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Workers' Movement

Seattle’s Progressive Democrats Attempt to Silence Workers Fighting for Fully-Paid Parking at Construction Sites

Why Is Everyone Quitting Their Job?

Solidarity with the IATSE Rank and File!

Solidarity with John Deere Workers On Strike!

Nabisco Strike Shows Potential for Rank-and-File Militancy

Ten Years Later – The Importance of Occupy Wall Street

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Hours before Halyna Hutchins was accidentally kill

Hours before Halyna Hutchins was accidentally killed by a prop gun fired by actor Alec Baldwin, the entire camera crew had walked off set, citing lack of payment, loss of housing, poor COVID safety and, perhaps most damning, lack of gun safety.

Non-union workers were brought in to replace them, with only Hutchins and one other union member remaining on set. It’s clear that corners were cut on the set to save money, and it cost Halyna Hutchins her life. This points to the critical importance of the demands being put forward by the rank and file of some 60,000 IATSE members.

In 2014, another member of Local 600, which Hutchins was a part of, was struck and killed by a train while filming. It was later determined that the producers had actually been denied permission to use the tracks and that other protocols had been violated, leading to Sarah Jones’ death. This sparked the “Safety for Sarah” movement, centered around set safety and the launch of an app called ICG safety that allows for quick reporting of set safety hazards to the union. Though this was a step in the right direction, it’s clear that so much needs to be won in order to guarantee a safe workplace for film and TV workers.

In a couple weeks, IATSE members will be voting on whether to accept a new tentative agreement, which many rank and file members have called wholly inadequate, or to go on strike. Socialist Alternative stands with the thousands of rank and file workers planning to vote “no” on this contract. Organizing a “vote no” campaign across the 13 locals (whose leaders are all recommending a “yes” vote) would be a crucial first step toward the emergence of rank and file leadership within the union which would be required to win a strike.

Halyna Hutchins tragic death hammers home the dire need for a militant struggle against the highly profitable, corner-cutting studios. Solidarity, and rest in peace.
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#iatse #iatsestrike #iatsesolidarity #halynahutchins #rust #gunsafety #setlife #setsafety #safetyforsarah #voteno #workersrights #alecbaldwin #workersafety #solidarity #rip #socialism #socialistalternative

You’ve probably seen the viral screenshots of fe

You’ve probably seen the viral screenshots of fed-up workers telling off their managers and quitting on the spot. But what’s really behind the “Great Resignation,” and how can we fight back against the bosses collectively to win well-paid, union jobs for all and to truly have a say in our workplaces?

Here is a letter sent to the entire Seattle City C

Here is a letter sent to the entire Seattle City Council by Taylor Werner, a single mother and electrician apprentice in IBEW Local 46 who was disgusted to see all eight Democratic Councilmembers shut down debate on Socialist City Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s office’s bill requiring construction bosses to pay for worker parking. In so many words Taylor gives voice to the frustration millions of working people have with status quo politics.

As IATSE members were preparing to go on strike, w

As IATSE members were preparing to go on strike, word spread that a Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached. Despite a temporary moment of excitement that perhaps the workers’ demands had been met, IATSE members descended on union social media pages to express their outrage at the new contract. Comments poured in saying: “We can’t accept this. They just tried to give the bare minimum to keep things going,” and, “Is this winning? Vote no.”

In early October, IATSE members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action as anger grew at unlivable wages and inhumane working hours (including regularly being denied breaks).

Among the demands of IATSE members are: guaranteed breaks, a limit on daily working hours, pay and benefits parity between streaming and traditional film and TV, and raises that outpace inflation. The new TA has been widely criticized by IATSE members for not doing nearly enough to address the brutal conditions that led them to authorize a strike in the first place. It only grants a 10-hour turnaround between shifts rather than the minimum of 12 demanded by workers. It does not guarantee breaks, only increases meal penalty rates. And it does not deliver equal wages for streaming productions.

In the coming weeks IATSE members will vote on whether to accept this TA or vote it down and send leadership back to the bargaining table. Organizing a “vote no” campaign across the 13 locals (whose leaders are all recommending a “yes” vote) could be a starting point for the emergence of the rank and file leadership within the union that would be required to win a strike.

