Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living! – Mother Jones
There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence. – Cesar Chavez
I have pleaded your case from the pulpit and from the public platform–not in the quavering tones of a feeble mendicant asking alms, but in the thundering voice of the captain of a mighty host, demanding the rights to which free men are entitled – John L. Lewis
Inspired by the words of these titans of the labor movement in America and inspired by the success of Man Eegee’s United Nations project, I propose that we, as a community, delve in to the rich, but unheralded history of the labor movement and its leaders.
I further propose that we use this series of diaries to look at the current plight of workers in America.
I know that even among progressives, there is often an “ick” factor when it comes to talking about unions. They are big bureaucracies filled with flawed and sometimes corrupt people. In the media and in most history classes, if labor is mentioned at all, the emphasis is on this corruption, or on the inefficacy of the unions, or of labors’ “pinko” tendencies. We miss out on the color, the courage and the tenacity of the unionists who risked so much and achieved so much for working men and women.
Unions, organized labor, workers are still under attack – and always will be. We need to learn from labor’s past so we can emulate success and avoid pitfalls.
Starting on September 2, I would like to roll out a series of diaries to celebrate the heritage of workers in this country. If there is sufficient enthusiasm for this project, it can be followed up with a series of diaries on the issues facing workers around the world.
As a starting point, I would encourage anyone interested in participating to visit this site for an overview of labor history and a slew of references.
Here are the specific diaries I propose for this project:
The Haymarket Tragedy and the Eight Hour Day
Lucy Parsons and the Contributions of African Americans to the Labor Movement.
The The Triangle Fire and the Bread and Roses Strike and Sweatshop Workers.
The Pinkerton Agency and Union Busting Tactics
Mary Harris (Mother) Jones and Child Labor.
John L. Lewis and the United Mine Workers and CIO
Taft Hartley, Wagner Act, Right to Work – the evolution of labor law.
I hope you find a diary topic that interests you and that you will help expand the knowledge base of this community about workers’ issues and workers’ rights.
Sign up for the topic of your choice in the comments section below.
And Dolores Huerta, please.
Anyone you’d like! The list above is only a suggestion. So if you, or anyone else, would like to write about Dolores Huerta, have at it. There are so many labor heroes and heroines that we have a wealth of material to explore as we learn more about this topic.
My hometown is smack dab in the middle of a heavily unionized area and they are the lifeforce of the community – they help one another fight for their rights as well as support each other when times get tough.
Wonderful! What topic would you like?
but I’d like to do the music and art thread to mix things up, if that’s cool.
Way cool.
I’d like to take part, but I’m not at all a writer and lately.. I can’t even find the time to blog photos 🙂 But I’m here and I’m anxiously awaiting to see what you wonderful poets and writers put up.
It helps me be able to march stronger, taller and with more knowledge in my teenie shoes. 🙂
Not at all a writer ??????????
Is this not the Damnit Janet who has inspired me to rightous wrath, humbled me with her moral clarity, and jolted me out of complaisancy with her insights ?? THAT Damnit Janet ?
Your tiny shoes trump my keyboard.
Tiny shoes?
My size 11’s couldn’t fill her shoes…nope :o)
are so silly :)but thanks 🙂
Well, you are definitely a writer, but I know you are involved in many activist activites and actions. ( I love alliteration!)I appreciate all you do on this site and in the real world!
Hi Kahli and thanks for this.
If I agree to do a diary about the Haymarket Tradgedy does it have to be the first one? Or are they to be presented in the order you listed them? I want to contribute, especially to this subject, but I’m a little pressed on all sides right now. I can get it done, just maybe not as the first.
I’m as liberal AND a Unitarian. I don’t do rules. I would welcome your diary at any time during this project. Thanks.
But if you are Unitarian you should know that we need to first form a committee to determine when and how diaries should be added to this project.
And as I understand it, there has to be coffee involved.
Absolutely. I forgot.
I’m really interested in the Triangle Fire & garment workers, would love to write about it but like Supersoling above don’t want to be first as I have several deadlines coming up at the end of the month. Can I be later in the queue too? Or maybe we should roll out one a week?
Wonderful. I’ll write the first one about a topic that no one else has claimed. Then we can work out the timing for the rest. Thanks for participating!
This is a great idea Kahli. I’d like to do Cesar Chavez if Manee isn’t going to. Although there could be a deadline problem for me too. Have you decided on a schedule for this yet?
I believe Manee has claimed labor arts, so Cesar is available (to write about).
Since the time frame seems to be a problem for a lot of us, how about I kick things off on Labor Day, Sept. 4, and we can work things out from there.
Thanks for your participation.
I would like to do Joe Hill and the IWW movement. . . if it is not taken. In addition I would like to relate some of my expeiences in 25 years as a Union advocate and officer in local, State and National union positions.
Very glad someone is bringing this topic up for discussion, Kahli. Thanks
Yay, shirlstars! Joe Hill is a great topic and your personal insights would be welcome.
When is the deadline and could I (if the deadline doesn’t class too much with school) do a diary on Al Shankar and the state of teachers in America?
You beat me to it! But your current activity is a better experience than mine, coming from teaching in a non-union state.
We could collaborate on it. You’ve had teaching experience in a non-union state, so that is in sharp contrast to my career with a very active union.
That would be interesting. If time allows, sure, I’d like to collaborate on it.
My older sister became a union organizer for teachers, NEA, not AFT. Our strongly anti-union family just about died.
Absolutely.
I’m going to post an update with schedule in a little while. That would be a great topic!
Cool. Thanks.
Attention all you wonderful diarists:
I wasn’t sure what was the best way of making sure everyone saw the proposed schedule, but it is posted in a new diary entitled Working: Together — The Plan, which Steven D. kindly front-paged. Please check there for the latest information and thanks again.