[Marxism] TDU Leader on the SEIU Attack at LaborNotes: Part 2

[Greg McDonald <sabocat59@xxxxxxx>]

  ...Another BLAST parallel was the composition of the SEIU force. It  
was
led by officials, but many behind them were rank and file members who
had been "mobilized." A friend talked to some of them and found out
they didn't know that they were brought to invade a national (and
international) labor event. One said they were told it was a meeting
of union busters. A few had children with them, so they were hardly
prepared for a confrontation. Minus the children, this was generally
the BLAST composition: the well-organized union staff up front, and
behind were rank and filers who may or may not know who or why they
were attacking.

  I became aware of what was happening when I saw the from across the
hall the doors closed, but one came open and SEIU signs and a loud
commotion were at the opening. Simultaneously one of their insiders
sneaked on the podium and grabbed the mike and started yelling about
union busters. A retired Teamster, Gary Brooks, who films for Labor
Beat, was up front and I heard him startle her by saying put down his
personal mike "before you break it." Two Labor Notes staffers escorted
her off the stage. The hotel wait staff passed the "assemble" signal
and abruptly left the hall, retreating to the kitchen area to avoid
any potential violence.

  It was clear that they intended to muscle their way into the crowded
room and disrupt by marching, chanting, encircling, taking over the
podium, etc. In that, they failed. Within minutes they left, chanting
"We'll be back"

  The SEIU press release on this disgraceful disruption was
other-worldly. Has Leebove gone back to work for them? It states that
"Open debate serves an important role as we work to strengthen our
movement. The Labor Notes Conference is the right time and place to
discuss our differences." Say what?

  Were they bussing in confused (a.k.a. "mobilized") members led by
staffers to bust into a full banquet, to "discuss and debate?"

  They easily could have "discussed and debated," and their inside
group did just that, though apparently not in a way designed to
convince, more to show how verbally tough they are. The SEIU
International could have asked to lead a workshop or send a speaker.

  The Teamster BLAST squad, which in 1983 did break into a TDU
convention and disrupt and delay it, also issued a press release from
Leebove saying they were there to debate.

  Here's who they were going to disrupt and silence, had they succeeded:

  First, De Moro wasn't there. She didn't show, apparently anticipating
some kind of problem. The Labor Notes staff showed a 4-5 minute video
of her giving greetings to the event. The SEIU officials knew this
long in advance, as it was announced in the morning session,
presumably with their inside force listening.

  The speakers that evening were assembled next to the podium at the
time of the disruption. They were

  *       A disabled (due to lung disease) building trades unionist, a
9-11 rescue volunteer, who has devoted himself to winning benefits and
recognition for the 9-11 rescue workers and those in other disasters.
  *       The Local 235 American Axle & Manufacturing strikers. Three
strike leaders and activists took the stage for a short and rousing
speech.
  *       The workers at the Baltimore Camden Yards who are part of
United Workers of Baltimore. who won a living wage for the stadium
cleaners.
  *       Three members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

  If only those "mobilized" SEIU rank and filers could have heard these
folks, they might have found they had a whole lot in common with the
speakers and the conference attendees.

  I thought the conference was terrific. I wasn't there most of Friday,
but attended all three main sessions and three excellent workshop
sessions and was able to meet and make contacts with some impressive
people.

  I know almost nothing of the flash point of the C.N.A – SEIU dispute
in Ohio. I certainly know the unions have been at odds off and on for
years. Whatever the merits of the SEIU International's viewpoint,
sending a squad to disrupt a labor conference for the "crime" of
having the head of C.N.A speak there was a disgusting move, and a
dangerous one if it continues to happen.

  I can't help but think there was something about the gathering itself
that seemed threatening to the SEIU International. I think De Moro is
on the AFLCIO Executive Council, but I doubt the SEIU will be
disrupting there chanting that John Sweeney is a union buster for
sitting with De Moro. The C.N.A. is on good terms with the Teamster
leadership in Northern California. Will the SEIU International be
busting up any meetings they may hold with De Moro present?

  Their press release was headed "SEIU Members Stand Up for the Future
of the Labor Movement." Doesn't seem like a future that I'm interested
in. I saw it in the past, and would like to keep it there.
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