CALL TO ACTION:
The Future of Labor
and
How We Will Move Forward
Chris Silvera, Secretary Treasurer,
IBT Local 808
Arthur Cheliotes, President,
CWA Local 1180
The History of Labor Struggles
In Our Nation
The Rich Controlled the Government
Labor Struggles Forced Change
In Our Nation
Labor’s Power Came From Support
of All People Fighting Injustice and
Inequality
Teddy Roosevelt was known as the Trust-Buster
and until Ronald Reagan
our nation was on a path to expand rights
and improve the lives of the American people.
The Progressive Movement
Challenged The Robber Barons
Of The Gilded Age
“It is essential that there be an
organization of labor.
This is an era of organization.
Capital organizes and therefore
labor must organize.”
“The object of government is the
welfare of the people.”
Theodore Roosevelt
The 1% Had A Plan To Get Richer
Seize Political Power
Suck The Wealth Out Of The Nation
Goal:
- Maximize corporate
profits and CEO pay
Strategy:
- Destroy unions
- Reduce workers’ wages
and benefits
11
Justice Lewis Powell’s 1971 Memo
“Attack on American Enterprise System”
Reagan gave the 1%
the tools to brainwash and
dumb down Americans.
By eliminating the FCC
Fairness Doctrine and
restrictions on Media
Monopolies
CORPORATIONS HAVE CORRUPTED OUR
DEMOCRACY AND STOLE OUR GOVERNMENT
The Bully Pulpit sets the tone of our
discussions and we have hit a new low.
The Awakening of the American People
Demanding Government
By and For the People
Populism But What Kind?
Bernie or Trump?
Participation in the Women’s
March is a Start
Local 1180 Empowering Members Not Only
Where They Work But Where they Live
National Organizations with Tools
to Be Part of a People’s Movement
Robert Reich Resistance Report
Does Organized Labor Join the
Resistance or Go Along to Get Along
• Republicans will control all three branches of
government if Gorsuch is confirmed
• A National Right to Work Law is being drafted
• Public Sector Agency Fee is threatened
• Infrastructure projects without prevailing wage
• NLRB even more pro management
• DOL Secretary Anti-Worker
• Alternative Facts ?
• Rights of All Americans Threatened
What are your ideas?
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•
•
•
Do we join the populist movement?
Or just stand on the sidelines?
How do we get our members involved?
What are you doing to inform and
mobilize your members?
• What works?
• What doesn’t work?
• What next?
Final Thought