Where is the working class' power? An interview with Peter Olney and John Womack
Oct 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Peter Olney, a seasoned labor organizer with over 50 years of experience, joins Harvard historian John Womack to discuss their book on labor strategy. They dive into innovative approaches for organizing workers, highlighting the importance of solidarity across diverse sectors. The duo emphasizes the need for revitalizing the labor movement amidst capitalism’s challenges and the role of community support in strengthening workers' rights. They also explore global labor dynamics, stressing international solidarity, especially among underrepresented groups like the Latino workforce.
The concept of a 'web of production' encourages workers to identify strategic organizational points across interconnected sectors beyond traditional manufacturing.
Building solidarity across diverse worker groups is crucial to strengthen collective bargaining and prevent divisive sectionalism within the labor movement.
Transnational labor movements can leverage global solidarity opportunities, especially amidst globalization, to empower workers against capitalist exploitation.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Labor Strategy
The discussion emphasizes the need for a modern understanding of labor organization beyond traditional points of production. John Womack introduces the concept of a 'web of production' to capture the complexity of modern labor dynamics, where multiple sectors are interdependent. This perspective allows workers to identify strategic locations within the production network where they can exert influence, challenging the restrictive notion that organizing must occur solely at the point of production. The implications of this shift are significant, as it encourages a broader view of labor power that encompasses various sectors beyond manufacturing.
Challenges of Sectarianism in the Labor Movement
The episode critically examines the tension within the labor movement between traditional sectional organizing and the need for broad, inclusive action among workers. Jane McAlevey’s critique highlights the risk of prioritizing strategic positions that might isolate powerful workers from the larger working class, leading to division and sectionalism. John and Peter reflect on historical examples where unions failed to connect with broader struggles, illustrating that segmenting labor based on strategic leverage can be detrimental. They stress the importance of building solidarity across various worker groups to enhance collective bargaining strength and maintain a unified front against capitalist exploitation.
International Solidarity and Global Capitalism
The conversation touches on the evolving nature of internationalism in labor movements in the context of globalization and neoliberal policies. Peter notes that the expansion of supply chains creates new opportunities for solidarity among workers across borders, as evidenced by ongoing initiatives like the Amazon Workers International. The discussion recognizes the historical challenges posed by bureaucratic inertia within unions that may hinder collaborative efforts in this regard. Nonetheless, there is a palpable optimism that by learning from transnational labor movements, workers can leverage their collective power on a global scale.
The Role of Political Education in Unity
John stresses the need for continuous political education to maintain class consciousness within the labor movement, highlighting that solidarity cannot be built on mere structural power. Effective organizing hinges on fostering a shared understanding of the interconnectedness among different worker groups, reinforcing community ties. The discussion also reflects on past mistakes made by labor movements that neglected this aspect, advocating for a shift towards inclusive frameworks that unify rather than divide. This integration of education and community awareness is essential to building a resilient labor movement capable of responding to modern challenges.
The Future of Labor Movements in a Globalized Economy
The episode concludes with insight into the future of labor movements amidst evolving economic landscapes, particularly the need to adapt to contemporary working conditions. Peter and John argue that despite various upheavals, the core of labor strategies remains relevant, but must evolve to meet current realities. They emphasize that the strength of unions will largely depend on organizing efforts that reflect both local dynamics and global trends. Importantly, they advocate for a focus on grassroots, collective efforts to empower workers while recognizing the ongoing importance of strategic sectors in driving change within the labor movement.
Peter Olney is a labor organizer of over half a century, long-time organizing director at the ILWU, and researcher on labor strategy. John Womack is a Harvard historian of the labor movement and the Mexican Revolution. In this episode they sit down with Ira and Rudy to discuss Peter and John’s 2023 book Labor, Power, and Strategy. They discuss the controversial approach of organizing workers in the choke points of production, what it will take to rebuild the labor movement, and new opportunities for working class internationalism.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode