Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997 17:30:40 -0700 From: Neil Fettes <fettesn-AT-cadvision.com> Subject: AUT: Unions & revolution In Ontario folks Maybe I can come at this from a slightly different angle. For two weeks teachers in Ontrario were on an illegal strike if you ask the government, or a political protest if you ask the teachers. THe teachers were protesting over the Ontario government's Bill 160 which would have lengthened the school year, cut prep time and allowed non certified personnel to act as teachers. After two weeks when even those who were initally non suppportive of the teachers began to come around, correctly recognizing that it was a fight against Conservative Premier Mike Harris. Yet last weekend three of the unions decided to go back to work, "for the good of the students" (actually that was the government's argument as to why they shouldn't go out in the first place). At a meeting in Toronto many strikers demanded a vote on the decision. The union meekly replied they didn't have the money to organize a vote. Teachers came forward throwing tens and twenties on the platform. Clearly there was sentiment to continue the fight, but the union leadership had decided enough was enough. What might have been another alternative for the more militant teachers? For my own part I am a member of an even meeker teachers union in Alberta (condition of employment). There isn't much potential for militant action here, but at the same time there is a great deal of anger at the way our contract talks are being held. But at the same time no one expected the teachers' strike in Ontario either. Just some random thoughts for consideration. Neil F Calgary, AB Canada --- from list aut-op-sy-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---
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