1
00:00:05,042 --> 00:00:08,732
You're listening to the
labor radio podcast weekly.
2
00:00:09,261 --> 00:00:10,821
this strike isn't about money.
3
00:00:10,871 --> 00:00:12,131
It's about quality of life.
4
00:00:12,131 --> 00:00:15,851
I mean, our folks wanna be
treated with dignity and respect
5
00:00:15,901 --> 00:00:18,281
they wanna put less
locomotives on the, rails.
6
00:00:18,696 --> 00:00:23,791
build longer trains, which puts a
big strain on everybody and everything
7
00:00:24,241 --> 00:00:26,341
it was 100% patient safety.
8
00:00:26,671 --> 00:00:28,081
That is what we're here about.
9
00:00:28,081 --> 00:00:29,731
That is why we are nurses.
10
00:00:29,731 --> 00:00:31,061
It's patient safety.
11
00:00:31,111 --> 00:00:38,131
We have lost either the capacity or the
will to actually make capitalism work
12
00:00:38,401 --> 00:00:42,991
in the way that it actually was designed
to work and to spread its benefits.
13
00:00:43,091 --> 00:00:46,181
Never in a thousand years, would
I think making bracelets with
14
00:00:46,181 --> 00:00:49,961
children would be a political problem
15
00:00:51,251 --> 00:00:54,941
You're listening to the
labor radio podcast weekly.
16
00:00:55,843 --> 00:00:57,373
On today's show a strike.
17
00:00:57,373 --> 00:01:03,853
That wasn't an one that was from the Rick
Smith show and America's workforce radio.
18
00:01:04,123 --> 00:01:08,653
We have two reports on the issues that
nearly forced tens of thousands of
19
00:01:08,653 --> 00:01:10,813
rail workers out on strike this week.
20
00:01:11,353 --> 00:01:15,433
Early Thursday morning, the Biden
administration brokered a tentative
21
00:01:15,433 --> 00:01:19,993
agreement that at least for now has
averted a nationwide rail strike.
22
00:01:20,718 --> 00:01:25,308
On your rights at work, we hear
from one of the 15,000 nurses in
23
00:01:25,308 --> 00:01:30,278
Minnesota who struck for three days
this week, over patient safety issues.
24
00:01:31,068 --> 00:01:35,118
And radio labor is back from it's
summer break with an interview with
25
00:01:35,148 --> 00:01:39,678
guy writer, director general of the
international labor organization.
26
00:01:40,428 --> 00:01:44,838
Our final show this week, educating
from the heart takes a look at how
27
00:01:44,868 --> 00:01:49,678
even art classes are not immune
from the ongoing culture wars.
28
00:01:50,538 --> 00:01:55,158
That's all coming On this edition
of the labor radio podcast weekly.
29
00:01:55,458 --> 00:01:57,318
Hey, if you like what
you hear when we sure.
30
00:01:57,318 --> 00:01:57,678
Hope you do.
31
00:01:57,978 --> 00:02:00,978
I help build the labor
radio podcast movement.
32
00:02:01,578 --> 00:02:04,278
Take a moment to subscribe
and share the show.
33
00:02:05,118 --> 00:02:06,878
Sonic solidarity works.
34
00:02:07,878 --> 00:02:08,978
Um, Chris Garlock.
35
00:02:09,468 --> 00:02:12,078
And this is the labor
radio podcast weekly.
36
00:02:13,098 --> 00:02:13,678
Here's the show.
37
00:02:19,844 --> 00:02:21,644
Welcome back to the Rick Smith show.
38
00:02:21,704 --> 00:02:23,414
Now here is Rick Smith.
39
00:02:27,374 --> 00:02:31,214
So I'm looking at the news and
the, the big note news is there's
40
00:02:31,214 --> 00:02:36,344
a freight strike coming, uh, a rail
strike coming, and it's gonna cost $2
41
00:02:36,344 --> 00:02:38,774
billion a day, according to reports.
42
00:02:38,954 --> 00:02:42,704
And again, this is supposed to make
us look at the workers and, and blame
43
00:02:42,704 --> 00:02:45,614
them, uh, because I've heard a bunch
of people say, well, you know, if those
44
00:02:45,614 --> 00:02:50,414
rail workers go on strike, you know,
the supply chain, it's gonna, these
45
00:02:50,444 --> 00:02:53,804
workers work in, in bad conditions.
