Trigger warning: I grew up in a union household (my dad was a construction worker, often laid off) and was able to eat regularly and make weekend plans with my family. It’s hard not to rant, so apologies in advance if the tone bothers some.
I have written my two US Senators and House rep–all Dems–because that’s what I can do to help. I don’t think they’ll listen, though, unless other voters speak up en masse. If you’re not a billionaire, you’re probably a worker, too.
“I am calling on Congress to pass legislation immediately to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators – without any modifications or delay – to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown.” This WH post quotes industry talking points and says nothing about worker needs.
Now that the election is over, Dems and the “Most Pro-Labor president in history” are running point for billionaire railroad tycoons to deny basics like paid time off and the possiblility of a normal life to workers. Who needs Republicans?
The fact that he said “no modifications” when there’s no real deadline is pretty telling. If workers mattered, they’d take the time to ensure some changes favorable to worker quality of life were added. One freaking day of Warren Buffett’s wealth gains could pay for 15 days of sick leave, but our politicians look poised to force the workers to suffer instead. Where the rubber meets the road, how much progress have we made for worker’s rights since the 1800s?
I’m afraid no one ever really wanted to work all the livelong day, but this deal expects them to forego having a life for the sake of billionaires getting richer. That’s such a bullshit argument. If going without railroad labor is an existential threat to our society, maybe treating the workers with a shred of decency is appropriate? Would it kill Dems to side with the workers here? No, but they’re not going to. This is what they want workers to accept. Imagine if there were no unions in this industry…
Workers have a voice, but it’s not in the MSM. Here’s what some of them say about the situation.
ETA- Spelling
