[olympiaworkers] Poor. Peoples. Union. – Calling a General Strike on Homelessness!

reposted from http://olyblog.net/blog/rob-richards/poor-peoples-union-calling-a-general-strike-on-homelessnes

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sun, 11/12/2006 - 3:22pm.

Well, we are officially 24 hours old right now and we are already Olympia's largest radical union organization. I'm not sure of the exact number but we have somewhere around 70-80 members that have paid dues so far.

Great turnout for the inaugural meeting, about 25, which is excellent for a first meeting. We voted the union into existence and approved the name 'Poor Peoples Union'. We also formed three committees and nominated chairs and co-chairs for those committees. The committees are: Steering Committee, which was tasked with researching union structures and reporting back to the membership with suggestions for the inernal structure and process of the PPU; Action Committee, which has been tasked with laying out a framework for action to be taken against poverty, it was the consensus of the membership that a general strike against h.o.m.e.l.e.s.s.n.e.s.s. begin as soon as possible, this committee will look at what our options are; Propaganda Committee, which will develop flyers, press releases, posters, etc., they will begin their work by creating a flyer to announce the PPU to the world.

I've left any names out so as not to violate the wishes of those involved. Chair and co-chair are rotating positions that hold no authority, and serve as facilitators and point persons while elected.

My take on the meeting: I'm very excited about all of this, it feels like we're really starting something good here. Empowerment is in the air. I urge anyone who is interested in being a part of the PPU to come to our meetings, which will be every other saturday from now on. Or, and even better, stop by BRAC (1009 4th Ave) and ask for Rob or Matt or Tim, or all three, at least one of us is usually there, and we'll be glad to talk to you about it.

PS - 1.) Any current labor union members out there who could help advise in regards to organizing and process, any help is welcome.
2.) Large and extra large jackets, camping gear, blankets, socks, underclothes are all items that are desperately needed. Donations will be tax deductible in the near future, but please, donate now. (and wash your skivvies before you bring them in this time, Norm)

There will be more updates as things happen!