46
00:02:54,224 --> 00:02:56,714
Uh, I mean, I've been the
stories I've been hearing.
47
00:02:57,404 --> 00:02:59,174
I gotta tell you, I
don't know how you don't.
48
00:02:59,804 --> 00:03:03,284
You don't strike in these moments,
uh, but here to share some thoughts
49
00:03:03,284 --> 00:03:07,694
of where things are gonna go, the
deadline September 16th, I believe, uh,
50
00:03:07,694 --> 00:03:13,154
as, as we, we move towards that day,
uh, the possibility of a nationwide
51
00:03:13,154 --> 00:03:15,194
rail strike, uh, can be painful.
52
00:03:15,254 --> 00:03:17,714
I, I'm not saying it's not gonna be,
but here to share some thoughts on
53
00:03:17,954 --> 00:03:21,644
where things are, where things may go
and, and maybe the whys and hows I've
54
00:03:21,644 --> 00:03:23,174
asked Jared Cassin to come talk with us.
55
00:03:23,414 --> 00:03:26,834
He's the assistant national legislative
director of the smart union to sheet
56
00:03:26,834 --> 00:03:31,064
metal, air rail, transport union,
Jared, thanks for taking time for us.
57
00:03:31,814 --> 00:03:32,504
Thanks for having me again.
58
00:03:32,504 --> 00:03:33,974
I appreciate it and happy to be here.
59
00:03:34,554 --> 00:03:37,914
while we don't want to strike our
membership, is, is suffering the
60
00:03:37,914 --> 00:03:41,394
consequences of what these railroads
have done for, for the last five years.
61
00:03:41,444 --> 00:03:43,004
this strike isn't about money.
62
00:03:43,064 --> 00:03:45,854
It's, it's not about putting
more money in our wallets.
63
00:03:45,854 --> 00:03:47,114
It's about quality of life.
64
00:03:47,114 --> 00:03:51,704
I mean, our folks wanna be treated with
dignity and respect and, and, you know,
65
00:03:51,704 --> 00:03:54,404
the railroads just come out, swinging
with something like this when they
66
00:03:54,404 --> 00:04:00,704
refuse to even consider, um, really
minor items like sick leave and us being
67
00:04:00,709 --> 00:04:03,614
able to take care of ourselves and our
members be able to go to the doctor.
68
00:04:03,784 --> 00:04:04,564
what's the problem here?
69
00:04:05,224 --> 00:04:06,334
Money is not the problem.
70
00:04:06,394 --> 00:04:07,444
Uh, control is the problem.
71
00:04:07,864 --> 00:04:12,274
Uh, the railroads are the most profitable
American, um, industry in, in the country.
72
00:04:12,334 --> 00:04:15,664
And I mean, they make 50%
profit, uh, year over year.
73
00:04:15,664 --> 00:04:19,919
as we discussed last time, uh, quarter
after quarter after quarter, they're
74
00:04:19,919 --> 00:04:21,689
turning billion dollars profits.
75
00:04:21,694 --> 00:04:23,614
the other issue that
we're we're dealing with.
76
00:04:23,614 --> 00:04:26,314
And this is one of the ones that's
the most disturbing for me to wrap my
77
00:04:26,314 --> 00:04:27,904
head around is we're just trying to.
78
00:04:28,714 --> 00:04:32,704
Two preventative or two sick days
a year that we can get preventative
79
00:04:32,704 --> 00:04:37,084
care and, and not be disciplined or,
or fired for just trying to go to the
80
00:04:37,084 --> 00:04:39,304
doctor and, and get our physical exams.
81
00:04:39,304 --> 00:04:43,624
And we're also trying to get, leave
or make it possible for us to get sick
82
00:04:43,624 --> 00:04:45,454
and go to the doctor and be treated or.
