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AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and NEA-affilated Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) leaders abandoned their struggle and sold out Republican Governor Scott Walker's wish list.
It didn't surprise. It been happening across America regularly. Workers have been ill represented for decades. The 1981 PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) strike was seminal. It was a shot across organized labor's bow.
Over 11,000 workers lost jobs. AFL-CIO president Lane Kirkland conspired with Ronald Reagan in union-busting. During the 1980s alone, coal miner, steel worker, bus driver, airline worker, copper miner, auto worker, and meatpacker strikes were defeated. Union bosses sold out worker interests.
No wonder unionism today is a shadow of its former self. It's headed for extinction without committed rank-and-file activism to save it.
On September 10, Chicago teachers walked out. At stake are rank-and-file rights, jobs, benefits, keeping education public, the futures of Chicago kids, the city's soul, and perhaps America's.
A previous article called Chicago America's epicenter of resistance . It's headed for becoming its epicentral defeat. Don't blame teachers, parents or students. They're resolute and deserve better. They're also ill served.
On September 13, the Chicago Tribune headlined "Optimism over ending Chicago teachers strike, but no classes Friday," saying:
Both sides expressed optimism. On a 1 - 10 scale, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) president Karen Lewis said "I'm a 9" on reaching a deal quickly. House of Delegates approval is required.
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