general strike tomorrow?

[Ree Fresh]

Originally Posted by miss.myra

Originally Posted by yoko*
I feel the same way as you. I was bitching about it at work this morning when my coworkers alerted me of this situation. They have close relationships with people who are teachers so they tried to help me look on the bright side of this situation, on the other hand... I can't help that I am annoyed and they are not the ones who have to commute to work and school for one hour because they live downtown and minutes away from work. Had this been their situation I'm confident that they'd be just as annoyed as me. I can't afford to NOT show up to work because of this, and I can't afford to taxi there and back as it will likely cost more than half of what I'll make in that day.

Depriving people of public transit mostly affects a certain population of people, the majority which consist of those who cannot afford to drive. This strategy doesn't affect the realtively wealthy and fortunate and only serves as a burdenn to many of those who are financially burdened by driving.

GRr,


Hm, wonder why this point hasn't been responded to? Is it because she has one? Punishing the general (and for the most part middle to lower class) public is NOT punishing the government.

I think weve made a number of points answering to this, just not directly. There are actualy a number of sea's and teachers who bus to wrok as well. I wouldnt be confident that if they lived further away they would have a diffrent perspective. The teachers have only had 2 pay checks since June and wont be getting paid for awhile now. All of the suport staff got a $40 pay check today for last week. Everyone who strikes on general strike will be loosing a day of pay. Their willing to make those sacrificis to stand against the government... why arnt you?

What bother's me again is how ppl let what effects them soley judge their oppion on the strike.
So why point the fingures at the teacehrs/unions... why not the governemnt?

The funny thing is NO ONE wants or benifets from strikes... the teachers are willing to talk and nagociate... infact they would be happy to at least get one of their 3 demands met. However our stuborn government has taken up till yesterday to finally make a move towards sorting this out.

[nuf_dawg]

is their a strike tommrow?

[dre420]

It's friday.

And it's too bad, my midterm is on thursday :(

[miss.myra]

Originally Posted by automatic

how do you like that 8 hour workday, overtime, break periods, benefits, and safe working conditions you have? because if it wasn't for unionized labour sticking up for its workers it's debatable that you'd have any of those things. unionized labour raises living and working conditions for us all, public and private sector.

....at least until they outsource your job to india.....all those people getting fat in the video game industry around here better take a long look 10 years down the road, i-tell-you-what.

I don't really recall saying unions have never done anything for me.

Thank fucking christ for the Winnipeg general strike of 19fucking19 so that there have been labour standards created in this country that are so good that I am treated fairly well by my employer so we don't have to unionize!


I also find it incredibly ironic I, and others who are venting about how this action that they don't necessarily support the actions taken are being seen as selfish. Shouldn't we (even including teachers) be thanking our lucky stars we're not in a 3rd world country working in a sweatshop for pennies a day? I could turn that argument around and say that if they think they have it that bad off, they really ought to broaden their world view.


*ducks*

[Cdn_Brdr]

I'm not the world's biggest union supporter, despite the fact that I'm in one, but all you complainers fail to see the main point trying to be made by all the unions taking a bit of a stand here.

The whole point of being in a union is having the right to stand up for yourself when need be. That would include the right to strike when employees needs are not being met. The teachers did just that, which they should technically have a right to do. At this point the government jumps in with 'essential service' legislature and declares that these teachers now DON'T have the right to strike. They take away their strike pay, fine them, and prevent other unions from assisting them. Now you have teachers who are trying to get better standards put in for BC students who can't even collect their $50 a day to feed their families. If they were in any other union they'd be allowed their right to strike.

At this point the teachers are 'breaking the law' for doing something that their union ensures is a right that they're guaranteed. Does that make any sense at all?

Now in an effort of solidarity other unions are organizing protests, one day walk-outs, and indirect assistance to the teachers. I fully realize that it puts a lot of people at an inconvenience but in the same respect it forces people and govt to at least think about the situation. You're 1 day inconvenience in comparison to students not getting proper one on one teaching due to class size, library programs being cut for cost, and specialized teachers being let go. If any of you had kids you'd probably be a little more understanding but as it stands most of you are selfish, tunnel visioned babies who whine at the slightest bit of inconvenience to your life.

I know what it's like.... I had no vehicle during the big transit strike before and it most definitely sucked but the fact that employees have a right to stand up for themselves is a right that shouldn't be denied. That is important to EVERY union. Now other unions are saying to the BC govt that they know what's going on and we support our teachers. They realize if this right is taken away from one union that it can be taken away from any and all unions if need be.