83
00:04:46,174 --> 00:04:50,404
Uh, be a husband, be a father to our kids
and, and be able to take care of them
84
00:04:50,404 --> 00:04:54,544
when they're sick too, without fear of
retribution, because the way it is now,
85
00:04:54,874 --> 00:04:58,324
if we simply try to take care of a child
when they're sick or, or to do anything,
86
00:04:58,324 --> 00:05:02,104
to help out on the family, if there's
a leaky faucet, God forbid in a house.
87
00:05:02,104 --> 00:05:06,214
When you come home from a 12 hour shift
and have no time to rest, there's no
88
00:05:06,214 --> 00:05:09,724
reprieve from being able to take care
of the things you need to take care
89
00:05:09,724 --> 00:05:13,444
of as a husband, as a father, as a
homeowner, whatever the situation may be.
90
00:05:13,894 --> 00:05:17,044
And we are just trying to get some
sick leave in place so that we
91
00:05:17,044 --> 00:05:20,674
can have some protection for our
folks to be able to do the things
92
00:05:20,679 --> 00:05:22,174
that they need to do for selling.
93
00:05:22,499 --> 00:05:24,149
Healthcare and betterment
of their families.
94
00:05:24,689 --> 00:05:25,679
Hey, listen to the Rick Smith show.
95
00:05:25,679 --> 00:05:28,779
We're here with Jared Cassidy assistant
national legislative director for
96
00:05:28,779 --> 00:05:32,529
the smart unions, the sheet metal
air rail and transport union.
97
00:05:32,529 --> 00:05:35,049
You can check out their
website, smart-union.org.
98
00:05:35,379 --> 00:05:42,599
you've been listening to the Rick Smith
show, email Rick email, Rick at Rick
99
00:05:42,659 --> 00:05:49,919
at the Rick Smith show.com until next
time, this has been the Rick Smith
100
00:05:49,919 --> 00:05:52,289
show where working people come to talk.
101
00:05:54,623 --> 00:05:58,403
welcome to the America's
workforce radio podcast.
102
00:05:59,048 --> 00:06:03,338
The flagship production of the
American workers, radio and podcast
103
00:06:03,343 --> 00:06:08,168
network where organized labor and
its never ending fight to protect
104
00:06:08,168 --> 00:06:09,998
the rights of the American worker.
105
00:06:10,028 --> 00:06:12,003
Let's go to the state
of Arkansas right now.
106
00:06:12,513 --> 00:06:13,323
Joining us on line.
107
00:06:13,328 --> 00:06:14,943
Number two is Mr.
108
00:06:14,943 --> 00:06:16,863
Thomas Modica comes to us from the.
109
00:06:17,048 --> 00:06:19,088
International brotherhood
of electrical workers.
110
00:06:19,088 --> 00:06:24,248
This would be a local 8 0 7 and
they represent rail workers.
111
00:06:24,248 --> 00:06:28,268
And as you know, there's been a lot
of negotiations going on right now.
112
00:06:28,273 --> 00:06:33,188
There's actually about a dozen unions
that, uh, are involved in the freight
113
00:06:33,188 --> 00:06:37,448
railroads and the negotiations
have been very, very difficult.
114
00:06:37,448 --> 00:06:41,798
And the I B E w is one of those unions
and they just reached an agreement here.
115
00:06:42,338 --> 00:06:43,538
Hey Tom, welcome to the show.
116
00:06:43,538 --> 00:06:44,168
How are we doing today?
117
00:06:44,168 --> 00:06:44,618
My brother.
118
00:06:45,528 --> 00:06:46,818
You're doing wonderful yourself.
119
00:06:46,818 --> 00:06:48,078
Good, good, good, good.
120
00:06:48,078 --> 00:06:49,518
Well, you gotta be pretty happy here.
121
00:06:49,518 --> 00:06:50,118
Talk to me.
122
00:06:50,118 --> 00:06:51,708
Well, well, how many
members in your local?
123
00:06:51,708 --> 00:06:52,698
136.
124
00:06:52,698 --> 00:06:53,268
Is that right?
125
00:06:54,048 --> 00:06:54,318
Yes.
126
00:06:54,318 --> 00:06:56,538
We have 136 due dues paying members.
127
00:06:56,658 --> 00:06:57,048
All right.