Socialist Alternative sends its solidarity to the IATSE rank and file in their fight for guaranteed breaks, a 12-hour turnaround time between shifts, equal pay for streaming production, and raises that keep to pace with inflation!

Emotions are high on the pickets as 10,100 John De

Emotions are high on the pickets as 10,100 John Deere workers go toe-to-toe with the farm equipment manufacturing giant. In a record setting year for the company, John Deere was on track to make $5.9 billion or a 69% increase over its previous record; before the strike, that is. After spending over $1.7 billion on stock buybacks, paying out $761 million in dividends and raising the CEO’s salary by a mind-boggling 160%, they are only offering a $1.15 average raise for workers. As one worker’s shirt put it “100% Essential in 2020; Only 5% in 2021.”

Unable to meet production demand due to supply chain breakdowns and a “worker shortage” Deere’s dependence on their employees has never been more evident. It exposes what is really driving this “worker shortage”: no one wants to work long hours in demanding jobs for low pay.

The UAW rank and file is confident they can win a contract worth fighting for. This led to a revolt against UAW’s International leadership which has been dragging its feet into this strike after trying to push a concessionary contract onto membership following a 99% strike authorization vote. The delayed Tentative Agreement fell woefully short of demands and was seen as an insult to members. With a 90% turnout this resulted in a resounding 90.6% ‘No’ vote. UAW members were heard booing and chanting “strike” while they used Q&A time to tell UAW leadership they have failed to do what they demanded: fight for a contract that meets their needs and organize a strike that can win it.

What is needed now is a well organized, energetic strike that can stop shipments and halt production and UAW leadership has made it clear this is not their goal. It will come down to the rank and file to organize a victorious strike. The outcome and how it unfolds is likely to have far reaching impact on this resurgence in labor struggle which is being dubbed #Striketober.

As we enter into the second week of picketing, Socialist Alternative will continue to bring updates from our conversations with John Deere workers. Solidarity with UAW’s rank and file in their battle against the billionaire class!

This is the Democrats in power. They cannot be rel

This is the Democrats in power. They cannot be relied on to fight one INCH for real change. With the biggest climate conference in the world just a few short weeks away, we need a mass, working class, international climate movement!
.
.
.
.
.
#greennewdeal #manchin #democrats #climate #climatechange #cop26

“Can’t we just get along with the billionaires

“Can’t we just get along with the billionaires and establishment politicians?” Here’s what Seattle’s Marxist city councillor Kshama Sawant has to say.
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#seattle #badfaith #socialist #politics #marxism

Help us get to 10,000 followers! The 10K benchmark

Help us get to 10,000 followers! The 10K benchmark will allow us to directly send people to our website and get our Marxist, revolutionary ideas into more hands. Send this post to your friends, family, and followers!

Occupy Wall Street was a spark that ignited a revo

Occupy Wall Street was a spark that ignited a revolt against the billionaire class - a fight that continues today. Ten years later, we should give special respect to the legacy of Occupy, while learning from its mistakes, drawing out key lessons, and resolving to strengthen the movement to liberate working people from the rule of corporate politicians and the 1%.

Read our latest article, ‘Ten Years Later – The Importance of Occupy Wall Street’ at the link in our bio!

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socialist_alternative

Hours before Halyna Hutchins was accidentally kill

Hours before Halyna Hutchins was accidentally killed by a prop gun fired by actor Alec Baldwin, the entire camera crew had walked off set, citing lack of payment, loss of housing, poor COVID safety and, perhaps most damning, lack of gun safety.

Non-union workers were brought in to replace them, with only Hutchins and one other union member remaining on set. It’s clear that corners were cut on the set to save money, and it cost Halyna Hutchins her life. This points to the critical importance of the demands being put forward by the rank and file of some 60,000 IATSE members.

