Teamster shop stewards in the United States. But vast numbers of US workers have no union representation at all. The same in Australia, and the UK
In my life as a working-class and trade-union activist [mainly in Australia], I guess I’ve usually been described by such words as “Oh, you know Bob, he’s a militant”. For me it’s a great badge of honour, however many in the trade union movement scorn genuine militants.
Another description used by both employers and more than a few union crawlers: “Oh, Carnegie, he is belligerent”. To be honest up, until about a decade ago, that side of my nature was often seen. I would not say I’ve mellowed, but sometimes you get more with honey than with vinegar.
Overall, I guess I’m just a working-class person who believes workers should not be treated like shit, that we have rights to safe workplaces and decent pay and a life that shines from above and not below.
The reason I’ve brought this up is that last week I walked off a job after being asked to do unsafe things and then being abused for it. I won’t go into detail. The two other traffic controllers, and the leading hand in particular, knew it was wrong, and stood there as if mute.
In my working life I have always, and I mean always, stood up for the underdog; but last week in the middle of the night there was no one to stand up for me. Instead of engaging in a heated argument I removed myself from the job.
As I reflected on the events, the primary importance came home to me of having a delegate or shop steward on the job and how exposed you are without one. In the award-wage work I’ve been in, the only person I’ve met with a union card has been me. We have a self-reinforcing circle: no union members, no shop steward, no rights.
Being moved along is the constant feature of my working life. It’s the price you pay as a fair dinkum militant. I’ve always put on the brave face and said what those of the left (and myself) have expected me to say: “The battle has been worth it”.
Now in my early 60’s, doing unorganised minimum-rate work with all the uncertainty it brings. I wonder more and more frequently whether always choosing combat is the right path. Could I have chosen a different path? The answer for the first question is maybe, and the second question yes.
We all carry certain regrets and disappointments. In life, my “black and white” world outlook has not much helped. I have not seen the nuances that are so important in forming strong opinions. I hope no reader thinks this is a sob story. I am very very fortunate to have led an adventurous sort of life. I’ve had wonderful opportunities.
Some I’ve grabbed with both hands and several I have squandered. I guess that is life.
Anyway, fellow workers, next week I’ll be writing on a huge dispute I was involved in all through 1985 in Queensland, Australia.