128
00:06:57,138 --> 00:07:00,858
And we are, and we are a hundred
percent, uh, organized, uh,
129
00:07:00,858 --> 00:07:02,088
according to railway labor act.
130
00:07:02,088 --> 00:07:03,138
That's where we have to operate.
131
00:07:03,148 --> 00:07:03,638
Okay.
132
00:07:03,798 --> 00:07:04,218
Okay.
133
00:07:04,518 --> 00:07:06,798
So you have a tentative agreement.
134
00:07:06,798 --> 00:07:07,938
Talk to me about that part.
135
00:07:09,138 --> 00:07:09,798
Uh, yes, sir.
136
00:07:09,858 --> 00:07:13,248
Uh, according to the railroad labor
act, you know, we went to negotiation,
137
00:07:13,248 --> 00:07:16,068
went through mediation and it's
been about two and a half years
138
00:07:16,068 --> 00:07:17,388
until we had a contract renewal.
139
00:07:17,393 --> 00:07:21,288
Of course, our contract under the
railway labor act does not expire, um,
140
00:07:21,858 --> 00:07:23,358
and went through mediation process.
141
00:07:23,358 --> 00:07:27,348
And then, uh, we got released from
mediation, went to, uh, P P B and,
142
00:07:27,348 --> 00:07:29,568
uh, the PEB major recommendations.
143
00:07:29,568 --> 00:07:31,968
And now they're being
sent out for ratification.
144
00:07:32,838 --> 00:07:36,368
So from what you've been able to
gather, how do you feel about it?
145
00:07:37,563 --> 00:07:41,973
Well, I've been doing this for 25
years now, and this is the highest,
146
00:07:42,033 --> 00:07:43,533
uh, rate that we've got in courses.
147
00:07:43,563 --> 00:07:47,763
The highest interest I've seen
in 25 years, too inflation.
148
00:07:48,423 --> 00:07:53,133
Um, but, uh, we didn't get everything
we wanted, but the carrier darner
149
00:07:53,133 --> 00:07:54,093
didn't get what they wanted.
150
00:07:55,743 --> 00:07:57,873
So what are you hearing so far?
151
00:07:57,873 --> 00:08:01,323
Because these have been pretty brutal
talks and, and I know one of the
152
00:08:01,323 --> 00:08:05,673
big issues is the attendance policy
and how workers are getting docked.
153
00:08:05,673 --> 00:08:09,033
Even if they, you know, if they're
sick for the day it's, it's ridiculous.
154
00:08:09,033 --> 00:08:12,063
And if you get so many points
again, so you could lose your.
155
00:08:12,983 --> 00:08:14,193
what, what are the workers say?
156
00:08:14,193 --> 00:08:14,283
Yes.
157
00:08:14,283 --> 00:08:17,793
That, yes, that's in the engineering
department or the engineer department.
158
00:08:18,243 --> 00:08:22,833
Um, I'm on the mechanical side and we
have a, we don't have a point system
159
00:08:23,073 --> 00:08:26,163
per se, but you know, those guys
over there in engineering department,
160
00:08:26,193 --> 00:08:30,993
the engineers and conductors on
transportation, um, they're on call.
161
00:08:31,298 --> 00:08:32,288
24 7.
162
00:08:32,678 --> 00:08:36,188
And if you wanna work in that side of
the department, you're gonna, I mean,
163
00:08:36,188 --> 00:08:39,518
they make pretty good money, but you
don't have any family time at all.
164
00:08:39,728 --> 00:08:44,258
And even on our side with our attendance
policy, that nothing's excused.
165
00:08:44,408 --> 00:08:49,238
So we have benefits like we to go
annual businesss to go see our doctor.
166
00:08:49,238 --> 00:08:50,288
And that's what we ask for.
167
00:08:50,288 --> 00:08:54,578
We're gonna back in, um, after the PEB
recommendations, we met with the carriers
168
00:08:54,578 --> 00:08:57,878
again, and, uh, we tried to get excuse.
169
00:08:58,563 --> 00:09:03,093
Uh, absences to where we can have our
annual checkups so we can stay healthy.
170
00:09:03,393 --> 00:09:04,863
And they're not excusing anything.