SUMMARIZATION: Suck it up kids, it's only 1 day. There are people in far worse situations than yourself.

[islandgirl]

so the general strike goes through tommorrow(friday) then?

[fable]

I don't really recall saying unions have never done anything for me

you have no clue do you?

[veN]

Originally Posted by islandgirl

so the general strike goes through tommorrow(friday) then?

I heard on the radio this morning that there will be a gerneal CUPE strike tmrw. That includes EAs/TAs/CAs/SEAs (we're already not working and picketing at this point)and clerical staff, as well as custodians, sanitation, etc. Protest rallies are also taking place at PNE @ 10am and in Cloverdale @ 1pm.

TRANSIT WILL STILL BE RUNNING AND IS NOT A PART OF THIS STRIKE, as far as Friday is concerned.

[fable]

Shouldn't we (even including teachers) be thanking our lucky stars we're not in a 3rd world country working in a sweatshop for pennies a day? I could turn that argument around and say that if they think they have it that bad off, they really ought to broaden their world view.

Its the same struggle-, Ours is galvanized by the work done by people across the world, who are working despite levels of oppression far beyond ours, but this doesnt discount what we do here, it perpetuates it, we attempting to do our part, and currently not doing enough. Groups of people who are being oppressed in one way or another, by the ruling class/government. We dont it have that bad!? No we dont! and that is the very fucking reason we have to stay in the fight. We are not being killed for our beliefs, nor are we in the same climate as those in third world countries, but i fucking garuantee, that these struggling amazingly strong people do not let trinkets, and rhetoric, put them at ease. All the bullshit is cut away in these nations. They dont sit and see what is only in front of their eyes, they see whats behind, and whats inside. Our movement depends on theirs, their depends on ours.

I dont belive that the ignorance resides in the fact that there are thousands of striking workers who have no clue about whats going on in the world(its condesending to think that you are one of the few who "know") the real ignorance is the fact that people dont see a conncection between us and other oppressed groups in the world. You think you have real power, real freedom to make choice - you can choose to buy a fucking latte, a mini, a "cute little skirt" and so and so boutique, and beleive that you have choice, that you have some freedoms. You have the freedom to not BE SHOT dead for your flippant remarks, you have the freedom to not see your kids blown away by UN forces, you have the freedom not to work for a N.American company, while living in a third world country and make peanuts for wage. Yes you have these freedoms the real question is ::

becuase you have such freedoms, does that entitile you to sit back on your ass, and think to yourself "wow im so lucky to have the things i have" other people have it so shitty, and then not do a god damn thing about it, and whine, and condesend, and think about whats five feet around you in every direction, shit on other peoples struggles, becuase as a result you are "inconvenienced"

or

Could it posssibly, just maybe, just maybe entitle one person, to give thanks for his freedoms, but not allow oneself to fall under illusion, that becuase we are reletively ok, that everyone is ok. Could these freedoms help us make the connection that, a cuban, or venezuelan youth fighting in the squares for free post secondary education and healthcare, fighting for adequate shelter, and food, is fighting the same sort of "ruling class" that we are. The only difference is that our government dupes people with the freedom to CONSUME, and to purchase, to lull us in a state of capitalist coma, where as in other countries, theyll come into your house at night, slit your girlfriends throat, bash your babys head against the wall, and hold you down while you watch your sister get raped, and left to rot. When such UN forces come in to "save" they give you hollow promises, kill more of your countrymen and do it under the guise of "aid" Fuck atleast the evil and the tyranous are honest, they tell you straight out they dont give a fuck about you. Here in N.America we are induced into belief becuase we have the freedom to live another day, and buy another thing, and you my darling are getting bought, theres no other way to put it. If you havent realized that this is so much more than wages, and class sizes, then your still asleep. If you havent realized that this fight needs to be waged, so later in life we can wage further battle, then your not looking further than the where your going to party at,friday night. If you havent realized that people wage these battles here, in unity with people elsewhere, then your not understanding the community and power in organizing and perpetuating an ever groing movement. If one can, they will help directly, but if is not feasible, we wage war in OUR country.

MissMyra it is not about people not understanding that freedoms and rights we have, are so much more than other countrie,s - most already know! Its about understanding that we need to do MORE with them - however trivial! Its like being stolen from a little bit everyday for a period from someone, and then having that someone come up to you a year down the road, and say hey, i got some money for you! and then beliving that that person is Helping you in some way. You can take my words as bullshit, or you can really really think about the situation, and the possibilities. Think about the pros and cons on a LARGE scale, and the impact that it will have if we are crushed today, or tommorow. The people on the streets need you, the people in Haiti need you, oppressed people across the globe need you,

...they need you to poke your head up above the layer of fog, that only allows you to only see two feet in your front of your face.

action+mobilization
shak

[miss.myra]

Originally Posted by fable

you have no clue do you?

