Thank you, David, for reminding us of Caesar Chavez' leadership in organizing California farm workers into a union, the work of CRLA and your own work in Calexico, and all the benefits to society of strong unions . Let us hope that the union movement regains momentum and grows once again in the United States.
I share in your nostalgia for the past. It suits us at our present age, but it hardly makes up for the scandalous way that corporations such as Amazon, Uber, Starbucks, and others are allowed to union-bust and hound their workers, sometimes to death. Others, like Wells Fargo, the Sacklers, and others cheat their customers and are left to enjoy their wealth as though what they did was done merely in the name of competition. The examples you give of incipient unionization due to various grassroots movements is inspiring, but the overall picture is grim. Conditions and attitudes have changed and the likelihood that we will ever again enjoy the benefits of a consumer boycott like the one that succeeded ultimately against the grape growers who resisted the unionization of their employees is nil.
Wendy, thank you for your comment and for putting the spotlight on the gross misconduct at the corporate level that has been so devastating to the union dream. However, while the picture may be grim, I don’t think you should conclude that the possibility of union successes, even the use of national boycotts, should be considered nil. I don’t think you can tell that to the workers at the Buffalo, NY Starbucks, or members of the Committee for Better Banks or the Alphabet Workers Union without some animated pushback. They’re a new generation and they have hope and the guts to keep fighting. Indeed, without hope, all would be lost.
Great work Dad! Your work in Calexico, CA with Cesar Chavez is inspiring! Your contribution to social justice speaks to one example of positive change to the way this country treats and supports immigrants to the United States, by promoting social justice and labor rights that benefit not just immigrants, but all Americans and lead to policies of social and economic equality and justice! I say, support labor unions if you would like to see greater economic equality and justice for all!
Thank you, David, for reminding us of Caesar Chavez' leadership in organizing California farm workers into a union, the work of CRLA and your own work in Calexico, and all the benefits to society of strong unions . Let us hope that the union movement regains momentum and grows once again in the United States.
I share in your nostalgia for the past. It suits us at our present age, but it hardly makes up for the scandalous way that corporations such as Amazon, Uber, Starbucks, and others are allowed to union-bust and hound their workers, sometimes to death. Others, like Wells Fargo, the Sacklers, and others cheat their customers and are left to enjoy their wealth as though what they did was done merely in the name of competition. The examples you give of incipient unionization due to various grassroots movements is inspiring, but the overall picture is grim. Conditions and attitudes have changed and the likelihood that we will ever again enjoy the benefits of a consumer boycott like the one that succeeded ultimately against the grape growers who resisted the unionization of their employees is nil.
Wendy, thank you for your comment and for putting the spotlight on the gross misconduct at the corporate level that has been so devastating to the union dream. However, while the picture may be grim, I don’t think you should conclude that the possibility of union successes, even the use of national boycotts, should be considered nil. I don’t think you can tell that to the workers at the Buffalo, NY Starbucks, or members of the Committee for Better Banks or the Alphabet Workers Union without some animated pushback. They’re a new generation and they have hope and the guts to keep fighting. Indeed, without hope, all would be lost.
I continue to believe in the power of grassworks organizing. The obstacles - legal, financial, political, and ideological - are formidable.
Great work Dad! Your work in Calexico, CA with Cesar Chavez is inspiring! Your contribution to social justice speaks to one example of positive change to the way this country treats and supports immigrants to the United States, by promoting social justice and labor rights that benefit not just immigrants, but all Americans and lead to policies of social and economic equality and justice! I say, support labor unions if you would like to see greater economic equality and justice for all!
Wonderful piece, David, speaking to the power and advantages of unions for the common good.