|
Unions
Oct 18, 2011 7:17:45 GMT -5
Post by loyalsd on Oct 18, 2011 7:17:45 GMT -5
I was just wondering if anything is currently being done to reach out to local unions? I know there have been reservations about the movement being "hi-jacked" by political groups but I think if we are careful, union support could be an amazing thing. PEF seems to be a really good target given the fact that they have rejected their contract proposal and are "taking a stand" against the powers that be.
|
|
kevin
New Member
Coalition Building Member
Posts: 8
|
Unions
Oct 19, 2011 15:44:29 GMT -5
Post by kevin on Oct 19, 2011 15:44:29 GMT -5
Yes Unions are aware of Occupy Albany and are discussing support. The principles of the OWS movement are things that Labor has supported for years. Many union members have been at the GA's in Albany including myself and as individuals will be supporting Occupy Albany. As unions pledge official support I will be sure to post them on the boards.
Please know that no one in Labor here in the Capital District is interested in Hijacking anything. This is the movement of the future, a revolution of ideas and we want to support and partner with like minded people.
|
|
kevin
New Member
Coalition Building Member
Posts: 8
|
Unions
Oct 20, 2011 8:37:41 GMT -5
Post by kevin on Oct 20, 2011 8:37:41 GMT -5
CWA 1118 and the Troy Area Labor Council are officially in support of Occupy Albany. I will post the letters soon.
|
|
|
Unions
Oct 23, 2011 13:11:54 GMT -5
Post by winslowsage on Oct 23, 2011 13:11:54 GMT -5
Kevin, Glad to hear CWA and TALC are in support. I would be glad to approach my PEF local, just not sure what to put in front of them. Is there a discrete document we're asking them to support, or the movement in general? Thanks!
|
|
madskeptic
New Member
Curmudgeon, eccentric, scientist, blogger, tall, fisherman, Ubuntu
Posts: 63
|
Unions
Oct 23, 2011 21:05:21 GMT -5
Post by madskeptic on Oct 23, 2011 21:05:21 GMT -5
As a member of PEF, I can say that it is highly unlikely they will take a stand on anything until the current contract ratification process is settled. I have been around PEF leadership and they have their hands full right now.
Once the contract is settled and, assuming I'm still working for the State and a part of PEF (I'm one of the laid off), I will bring the issue before my Division. I am a Shop Steward and a Convention Delegate.
I know there are PEF members in support of Occupy Albany. Two of us were at the GA this evening.
|
|
|
Unions
Oct 25, 2011 20:41:43 GMT -5
Post by winslowsage on Oct 25, 2011 20:41:43 GMT -5
Dear Mad, I'm sure you're right, however, my division may be ready to endorse OA provided we had a general statement of our position so they had something to consider and react to. I hope you keep your job, but this whole layoff thing by Cuomo was a stroke of genius to get us all fighting each other instead of the MAN. However, we may have the last laugh if we can force his hand on the millionaires tax so he just looks stupid taking an aggressive, but now fiscally unnecessary, posture toward public employee unions! Let's hope this is how it turns out. WS
|
|
kevin
New Member
Coalition Building Member
Posts: 8
|
Unions
Oct 27, 2011 9:27:23 GMT -5
Post by kevin on Oct 27, 2011 9:27:23 GMT -5
Statement of Support will be released today from CDALF, feel free to use that as a template for any other organizations. Labor will also will be coming down to support the occupiers Friday at 6pm and we are trying to collect donations as well.
|
|
madskeptic
New Member
Curmudgeon, eccentric, scientist, blogger, tall, fisherman, Ubuntu
Posts: 63
|
Post by madskeptic on Oct 27, 2011 11:38:28 GMT -5
|
|
tooladder
New Member
Arts & Music Member Media/PR Member Humane Resources
Posts: 51
|
Unions
Oct 27, 2011 11:59:28 GMT -5
Post by tooladder on Oct 27, 2011 11:59:28 GMT -5
I personally have been despondent at our lack of union support until today and am overjoyed that we finally got some support! The message I'm trying to carry to this movement is that there is hope for a renewed middle class. That hope is in the strength of collective bargaining and organized labor movements. Union busting is one of todays primary destructive forces on the middle class. I am unfortunately not a union member due to the privatization of my job long before I went to work where I work; but I see the way unions have helped EVERYbody not just themselves with their movement..
|
|
madskeptic
New Member
Curmudgeon, eccentric, scientist, blogger, tall, fisherman, Ubuntu
Posts: 63
|
Unions
Oct 27, 2011 13:10:22 GMT -5
Post by madskeptic on Oct 27, 2011 13:10:22 GMT -5
There are a number of us who are Union members who are participating as individuals.
|
|
|
Unions
Oct 29, 2011 11:00:49 GMT -5
Post by winslowsage on Oct 29, 2011 11:00:49 GMT -5
madskeptic, Thanks for posting the CDALF Solidarity Statement. I will bring this to my Division meeting next week and seek an endorsement and support. Is there anything "concrete" that we could offer the OccupyAlbany effort? I can certainly ask for volunteers to support the occupation, donations etc. If anyone knows what would be "most helpful" that our Division could provide, please post that asap. Thanks and best wishes to all. Hope to see a good turnout at the march later. WS
|
|
madskeptic
New Member
Curmudgeon, eccentric, scientist, blogger, tall, fisherman, Ubuntu
Posts: 63
|
Unions
Oct 29, 2011 11:13:59 GMT -5
Post by madskeptic on Oct 29, 2011 11:13:59 GMT -5
Based upon my discussions with PEF leadership, I don't think PEF is willing to make any comment about Occupy Albany right now. However, Solidarity statements can be made on the Division level much more easily.
I would recommend first a statement of solidarity about fighting income inequality that avoids any overtly political, negative, or accusatory language. If that doesn't pass, I would then recommend you ask people who are interested to speak with you after your Division meeting - I'm planning on doing things this way. Well, if OA doesn't piss me off before then.
I don't know if you've been following the General Strike thread but there are some people implying that they will be expecting PEF to participate in activities which are illegal under the Taylor Law. No doubt, Division level leadership and the E-board are concerned about associations with such an activity. I would caution your Division against making any statement of Solidarity which implies condoning actions of Occupy Albany as such language could be viewed as endorsing a strike should someone try to engineer a General Strike.
I would recommend you keep a statement focused on issues and not actions (i.e. "Division XYZ agrees with Occupy Albany that income inequality is a very serious problem that needs to be solved"). If you want help with format, I could provide some resolutions I've written for the Convention that you could use as a guide.
|
|
kevin
New Member
Coalition Building Member
Posts: 8
|
Unions
Nov 3, 2011 15:37:46 GMT -5
Post by kevin on Nov 3, 2011 15:37:46 GMT -5
Troy Area Labor Council, Albany County Central Federation of Labor and the Capital District Area Labor Federation have all put out statements of support for Occupy Albany. CDALF also just sent out a blast on the bank transfer DA event OA is hosting. If there is any upcoming events we can participate in or specific needs that we can meet please let me know. There are many, many union members and leaders that want to help in any way they can.
|
|