In 2014, another member of Local 600, which Hutchins was a part of, was struck and killed by a train while filming. It was later determined that the producers had actually been denied permission to use the tracks and that other protocols had been violated, leading to Sarah Jones’ death. This sparked the “Safety for Sarah” movement, centered around set safety and the launch of an app called ICG safety that allows for quick reporting of set safety hazards to the union. Though this was a step in the right direction, it’s clear that so much needs to be won in order to guarantee a safe workplace for film and TV workers.

In a couple weeks, IATSE members will be voting on whether to accept a new tentative agreement, which many rank and file members have called wholly inadequate, or to go on strike. Socialist Alternative stands with the thousands of rank and file workers planning to vote “no” on this contract. Organizing a “vote no” campaign across the 13 locals (whose leaders are all recommending a “yes” vote) would be a crucial first step toward the emergence of rank and file leadership within the union which would be required to win a strike.

Halyna Hutchins tragic death hammers home the dire need for a militant struggle against the highly profitable, corner-cutting studios. Solidarity, and rest in peace.
.
.
.
.
.
#iatse #iatsestrike #iatsesolidarity #halynahutchins #rust #gunsafety #setlife #setsafety #safetyforsarah #voteno #workersrights #alecbaldwin #workersafety #solidarity #rip #socialism #socialistalternative

You’ve probably seen the viral screenshots of fe

You’ve probably seen the viral screenshots of fed-up workers telling off their managers and quitting on the spot. But what’s really behind the “Great Resignation,” and how can we fight back against the bosses collectively to win well-paid, union jobs for all and to truly have a say in our workplaces?

Here is a letter sent to the entire Seattle City C

Here is a letter sent to the entire Seattle City Council by Taylor Werner, a single mother and electrician apprentice in IBEW Local 46 who was disgusted to see all eight Democratic Councilmembers shut down debate on Socialist City Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s office’s bill requiring construction bosses to pay for worker parking. In so many words Taylor gives voice to the frustration millions of working people have with status quo politics.

As IATSE members were preparing to go on strike, w

As IATSE members were preparing to go on strike, word spread that a Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached. Despite a temporary moment of excitement that perhaps the workers’ demands had been met, IATSE members descended on union social media pages to express their outrage at the new contract. Comments poured in saying: “We can’t accept this. They just tried to give the bare minimum to keep things going,” and, “Is this winning? Vote no.”

In early October, IATSE members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action as anger grew at unlivable wages and inhumane working hours (including regularly being denied breaks).

Among the demands of IATSE members are: guaranteed breaks, a limit on daily working hours, pay and benefits parity between streaming and traditional film and TV, and raises that outpace inflation. The new TA has been widely criticized by IATSE members for not doing nearly enough to address the brutal conditions that led them to authorize a strike in the first place. It only grants a 10-hour turnaround between shifts rather than the minimum of 12 demanded by workers. It does not guarantee breaks, only increases meal penalty rates. And it does not deliver equal wages for streaming productions.

In the coming weeks IATSE members will vote on whether to accept this TA or vote it down and send leadership back to the bargaining table. Organizing a “vote no” campaign across the 13 locals (whose leaders are all recommending a “yes” vote) could be a starting point for the emergence of the rank and file leadership within the union that would be required to win a strike.

Socialist Alternative sends its solidarity to the IATSE rank and file in their fight for guaranteed breaks, a 12-hour turnaround time between shifts, equal pay for streaming production, and raises that keep to pace with inflation!

Emotions are high on the pickets as 10,100 John De

Emotions are high on the pickets as 10,100 John Deere workers go toe-to-toe with the farm equipment manufacturing giant. In a record setting year for the company, John Deere was on track to make $5.9 billion or a 69% increase over its previous record; before the strike, that is. After spending over $1.7 billion on stock buybacks, paying out $761 million in dividends and raising the CEO’s salary by a mind-boggling 160%, they are only offering a $1.15 average raise for workers. As one worker’s shirt put it “100% Essential in 2020; Only 5% in 2021.”

Unable to meet production demand due to supply chain breakdowns and a “worker shortage” Deere’s dependence on their employees has never been more evident. It exposes what is really driving this “worker shortage”: no one wants to work long hours in demanding jobs for low pay.

