Is there an opportunity for Labor and (very) small business owners to be

[Stinky The Clown]

on the same side of the table?

I've always felt there is much more in common between small buiness owners and the labor movement than there is between small business owners and big business owners.

Let me define, for the purpose of this idea, 'small business'. I am not talking about the formal definition - businesses up to several millions (5? 10?) of dollars in business. I'm talking about micro businesses. The guy who owns a truck, a trailer, three power mowers and a weed wacker, who has one or two helpers, and who runs a 'landscaping' business. I'm talking about the carpenter with two helpers who does decks and kitchen remodels. I'm talking about the woman who runs a web design business from home. I'm talking about the gas station owner who operates a busy repair bay and has six employees. You get the idea. People who do, indeed, work for a living.

Is there any way some sort of alliance can be established between them and the labor movement? The alternative is that they see themselves as fledgling or aspiring titans of industry. they're not and 99.9999% of them never will grow much bigger. They're just middle class (or lower) working schlubs.

[blm]

1. You might want to check out Democratic Daily

DUer kerrygoddess's site stays alert on small business issues, because she is a small biz person, too.

[Taxloss]

2. Oh, absolutely, they have a lot in common!

A formal allegiance would probably be impossible, as both sides are so massively diverse, but microeconomical cooperation can be strongly progressive and in the common interest.

But not, however, in the interest of the monopolists and chains. Whose interest, of course, government should NOT be serving.

[Armstead]

3. Yes.

It requires the labior movement to allow the flexibility to meet the needs of smaller businesses, and for business owners to acknowledge the personal needs of their employees.

One local labor leader told me that the best way for an employer to avoid a drive for unionization is to create working conditions in which the workforce doesn't see the need for a union.