171
00:09:04,863 --> 00:09:06,813
They're squeezing everything
because they wanna do more with
172
00:09:06,813 --> 00:09:09,453
we . You can't even get a checkup.
173
00:09:10,983 --> 00:09:14,193
no, now that's no, that's ridiculous.
174
00:09:14,243 --> 00:09:18,083
Did this all change when these
companies were taken over by
175
00:09:18,083 --> 00:09:19,833
like wall street, hedge funds?
176
00:09:20,198 --> 00:09:24,338
And, and they, you know, got on the,
uh, on the public trading market.
177
00:09:24,338 --> 00:09:27,518
Is, is that when everything
started getting to the point where
178
00:09:27,518 --> 00:09:29,048
it is today, in your opinion?
179
00:09:29,138 --> 00:09:29,558
Yes.
180
00:09:30,038 --> 00:09:30,488
Yes.
181
00:09:30,668 --> 00:09:32,648
And PSR has not helped out either.
182
00:09:33,278 --> 00:09:36,878
Now PSR is what precision
schedule, raw routing.
183
00:09:37,378 --> 00:09:39,278
And can you explain what that is?
184
00:09:40,178 --> 00:09:43,958
Well, it's, it's basically they're
streamlining all their, uh, they wanna do
185
00:09:44,918 --> 00:09:47,078
put less locomotives on the, uh, rails.
186
00:09:47,543 --> 00:09:54,203
Uh, build longer trains, um, which puts
a big strain on everybody and everything,
187
00:09:54,653 --> 00:09:56,573
uh, just where they can make more money.
188
00:09:56,963 --> 00:10:02,633
Um, they, uh, they've done a time
study on us to find out how much,
189
00:10:02,663 --> 00:10:03,953
how long it takes to do a job.
190
00:10:03,953 --> 00:10:04,853
Of course, you know, there's.
191
00:10:05,213 --> 00:10:07,253
There's no way to accurately time it.
192
00:10:07,823 --> 00:10:10,463
And, uh, that way they can
create how many man hours you
193
00:10:10,463 --> 00:10:12,563
need as far as, uh, workforce.
194
00:10:12,923 --> 00:10:14,423
So we're doing more with less.
195
00:10:14,423 --> 00:10:17,813
We don't have any relief positions
anywhere for vacation relief.
196
00:10:17,863 --> 00:10:19,343
It, it makes it very difficult.
197
00:10:20,163 --> 00:10:22,863
It sounds like they want to
turn you into robots right now.
198
00:10:22,913 --> 00:10:25,073
You take care, stay
strong and stay in touch.
199
00:10:25,073 --> 00:10:25,553
Okay, brother.
200
00:10:26,573 --> 00:10:27,803
Yes, sir, have a wonderful day.
201
00:10:57,527 --> 00:10:58,667
All right, everybody.
202
00:10:58,667 --> 00:10:59,177
Welcome.
203
00:10:59,177 --> 00:11:04,037
Welcome to your rights at work, Chris
Garlock here once again with Mr.
204
00:11:04,497 --> 00:11:04,787
Ed Smith.
205
00:11:04,787 --> 00:11:08,537
Hey, if you've got questions
about your workplace, writes the
206
00:11:08,537 --> 00:11:12,347
ones you have, the ones you don't
have, the ones you wish you had.
207
00:11:12,347 --> 00:11:12,977
Now's the time.
208
00:11:12,982 --> 00:11:13,547
Give us a call.
209
00:11:13,552 --> 00:11:16,727
2 0 2 5 8 8 0 8 9 3.
210
00:11:16,795 --> 00:11:18,460
Hey, great show today.
211
00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:24,080
15,000 Minnesota nurses stage a three
day counter three day strike this week.
212
00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:28,490
It's the largest private sector
nurses strike in us history.
213
00:11:28,820 --> 00:11:34,670
We're gonna talk about why they want also
millennials and gen Zers are the most
214
00:11:34,670 --> 00:11:40,910
pro-union generation since the 1930s and
1940s American prospect editor at large
215
00:11:40,910 --> 00:11:46,605
Harold Myerson joins us to talk about
why he's dubbed them generation union.
216
00:11:46,605 --> 00:11:48,676
joining us, from St.
