Can Unions Rebuild Our Democracy?

[Omaha Steve]

https://inthesetimes.com/article/labor-rebuild-democracy-unions-workers-power

Our institutions have failed to protect democracy. Can unions take up the fight?
Alex Han March 18, 2024

For so many of us, these are mostly dark times interrupted by brief windows of hope?—?and the road ahead is daunting. No matter how this year’s presidential election plays out, the contest’s ultimate winner will surely be pessimism, one of the few things Americans across the political spectrum seem to be in alignment on: pessimism for the future, pessimism for possibilities of transformation, pessimism for the idea that justice will win the day.

We exist in a political system built on institutions seemingly unable to fulfill even the basic function of producing policies that huge majorities of Americans support, like lower prescription drug prices, less debt, increasing the minimum wage, a cease-fire in Gaza. It’s no wonder that public polling shows, according to the Pew Research Center, that ​“Americans’ views of politics and elected officials are unrelentingly negative, with little hope of improvement on the horizon.”

There’s little evidence that our political system is anything but broken, and confidence in these failing institutions?—?from Congress to the news media to organized religion to the Supreme Court to the White House?—?continues to decline.

The necessary conversations in our movement spaces are mostly quite simple: What’s left? What’s worth salvaging? What can we carry with us? For those of us who see the power and potential of organized workers, the questions are sharper: What has our crumbling democracy meant for working people? Where are the centers of power within our labor movements? And, most importantly, can unions and workers ultimately change the horizons we’re walking toward?

FULL story at link above.

[RainCaster]

1. Unions need to take up the fight, if only they knew what to fight for

This article is so full of gloom/doom. The message is that nobody in charge anywhere is fighting for this things that most everyone wants.

We exist in a political system built on institutions seemingly unable to fulfill even the basic function of producing policies that huge majorities of Americans support, like lower prescription drug prices, less debt, increasing the minimum wage, a cease-fire in Gaza.

But then he pushes for the same old standard union ideas- yeah let's ask for a shorter work week. No mention of becoming active in politics. No mention of support for the DNC who has been pushing strongly for each of those topics mentioned above. No mention of how the labor unions have regained significant ground under the Biden administration. No talk about how infrastructure projects has brought substantial work (and value) to the middle class. Those of us who don't have private jets benefit from all those roads/highways/bridges getting repaired. How about a resounding Thank You to your local dems and all they did to help push this through?

And, most importantly, can unions and workers ultimately change the horizons we’re walking toward?

Yes, if each individual becomes more active in local, regional and national politics.

Example: For 80+ years women have been fighting for equality, but seldom do I remember Big Labor taking up pay equity. That's a potential 50% of your future base if you do. I don't mean to offend with this, just want to mention that there is so much work yet to be done and labor can be a big part of it. GOTV programs, local activism, financial and volunteer support for candidates up & down the ballot.

There are so many things that all of the labor force feels strongly about that does not fit into the standard category of a "labor issue". There are many issues that Joe has been fighting for that involve those peripheral issues and this author doesn't recognize that. IVF, home ownership, global warming are all issues that are important to a vast majority of those in labor unions.

What can be done to make those in power see this? Labor can be part of that answer.

[2naSalit]

2. They can certainly...

Take on a significant role.

[snot]

3. As Mike Gecan said:

There’s always a tendency to look for the most charismatic person, because that,in a way, solves your leadership problem – but only in the short term…. You can’t counter institutional power with good intentions, or charisma alone….You have to build your own institutional power.