The UAW rank and file is confident they can win a contract worth fighting for. This led to a revolt against UAW’s International leadership which has been dragging its feet into this strike after trying to push a concessionary contract onto membership following a 99% strike authorization vote. The delayed Tentative Agreement fell woefully short of demands and was seen as an insult to members. With a 90% turnout this resulted in a resounding 90.6% ‘No’ vote. UAW members were heard booing and chanting “strike” while they used Q&A time to tell UAW leadership they have failed to do what they demanded: fight for a contract that meets their needs and organize a strike that can win it.

What is needed now is a well organized, energetic strike that can stop shipments and halt production and UAW leadership has made it clear this is not their goal. It will come down to the rank and file to organize a victorious strike. The outcome and how it unfolds is likely to have far reaching impact on this resurgence in labor struggle which is being dubbed #Striketober.

As we enter into the second week of picketing, Socialist Alternative will continue to bring updates from our conversations with John Deere workers. Solidarity with UAW’s rank and file in their battle against the billionaire class!

This is the Democrats in power. They cannot be rel

This is the Democrats in power. They cannot be relied on to fight one INCH for real change. With the biggest climate conference in the world just a few short weeks away, we need a mass, working class, international climate movement!
.
.
.
.
.
#greennewdeal #manchin #democrats #climate #climatechange #cop26

“Can’t we just get along with the billionaires

“Can’t we just get along with the billionaires and establishment politicians?” Here’s what Seattle’s Marxist city councillor Kshama Sawant has to say.
.
.
.
.
#seattle #badfaith #socialist #politics #marxism

Help us get to 10,000 followers! The 10K benchmark

Help us get to 10,000 followers! The 10K benchmark will allow us to directly send people to our website and get our Marxist, revolutionary ideas into more hands. Send this post to your friends, family, and followers!

Follow on Instagram

Socialist Alternative is in political solidarity with International Socialist Alternative. Visit the ISA website to learn more about socialist organizing around the world.

Why Is Everyone Quitting Their Job?

October 21, 2021

Ten Years Later – The Importance of Occupy Wall Street

October 7, 2021

DSA Should Build a Movement to Defend Abortion Rights

October 3, 2021

We Need A Mass Movement to Defend Abortion Rights

September 29, 2021

Democratic Fault Lines Threaten “Biden Agenda”

September 28, 2021

Featured

9/11 and the Endless Wars of U.S. Imperialism

A New Era of Capitalist Instability

Labor Movement in Seattle At a Crossroads

Jeremy Prickett: Socialist, Machinist, and Comrade

Read Socialist Alternative

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SA In Action

Solidarity with John Deere Workers On Strike!

Nabisco Strike Shows Potential for Rank-and-File Militancy

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Tax the Rich Movement Comes to Chicago!

International

As Taliban Take over and U.S. Imperialism is Humiliated, Afghan Masses Pay the Price

On Xinjiang and the Falling Uighur Birth Rate: Reply to Pro-Authoritarian “Lefts”

Israel-Palestine: New Capitalist Government of Occupation

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Afghan People Face Bitter Outcome of U.S. Occupation

Workers' Movement

Seattle’s Progressive Democrats Attempt to Silence Workers Fighting for Fully-Paid Parking at Construction Sites

Why Is Everyone Quitting Their Job?

Solidarity with the IATSE Rank and File!

Solidarity with John Deere Workers On Strike!

Nabisco Strike Shows Potential for Rank-and-File Militancy

Fighting Racism

We Need Socialism, Not “Woke Capitalism”

50 Years Since the Release of George Jackson’s Blood in My Eye

“Woke Capitalism” Is Not the Ally of Oppressed People

Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) Review

Book Review: “You Can Escape a Maniac but Not Hide from a Society”

Environment

The Truth About Dirty Energy

The Implications of Ida – How We Got Here and Where We Go Next

Capitalism vs. the Planet

IPCC’s Report Shows Climate Cannot Wait — Fight for a Socialist Alternative!

Chinese Capitalism and the Climate Crisis

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