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What I think you all need:
- A manifesto with surgically specific changes you want done that will be guaranteed to permanently fix things (so healthcare reform along with a pre-prepared legal framework etc.). With as broad concensus as possible (so eg. with unions on board probably)
- A general strike to force whichever party is currently in power to implement that manifesto.
Pros:
- Still constitutinal. On paper it's the politicians that opted for this and nobody forced their hand.
- A surgically specific manifesto will make it blatantly obvious whether your demands have been met or not – and hence whether the strike may cease. No space for watering down. This is why being specific is crucial.
Is there historical precedent for unions hoarding money so that they can supplant workers' pay while they're striking?
Yes, it's what unions currently do over here. It's tax free but lower that normal wage.
During media coverage of negotiations you sometimes hear, "the union has a large strike fund" to imply they are in a strong negotiating position, because they could strike for a long time.Going of the fact that Wikipedia only has articles on strike funds it in German and French, I think it's not done much in American.
Most unions collect into the strike fund at all times. For every $100 earned, dues are usually $1.25 with the 25 cents going to the fund.
Edit: typo: per $100, not $10
Dues are 1-2 percent not 12.5 percent
You're right, that was a typo
For every $10 earned, dues are usually $1.25
I think you forgot a 0 on that $10. If your union is charging 12.5%, I have a bridge to sell you.
You're definitely right, I missed the other 0 and dues should never be that high
If I work for a month at that hrly rate I usually earn more than 600 Bucks per month. Maybe you meant 1.25 cents and fractions of cents?
Something a lot of Tankies don't understand, and I'm not accusing you in particular but a lot of general strike advocates certainly are, is that the US Government doesn't operate the US Industry. You're not going to do jack shit with a general strike, the Republicans are already beating the economy with a stick on their own, you don't need to pitch in.
remember when the world shut down for a few days because covid? The whole system nearly collapsed because apparently everyone is an essential worker. a well organized general strike will bring them to their knees.
we can't even get everyone to vote, a strike of that magnitude is a pipe dream.