File spoon-archives/aut-op-sy.archive/aut-op-sy_1997/aut-op-sy.9711, message 28


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







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