​Labor History Today (11/10): Debs, Sanders, Socialism and 2020
Click here to check out this week's Labor History Today podcast. Leon Fink talks with Patrick Dixon about Eugene Debs, Bernie Sanders, American socialism and the 2020 race for president of the United States.
On this week’s Cool Things from the Meany Archive, Alan Wierdak and Chloe Danyo explore a document from two decades ago that links the newly-formed [email protected] with a push to include alternative medicine in Medicare for All legislation.
Last week's show: (11/3/19): Precarious work in the movies

Ellis Island in New York closes after providing the gateway for 12 million immigrants from 1892 to 1924. From 1924 to 1954 it was mostly used as a detention and deportation center for undocumented immigrants - 1954

Labor history courtesy David Prosten. photo courtesy Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Fairfax Connector bus drivers, another privatized transportation system in the region that's managed by the French multinational corporation Transdev, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if necessary. The vote by more than 600 members of ATU Local 1764 comes as ATU Local 689 Transdev workers have been on strike since October 24. Local 1764 is currently in contract negotiations with Transdev and workers are frustrated over poor treatment and unfair labor practices. Their current contract expires on November 30. “This strike vote sends a loud and clear message to Transdev that these workers demand to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve,” says ATU International President John Costa. “A strike at the Connector would impact 91 routes and would paralyze the entire region. Once again Transdev has demonstrated their blatant disregard for their riders, their workers, and the community at large.” A rally has been scheduled for this Saturday, November 16 at 11a at Old Town Square in Fairfax, VA to link the struggles between Cinder Bed Road and the Fairfax Connector. Facebook rally calendar listing here; please post and share. 

Today marks 16 days of strike for ATU Local 689 Metrobus workers employed by Transdev at WMATA's Cinder Bed Road garage. Some updates from ATU:

• Message of the Day: While riders and workers suffer, WMATA is protecting Transdev. WMATA has bailed out Transdev to the tune of more than $1 million since the strike began by refusing to penalize the company for its missed revenue hours.
• It’s been six days since Transdev abandoned bargaining. They continue to refuse new dates.
• Today, WMATA GM Paul Wiedefeld lied to the press, saying “both sides are at the table.” He also acknowledged that WMATA is not issuing any financial penalties to Transdev for its failure to deliver service for the past sixteen days. Insult to injury: he also says they are moving forward with privatization of the Silver Line extension to Dulles!
• On Wednesday, nearly 500 people showed up to rally with the strikers at WMATA HQ. See video and photos here. Wiedefeld was caught sneaking out the back.
• Rider groups are lining up to hold WMATA accountable. Share this statement from ACT in Maryland and this from WMATA’s own Riders Advisory Council.
• The picket line is expanding to confront scab training at the nearby Embassy Suites on Loisdale road, and we are working to set up a weekly picket at WMATA HQ.
• Connector workers are expected to take a strike authorization vote this Saturday, in preparation for their contract expiration on Nov. 30.
• ATU is mobilizing its Transdev Joint Industry Council, activating Local Unions with Transdev bargaining units from Louisiana to California to Maryland.
• We are developing an updated rider leaflet and will have these ready for pick up and distribution on Monday morning.
  
  

Here’s how you can help:

• Keep coming down to the Cinder Bed picket line: https://www.facebook.com/events/2310195405775260/. If you attend the picket, please follow any instructions from our picket captains, Michelle and Niya.
• Food! We could use some extra hands in meal prep. Here’s an easy form to sign up: bit.ly/cinderbedmeals
• Donate to the strike fund at bit.ly/cinderbedstrike, and please send to your networks.
• You can also donate goods directly. The top need at the moment is firewood for the morning shift burn barrel!
• Pick up some rider or rally leaflets from an ATU organizer and hit your transit stop in the morning or after work. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to request some.
• If you have a skill or service to contribute, from union trainers to nail technicians to caterers, let me know.
• If you have a group willing to engage in small, targeted direct actions, email me. We’ll refer you to local orgs organizing independent actions.
• Download and print this sign then take a photo of yourself, your family, neighbors, or fellow union members and tag @wmata on Twitter and @metroforward on Facebook with words of support for the strikers. Remember to tag @atulocal689 on Twitter or @atulocal689group on Facebook so we can repost.