217
00:11:48,676 --> 00:11:51,976
Louis Park, Minnesota,
Victoria, Z handler.
218
00:11:52,026 --> 00:11:53,493
Hi, nice to be here with you.
219
00:11:53,493 --> 00:11:57,504
it was 15,000 nurses
total, that went on strike.
220
00:11:57,504 --> 00:12:01,014
it got to a point where we needed
to really make a statement.
221
00:12:01,129 --> 00:12:08,419
we have nurses that are being oriented
to the intensive care unit that don't get
222
00:12:08,419 --> 00:12:13,529
to be oriented, because they are being
pulled to float to their old floors.
223
00:12:14,009 --> 00:12:19,019
We have observation units that are being
closed down because they're being used
224
00:12:19,019 --> 00:12:21,299
as a float pool to go to other floors.
225
00:12:21,379 --> 00:12:24,559
this really is crisis conditions.
226
00:12:24,677 --> 00:12:30,937
and we have not had any meaningful
staffing counters from the hospital.
227
00:12:31,001 --> 00:12:32,798
throughout the entire negotiations.
228
00:12:32,798 --> 00:12:34,450
And that's what we did our strike for.
229
00:12:35,140 --> 00:12:37,240
it was 100% patient safety.
230
00:12:37,570 --> 00:12:38,980
That is what we're here about.
231
00:12:38,980 --> 00:12:40,630
That is why we are nurses.
232
00:12:40,630 --> 00:12:41,960
It's patient safety.
233
00:12:42,010 --> 00:12:44,440
Joining us now is Harold Myerson.
234
00:12:44,440 --> 00:12:48,757
He had a terrific labor
day piece, generation union
235
00:12:48,757 --> 00:12:51,577
it's available@prospect.org.
236
00:12:51,637 --> 00:12:55,195
Victoria, I think you might be
in this demographic or fairly
237
00:12:55,195 --> 00:12:57,390
close, in Harold's piece.
238
00:12:57,390 --> 00:13:03,553
He pointed out that 72% of Americans,
18 to 34, years of age approve
239
00:13:03,553 --> 00:13:09,253
of unions, but that just 3% of SM
demographic actually belong to unions.
240
00:13:09,253 --> 00:13:10,843
Harold, welcome to your rights at work.
241
00:13:10,843 --> 00:13:11,773
What is going on?
242
00:13:11,826 --> 00:13:18,310
what is going on is that, the national
labor relations act has been so weakened
243
00:13:18,310 --> 00:13:24,612
by decades of court decisions and
intransigent employer opposition, and
244
00:13:24,617 --> 00:13:26,442
the weakening of the act, basically.
245
00:13:27,017 --> 00:13:32,479
Has meant that, employers can violate
the national labor relations act by
246
00:13:32,479 --> 00:13:39,089
firing activists, and organizers in
organizing campaigns to, basically
247
00:13:39,359 --> 00:13:43,203
compel those campaigns to lose,
that's been going on for a long time.
248
00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:47,211
uh, as you well know, president Biden
himself announced the, tentative
249
00:13:47,211 --> 00:13:49,433
agreement with, averting, the rail strike.
250
00:13:49,433 --> 00:13:50,932
quick reaction thoughts on that.
251
00:13:50,954 --> 00:13:55,839
Well, I mean, the, the two unions that,
had not reached agreement, the, the issue
252
00:13:55,839 --> 00:13:58,299
was their ability to go see a doctor.
253
00:13:58,366 --> 00:14:00,288
and not have that counted against them.
254
00:14:00,288 --> 00:14:03,637
In other words, to have, not even
paid leave in the settlement, but
255
00:14:03,637 --> 00:14:07,026
simply leave, to go and, see a doctor.
256
00:14:07,026 --> 00:14:13,776
So this simply, reflects, what is all too
common in American labor relations, which
257
00:14:13,776 --> 00:14:16,241
is, punishing workers for having a life.
258
00:14:16,308 --> 00:14:21,128
and, railroads of course were the
first, interstate industry in the
259
00:14:21,128 --> 00:14:26,974
United States and the history of,
railroad worker militants goes.
260
00:14:27,769 --> 00:14:29,353
To the 1870s.