Because I don't agree with you? Give me a break.


I'm kind of thinking that you might be lacking one if you're thinking it's a good idea to start with me.

[miss.myra]

Originally Posted by fable

...they need you to poke your head up above the layer of fog, that only allows you to only see two feet in your front of your face.

action+mobilization
shak

Actually, I had an excellent point. Just because I do not agree with you, or with unions does NOT mean I am ignorant or cannot see in front of my face. Stop playing that card because it is EXTREMELY weak. It's a free society, I'm allowed to disagree with your opinion and not be ridiciculed by it with paragraph after paragraph of irrelevant information and attacks made to my character or intelligence. Don't try to bully me into seeing the way you see things, I see the facts LOUD AND CLEAR, and I still DON'T AGREE.

[fable]

By organizing against imperialist war that is killing working, poor and
oppressed people abroad we are organizing against the same systems that attack these same
people at

..."its not just a simple game, its a weopon of the revolution"
Ernesto Guevera

[stringbeans]

i think most people are using the government as a scapegoat because

a) they dont know the FACTS to come to their own conclusion, so the safe bet is to go with the majority

b) they're biased and most have one-sided arguments

c) accusing the government of all our problems seems to be the "zeitgeist" of our times

i honestly dont know the details of this strike, but all i know is that not having transit fucking sucks, and screwing over the kids in highschool fucking sucks

[miss.myra]

Originally Posted by Cdn_Brdr

SUMMARIZATION: Suck it up kids, it's only 1 day. There are people in far worse situations than yourself.

haha! Even in far worse situations than the teachers themselves, but that seems like it doesn't matter, right?

[zarlon]

hm protest at 10am tomorrow

anyone driving from downtown(ish) to pne?

i'll come with.... i just dont have the capacity to get up before about 8 am

[Cdn_Brdr]

Originally Posted by miss.myra

haha! Even in far worse situations than the teachers themselves, but that seems like it doesn't matter, right?

If that's your mindset then why do you insist on the constant bitching about it yourself Myra?

[miss.myra]

If people are telling me to look at it 'a different way' then I don't see why I'm not allowed to do the same myself.

Inherently, saying it 'just affects your life for a day get over it' is a weak argument because it can very easily be turned around back onto the people saying it. That's my point.

[Cdn_Brdr]

I agree with you... it just seems that if you take the idea that there are people who have it even worse than teachers so they should stop complaining you should also keep quiet yourself because there are people who have it worse than you as well. Seems like a double standard of sorts.

No animosity meant of course, I just don't follow your logic.

[miss.myra]

Well see, I saw it as a kind of double standard on the other side of the fence myself. Funny how that works sometimes I guess. I'm very much aware I'm being really selfish thinking about how my life is inconvenienced for a day, and I know that it's not the end of the world or anything, but I and other people affected have the right to bitch, teachers can bitch all they want too! I just think playing that card when you're really aware of everything else that is far far far worse happening in the world is weak.

[diva]

The strike you saw was the food workers. They're picketing at VGH as well. They have a damn good reason too.... they make around $10 hr at their position while employees for the same job in other provinces are making closer to $15 or higher.

dude, i'm sorry, but they're food workers.
$15/hour = $30,000/year
wtf, for unskilled labour? this is why unions get zero public support.

[diva]

..."its not just a simple game, its a weopon of the revolution"
Ernesto Guevera

oh, fuck off with the Che quotes.

[diva]

No animosity meant of course, I just don't follow your logic.

why are you confused? i think myra is being pretty reasonable in commenting that the teachers will not gain public support by holding them hostage.

[Cdn_Brdr]

Hey Esi..... you took your bitch pills this morning I see?

The teachers aren't holding the public hostage.... they never asked the other unions to stage these walk-outs. The other unions decided to do it of their own volition to show support for the teachers.

[diva]

Hey Esi..... you took your bitch pills this morning I see?

yeah, all eight of them.

[diva]

Originally Posted by Cdn_Brdr

The teachers aren't holding the public hostage.... they never asked the other unions to stage these walk-outs. The other unions decided to do it of their own volition to show support for the teachers.

ok, then:
i think myra is being pretty reasonable in commenting that the the rest of the unions, not the teachers will not gain public support [for the teachers they're trying to support] by holding them hostage.