Bigger Labor: A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers. Bob Jr. Oedy

and See What Happens”

      I want you to pledge to yourselves in this convention to stand as one solid army against the foes of human labor. Think of the thousands who are killed every year and there is no redress for it. We will fight until the mines are made secure and human life valued more than props. Look things in the face. Don’t fear a governor; don’t fear anybody. You pay the governor; he has the right to protect you. You are the biggest part of the population in the state. You create its wealth, so I say, “Let the fight go on; if nobody else will keep on, I will.”

      —Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, 1913

      An organizing conference was attended by organizers from various states who gathered to create a strategic plan. A consultant was brought in to moderate the event. Ideas were tossed around, and some substantive conversations resulted. An outline was written up with each organizer assigned a responsibility. No idea was too small or too large, and everyone was encouraged to air his or her concerns. That’s when someone made the following recommendation; “Let’s not do anything for 30 days and see what happens.”

      You might think such a statement was met with laughter, but it wasn’t. A colleague leaned over and whispered, “If the other side could see us right now, they’d all breathe a little easier.” If the statement was said as a joke, I could understand, but it wasn’t a joke. He was serious.

      In many ways, this is systemic of the problem labor unions face today. Some people just don’t understand the implications of waiting around to see what happens. Consistent and persistent efforts must be made across the board. It could be said that unions are at a tipping point. Ignoring the issues will result in the demise of the unions, not to mention our livelihood.