We have come a long way indeed. But now the youth is cuddled to sleep and lets government run over them again. Have times become too good? Have workers forgotten to stand up if things turn bad? It is way harder even in Europe, where there is sick pay, good health care, social structure for unemployed, sick, handicapped, new moms, lots more than in the US. And now, they all obeyed a corrupt government of which they constantly complain ! I am reading a book by Wendell Berry, which describes just this unraveling of America (and the Western world).
I rememer a saying from one or other old Roman, give the people bread and games. We do have the games, but soon they will take our food and that will certainly cause some stir !
Thank you for presenting unions in the proper perspective. They sure were needed back then! But as you allude, they recently got too greedy and ruined themselves. The worst thing was having unions in government (should have only been in private businesses). I worked for a county government and supervised union employees...ugh.
You're welcome and yes, unions were almost too effective for their own good. Everyone wanted a piece and the people in charge had/have a strong vested interest in co-opting them.
My ancestors came from Ireland to Lowell in 1839 and worked in the mills. They were placed in squalid conditions around Saint Patrick’s Church. They lost two children to those squalid conditions and my grandfather (four times removed) was blinded from a blast while working on the sewer system.
If you live near Lowell, you can still visit the factories today--everyone should see the conditions these people worked in!
Also, a great fiction work on the subject is the Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott.
Thanks Mickey - right on the money; great to honor and remember the heroes and heroines because it seems there are so few left these days, so we can definitely use the inspiration!
Thank you...I was feeling jaded about unions today.... but I tried to think of all the good stories from the past....and now I read this post.....you read my mind.....I didn't know about the Lowell Mill Girls....you think I would have since I am working with my third union......when the mandates came in and the unions didn't rise with the workers but were just an arm of the employer and govt, I was heartbroken.....I told a colleague that this was the govt/employers way to get rid of the advocates, dissenters in a work place......get rid of the critical thinkers and people who speak out....pretty soon there won't be a need for unions since the workers will be happy and own nothing......
Thank you, Stella...I'm happy to hear this post resonated with you. And thanks for the critical reminders of how unions were on the wrong side of history during the "pandemic."
Economist Richard Wolff has released a short video talking about the history of commune-ism and suggests its utopian ideals haven't succeeded yet (and that much evil has been done in its name) because we haven't focussed on democratizing workplaces. Interesting! https://youtu.be/Y0Ud71Unluo
We have come a long way indeed. But now the youth is cuddled to sleep and lets government run over them again. Have times become too good? Have workers forgotten to stand up if things turn bad? It is way harder even in Europe, where there is sick pay, good health care, social structure for unemployed, sick, handicapped, new moms, lots more than in the US. And now, they all obeyed a corrupt government of which they constantly complain ! I am reading a book by Wendell Berry, which describes just this unraveling of America (and the Western world).
Good point, Ingrid. The Parasite Class has learned how to give us just enough creature comforts to keep us from asking too many questions.
I rememer a saying from one or other old Roman, give the people bread and games. We do have the games, but soon they will take our food and that will certainly cause some stir !
Indeed, it has been my hope that the powers that shouldn't be have overplayed their hand!
Thank you for presenting unions in the proper perspective. They sure were needed back then! But as you allude, they recently got too greedy and ruined themselves. The worst thing was having unions in government (should have only been in private businesses). I worked for a county government and supervised union employees...ugh.
You're welcome and yes, unions were almost too effective for their own good. Everyone wanted a piece and the people in charge had/have a strong vested interest in co-opting them.
great article-how do you find such good stuff?!
Thank you! I'm not sure how to answer you except that I read widely and have a really good memory?
My ancestors came from Ireland to Lowell in 1839 and worked in the mills. They were placed in squalid conditions around Saint Patrick’s Church. They lost two children to those squalid conditions and my grandfather (four times removed) was blinded from a blast while working on the sewer system.
If you live near Lowell, you can still visit the factories today--everyone should see the conditions these people worked in!
Also, a great fiction work on the subject is the Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott.
Hey Jeff...thanks so much for sharing a little of your family history and, in the process, some valuable context for my post. Much appreciated... 🙂
Thanks Mickey - right on the money; great to honor and remember the heroes and heroines because it seems there are so few left these days, so we can definitely use the inspiration!
Thanks, Will. I'm trying!
Bless you!
Thank you...I was feeling jaded about unions today.... but I tried to think of all the good stories from the past....and now I read this post.....you read my mind.....I didn't know about the Lowell Mill Girls....you think I would have since I am working with my third union......when the mandates came in and the unions didn't rise with the workers but were just an arm of the employer and govt, I was heartbroken.....I told a colleague that this was the govt/employers way to get rid of the advocates, dissenters in a work place......get rid of the critical thinkers and people who speak out....pretty soon there won't be a need for unions since the workers will be happy and own nothing......
Thank you, Stella...I'm happy to hear this post resonated with you. And thanks for the critical reminders of how unions were on the wrong side of history during the "pandemic."
Economist Richard Wolff has released a short video talking about the history of commune-ism and suggests its utopian ideals haven't succeeded yet (and that much evil has been done in its name) because we haven't focussed on democratizing workplaces. Interesting! https://youtu.be/Y0Ud71Unluo
Thanks, Janine!
Is this the millwork reflected in the James Taylor song? I think it's called The Millworker's Song...
Hi Jaye! I don't know that song but I just looked up the lyrics and it sure sounds connected.