With just over a week to go the predictable onslaught from the media has started. I didn't quite win the sweepstake as to when the 'Look! Yeah, you! See, union bosses get paid properly for what they do!' stories would hit the tabloids, but I was only out by a day.
And the infighting has started too. Like Harry Enfield's builders only in Che Guevara t shirts, we witness the 'I am considerably more socialist than you.' arguments. We define terms and divide ourselves. Seriously, it bores and angers me in equal measure. We don't win anything by fighting amongst ourselves, we win by organising. (With apologies to anarchists. See, can't bloody win.)
Then the excuses as to why some won't stand up in solidarity with those of us actually prepared to fight for our pensions start pouring forth. Like a fetid stream full of the rotting corpses of unity we hear them all.
Then we have the fight about terminology (Scab is my preferred word for those who cross a picket line, though cunt will suffice) and the bullying of the poor loves. We should just let them get on with it apparently. They have their 'reasons' by all accounts. And to pull them up on them is wrong. And it makes us bullies.
Let me make it very clear, I do not in any way condone actual physical violence towards scabs though I totally understand the compulsion.
(See previous blog 'A Scab By Any Other Name Still Stinks)
But for fuck's sake, give me a fucking break! These are not poor little delicate flowers. These are scabs who undermine everything we are fighting for and yet will reap rewards when we win victories.
They seem to have no problem with violence towards us on picket lines as they drive at us, squeeze their water bottles at us and spit at us. So excuse me if I don't want to afford them any niceties.
Fuck them. If they are going to cross picket lines they should have the balls to stand on their blacklegs, admit they're scabs and take the fucking derision due them from proper trade unionists who understand the word solidarity.
you'll have to forgive me: i've no idea what a scab is. is it like a strikebreaker? it sounds like you're talking specifically about union members who decide to go against a strike vote. if so, then i have to agree with the idea that you must support the group, even if you voted against the action, else what's the point of being in the group? you need to stand with the group, or leave the group. as you say, solidarity is the key.
ReplyDeletehowever, if you're using it as a term against *anyone* who crosses the picket line, then i actually think you're out of order (except union members). i'm not a member of a union, yet lecturers where i work might well be. if they strike, and i cross the picket line to do my non-union job, then being angry at me is pointless - i'm not playing your political game, and i'm not part of it, and i'm not involved in any way.
now, if they're actually part of the union, and they'll benefit from union action, then there's a grey area there. but you do have to understand that some people won't join a union through fear - those with families to support, or who fear they'll be replaced, or other reprisals. fear will cause reactions like those you describe above, and until you can engage with them you'll never get past that.
Hi Blades,
ReplyDeleteYes I am referring to those who are union members who cross picket lines.