was audible.

Labour’s energy is always central to “left” success. A revitalized U.S. union movement in the 1930s gave the New Deal crucial backing and may have pushed president Franklin Roosevelt farther than he was inclined to go (as the abolitionists had pushed Lincoln). The prosperity of the postwar era and a narrowing of income gaps was largely due to union strength.

Even today, parts of the world that are productive, competitive and relatively equal often have strong, respected unions as part of the decision-making process.

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/948534--salutin-where-s-the-union-s-inspiration

[snagglepuss]

1. Salutin is right of hte mark. Unions are too defensive, hopefully given recent

events they'll reclaim "motivational grandeur".



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