From Jamestown in 1619 to McDonald’s in 2015, workers together are always stronger The national day of action held on Nov. 10 by thousands of low-wage workers was the latest in a string of actions over the past few years to bring attention to the nation’s growing economic imbalance. Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations Kate Bronfenbrenner senior lecturer noted recently that the national strike shows that raising the minimum wage remains a primary political issue for voters. “The ‘Fight for $15’ campaign is hoping to capture the country’s attention again through a national strike in 270 cities, reinforcing the message that raising the minimum wage and the right to organize are primary issues for millions of voters in the upcoming election,” Bronfenbrenner said. “The strike includes fast food workers nationwide as well as home care workers, adjunct faculty, and other low-wage workers fighting for a living wage and a union.” What is important to realize here is that the workers making their demands a political issue raises the chances of their having success, but is also often the only way any such action accomplishes its goals in our country. Voters are becoming more disillusioned with our political process because of the perception that increasing numbers of our political leaders are owned by multinational corporations, and that we are losing our democracy. With fewer allies to support workers and good wages, workers risk losing their jobs by walking out and demonstrating to make their point. This isn’t new. The first strike on American soil occurred in 1619 in Jamestown in the Virginia colony when craftsmen walked off their jobs as glassmakers and producers of pitch and tar after they were not allowed to vote in the colony’s first election. The colonial government relented, order was restored, and the first strike on American soil by colonial settlers was a success. What is important to keep in mind isn’t so much the low-wage workers’ actions, it is that they are united, fighting for a common goal, and winning. We will always be stronger together, and now more than ever need to work together to help restore economic balance and protect good jobs with good wages. — Lou Hmieleski December 2015 The Work Force 5
Work_Force_December_2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above