Remember the up-is-down names that the Bush Administration gives to its programs? No child left behind left millions out. Clear Skies meant clear of birds.
In the same tradition, Andy Stern now brings us 'Justice for All.'
A long row of burly guards stand watch outside the convention center in San Juan, Puerto Rico as the SEIU International convention gets started. Security is unprecedented.
The Health Care Division met today and already made three anti-democratic, anti-justice decisions that:
1) reduce and may even eliminate Members' roles in decision making;
2) weaken the Right of workers to be involved in their own bargaining; and
3) initiate rules that might force Home Care workers out of the union that they already voted to be a part of.
It appears that they are off to a good start of stealing power away from the rank and file members and bringing more of it to the International in Washington DC.
UHW members are reporting on their efforts to change the direction of SEIU towards member democracy with members themselves deciding if they want to be part of a local or not; members being at the bargaining table to be assured that their issues are dealt with; and members being empowered and involved to keep the union strong and help build the membership.
Check out their video from today 'Keepin it Real' for May 31, 2008 (pay special attention to the all the security---what's up with that??? Why did fascism come to mind???)