2d ago

Luigi

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What I think you all need:
A manifesto with surgically specific changes you want done that will be guaranteed to permanently fix things (so healthcare reform along with a pre-prepared legal framework etc.). With as broad concensus as possible (so eg. with unions on board probably)
A general strike to force whichever party is currently in power to implement that manifesto.
Pros:
Still constitutinal. On paper it's the politicians that opted for this and nobody forced their hand.
A surgically specific manifesto will make it blatantly obvious whether your demands have been met or not – and hence whether the strike may cease. No space for watering down. This is why being specific is crucial.
- Is there historical precedent for unions hoarding money so that they can supplant workers' pay while they're striking?
  
  Yes, it's what unions currently do over here. It's tax free but lower that normal wage.
  During media coverage of negotiations you sometimes hear, "the union has a large strike fund" to imply they are in a strong negotiating position, because they could strike for a long time.
  Going of the fact that Wikipedia only has articles on strike funds it in German and French, I think it's not done much in American.
  
  I know the big old Unions like auto workers and railroaders tend to have deep strike funds, but I think the smaller ones tend to focus funds on recruiting and benefits.
  
  Most unions collect into the strike fund at all times. For every $100 earned, dues are usually $1.25 with the 25 cents going to the fund.
  Edit: typo: per $100, not $10
  
  Dues are 1-2 percent not 12.5 percent
  
  You're right, that was a typo
  
  The Teamster dues rate is 2.5 times our base hourly rate per month, minus license premiums. So, if you're an AMT or work in facility maintenance and make $28.00 per hour (minus license premiums for AMTs), your monthly dues will be $70..
  If I work for a month at that hrly rate I usually earn more than 600 Bucks per month. Maybe you meant 1.25 cents and fractions of cents?
  
  For every $10 earned, dues are usually $1.25
  I think you forgot a 0 on that $10. If your union is charging 12.5%, I have a bridge to sell you.
  
  You're definitely right, I missed the other 0 and dues should never be that high

59 comments