Labor Leaders Say Wisconsin Signals ‘New Era of Labor Militancy’

[marmar]

from In These Times:



Labor Leaders Say Wisconsin Signals ‘New Era of Labor Militancy’

Wednesday
Feb 23, 2011
3:49 pm

By Mike Elk


MADISON, WIS.—In the past, labor leaders have been hesitant to call militant actions in part because they're afraid they won’t have the support and energy of union members. But after the massive outpouring of rank and file support in Wisconsin during the last eight days—triggered by proposed GOP legislation that would gut organizing rights for public-sector workers—today's leaders are starting to see things differently.

“I think that we have entered a new era of labor militancy,” SEIU President Mary Kay Henry told me the other day after speaking at a rally in front of 10,000 people. “I think Wisconsin proves that the rank and file is willing to take bold steps.”

Many organized labor leaders have been shocked by how a (more typical) one-day protest became a weeklong occupation of the Capitol. Furthermore, they have been pleasantly surprised by the massive community support they have received in this fight from people not traditionally affiliated with organized labor. The protests initially tightly organized by organized labor are no essentially community-driven affairs. “It’s like if we build it, they will come,” one local labor leader told In These Times.

But it will take more than just Wisconsin's uprising to inaugurate a "new era" of militancy. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6994/labor_leaders_feel_wisconsin_signals_a_new_era_of_labor_militancy/

[Indydem]

1. 12%

That is the entire sum of unionized labor (private and public) in this country.

If the 12% wants to get "militant" and start destroying property or threatening people, the other 88% MAY have something to say.

Perhaps the word militant is the wrong word? I'm not sure what exactly they are implying at this point, but I do urge caution.

[marmar]

2. "start destroying property or threatening people"

:wtf:

Who said or implied that, other than you?

[Indydem]

3. I don't know.. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD MILITANT!

The word militant, which is both an adjective and a noun, essentially means 'to be open to using violence to achieve an end'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militant

adjective
1. vigorously active and aggressive, especially in support of a cause: militant reformers.
2. engaged in warfare; fighting.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/militant

[ngant17]

10. don't rely on Wikipedia for a dictionary

My American College Dictionary defines "militant" as:

1. combative; aggressive: a militant reformer.

2. engaged in warfare; warring.

3. one engaged in warfare or strife; a militant person.

[OHdem10]

4. Militancy means strong tough approach as opposed to

the laying low , staying quiet and out of sight.

Standing your ground in other words. No wishiwashiness.

I hate to say this but jumping to the idea that property
would be destroyed sounds like a RWer.

[Indydem]

7. My issue is the use of the word militant.

Is there no other word they can use to convey a strong support for the union effort?

Passionate?
Renewed?
Engaged?
Strong?

I don't know, I just see the right wing making an entire pile of hay out of this, and God forbid some agitator or loose cannon should do someone harm.

[socialist_n_TN]

9. Do you believe in self defense?.........

I do. And I can extend my thinking on self defense into a lot of areas. I'm also VERY militant about my rights as a citizen.

But in self defense there's the matter of graduated response. I won't break your neck for calling my girlfriend a whore. Because that's a verbal assault, not deserving of a physical response. I probably WILL laugh in your face and be prepared for any physical retaliation from you TO that laugh. But you'll be the one to escalate, not me.

I'll extend the same self defense rights to organzations that I support, INCLUDING unions. If the capitalists want to escalate, that's their choice, but they should expect retaliation in kind.

[JVS]

6. You'll sign the fucking card and you'll like it!

Then we'll be more than 12%

[craigmatic]

5. It's past time for the Unions to get militant. If anything they've been too nice.

[socialist_n_TN]

8. BINGO! Once again, the bottom is LEADING the.........

leaders. As it probably should be. We've been sheep for too long in this country and I think that EVERYBODY is tired of it.