11/26/23: Ryan Reveals Secrets Of 'The Squad', Trump Winning Swing Voters, Australian Unions For Palestine, Dark Side Of McKinsey Consulting, UAW Wrap Up
Ryan Grim, author of 'The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution', discusses secrets of 'The Squad', Trump's success with swing voters, Australian unions' stance on Palestine, the dark side of McKinsey consulting, and the aftermath of the UAW strike.
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Quick takeaways
Trade Unionists for Palestine in Australia aim to express solidarity with Palestine and disrupt the war machine.
The movement for Palestine in Australia is growing, with rising anti-war sentiment and coalition building between unions and community groups.
The recent six-week strike by United Auto workers demonstrates the power of solidarity and collective action in securing better terms for workers.
The strike by United Auto workers has inspired workers across industries to consider unionizing and advocate for their rights.
Deep dives
Trade Unionists for Palestine takes action in Australia
Trade Unionists for Palestine, a grassroots group formed organically in Australia, has been taking action to disrupt the war machine and call for an end to the occupation of Palestine. The group consists of working people, including members of unions like United Workers Union, and aims to express solidarity with the suffering in Palestine. One of their notable actions involved blocking the entry roads at the Port of Melbourne, preventing trucks from reaching an Israeli shipping line. The formation of Trade Unionists for Palestine was prompted by frustration with the lack of leadership from union executives and a deep belief that standing up for Palestine is a necessary cause.
The convergence of work and activism in Australia
April and Seb, members of Trade Unionists for Palestine in Australia, are working people who have actively joined the movement to end the occupation of Palestine. April works as an organizer with United Workers Union, representing early childhood educators, while Seb is an early childhood educator. They both relate their work in support of Palestine to their experiences as working class individuals in Australia. They witness the high cost of living, low wages, and exploitation of migrant workers in their respective industries. These factors, combined with their interactions with diverse communities, lead them to engage in activism and organize protests against the Israeli occupation.
Growing momentum and response in Australia
The movement for Palestine in Australia is growing, with large protests drawing over 200,000 people and rallies becoming more frequent. While there is frustration and disappointment with the response from elected officials, such as Anthony Albanese, there is a rising anti-war sentiment among the community. There is an organic convergence between unions and community groups, fostering coalitions and coordination to take action against Israeli shipping companies like Zim. The proliferation of propaganda and biased media coverage has fueled the Counter Movement, with rank-and-file unionists engaging in conversations and organizing actions at workplaces. This growing movement demonstrates the power that regular people have in demanding justice and solidarity with Palestine.
Challenges and importance of building consciousness
The struggle for Palestine in Australia faces challenges from propaganda, media manipulation, and the reluctance of certain unions and officials to take a strong stance. However, activists are determined to counter these narratives and foster discussion and awareness. Trade Unionists for Palestine is actively engaging union sites, sharing information, and having conversations with workers to break through the propaganda and provide alternative perspectives. The focus is on creating a space for grief, solidarity, and collective action, bridging the gap between union organizing and community advocacy to amplify the voices of Palestinians and fight against colonization and oppression.
Historic strike by United Auto workers at big three automakers
The recent six-week strike by United Auto workers at the big three automakers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, resulted in the ratification of new contracts with the companies. The strike, involving workers from all three automakers simultaneously, aimed to secure better terms for the members of the union. The contracts include significant gains such as reinstating cost-of-living adjustments, shorter paths to full-time employment for temp workers, and the inclusion of all facilities in the union. The agreements also focus on the future of the industry, including commitments to electric vehicle production and bringing thousands of electric vehicle and battery jobs under the union's national agreements. The strike has been seen as a turning point for the UAW and the labor movement, demonstrating the power of solidarity and the ability to challenge management. While the contracts were ratified, there were varying opinions within the membership, highlighting the importance of democratic decision-making and the ongoing work to achieve worker rights and protections.
Importance of worker organization and unionization
The recent strike by the United Auto workers highlights the crucial need for worker organization and unionization. The strike showcased the power of collective action and solidarity in securing better terms for workers. It emphasizes the importance of workers standing together, engaging in conversation, forming organizing committees, and reaching out to unions to improve their working conditions and fight against the inequality and exploitation present in the labor market. Through joining unions, workers can gain a voice, bargain for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions, and challenge the dominance of corporate interests in shaping their workplaces and lives. The strike at the big three automakers reflects a broader labor movement that is growing in strength and determination, seeking to build a fairer society for all working people.
Challenges and achievements in the strike
The strike by the United Auto workers faced challenges and resulted in significant achievements. While the new contracts were ratified, there were dissenting voices within the membership, reflecting differing expectations and demands. However, the strike succeeded in securing substantial gains, including record compensation increases, improvements for retirees, like annual bonuses and pension increases, and commitments to reopen idled plants. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the strike strategy, creating panic among the companies and yielding favorable results for the workers. The strike also marked a turning point in the UAW's history, rebuilding trust and faith among the members and reaffirming the potential of union power to challenge inequality and ensure a better future for workers in the industry.
Building solidarity beyond the strike
The strike by the United Auto workers is a significant step in building solidarity and fostering unity among workers beyond the auto industry. The strike's impact resonates beyond the big three automakers, encouraging other workers, including those in non-unionized plants, to consider unionizing and fighting for their rights. The results of the strike have already inspired workers at other companies to demand better wages and benefits. It highlights the importance of expanding union membership and forming coalitions to challenge the power dynamics in the labor market and the broader society. The strike's success reflects a growing movement of workers seeking to address economic inequalities, fight for fair treatment, and advocate for collective action in demanding better working conditions and a more equitable society.
This week we talk to Ryan Grim about his new book The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution, we're joined by our Focus Group moderator James Johnson to talk about Swing Voters leaning Trump, Max Alvarez talks to Australian Unions for Palestine, James Li hits the streets to talk to business students about McKinsey and the dark side of consulting, and we do a UAW wrap up on the aftermath of one of the most successful strikes in modern American history.