261
00:14:29,366 --> 00:14:33,664
the government has not always
supported that, in the strike of
262
00:14:33,664 --> 00:14:39,094
1877, they sent in the army to bust
it, which they did again in 1894.
263
00:14:39,123 --> 00:14:43,034
and it, it's been a challenge for
railroad workers throughout American
264
00:14:43,039 --> 00:14:48,442
history, what the Biden administration
did was really, I think, try to, get
265
00:14:48,442 --> 00:14:51,254
something for the workers, Biden himself.
266
00:14:51,254 --> 00:14:57,845
the last time there was, a railroad,
lockout and or strike in 1992 voted
267
00:14:57,845 --> 00:15:02,352
against, a congressional, bill,
requiring the workers to go back to work.
268
00:15:02,352 --> 00:15:03,642
So I think he tried to.
269
00:15:03,942 --> 00:15:09,612
Maintain really what is in one of
the brightest parts of his presidency
270
00:15:09,612 --> 00:15:14,292
so far, which is its pro worker
pro-union stance in the settlement.
271
00:15:14,422 --> 00:15:15,222
He announced today.
272
00:15:15,552 --> 00:15:18,072
thank you both Victoria and Harold.
273
00:15:18,162 --> 00:15:20,947
so much for joining us,
Victoria, keep up the fight.
274
00:15:20,982 --> 00:15:24,768
and Harold, just keep those wonderful
pieces going at, at prospect.org.
275
00:15:24,768 --> 00:15:25,368
Thanks.
276
00:15:25,828 --> 00:15:26,128
Will do.
277
00:15:26,768 --> 00:15:27,568
Thank you.
278
00:15:28,528 --> 00:15:32,458
Victoria's a handler is a one of
the striking nurses in Minnesota,
279
00:15:32,458 --> 00:15:37,258
Harold, my editor at large at the
American prospect terrific piece on
280
00:15:37,288 --> 00:15:40,828
young folks organizing@prospect.org.
281
00:15:41,188 --> 00:15:44,608
Hey, you have been listening to
your rights at work engineered
282
00:15:44,613 --> 00:15:49,978
today as always with a plum by
Michael NAELA and Kalia, Chapman.
283
00:15:49,978 --> 00:15:51,238
Thanks so much to them.
284
00:15:51,238 --> 00:15:55,888
Thanks to our guests and as always,
thanks to you all for listening
285
00:15:56,218 --> 00:15:58,258
Stay tuned and we will see you.
286
00:15:58,318 --> 00:16:00,028
Oh, next.
287
00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:05,000
This is solidarity news on radio labor.
288
00:16:06,830 --> 00:16:12,320
This is a radio labor report recorded
on Monday, September 12th, 2022.
289
00:16:12,680 --> 00:16:13,850
I'm Markia.
290
00:16:17,870 --> 00:16:22,310
The international labor organization
is calling on countries to build
291
00:16:22,310 --> 00:16:26,660
a new social contract, to be
implemented by government's business.
292
00:16:26,660 --> 00:16:26,870
And.
293
00:16:27,350 --> 00:16:32,840
In a post pandemic world in a recent
webinar, the director general of the ILO
294
00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:39,530
guy writer said that currently capitalism
is not working to decrease inequality or
295
00:16:39,530 --> 00:16:41,900
provide adequate and decent employment.
296
00:16:42,320 --> 00:16:46,910
The ILO is the UN specialized
agency focused on matters of work
297
00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:49,010
in the world, in the webinar.
298
00:16:49,065 --> 00:16:53,325
Mr rider mentions the UN's
sustainable development goals.
299
00:16:53,475 --> 00:16:59,535
The SDGs as they are known are 17
goals related to topics such as decent
300
00:16:59,540 --> 00:17:02,205
work education and gender equality.
301
00:17:02,585 --> 00:17:06,155
Mr writer, we're in the midst of
this pandemic from which we should
302
00:17:06,155 --> 00:17:07,805
learn some lessons, I think.
303
00:17:08,165 --> 00:17:11,405
But the biggest lesson of all is
I think we've made the promises.
304
00:17:11,405 --> 00:17:12,935
You keeping the promise.
305
00:17:12,940 --> 00:17:17,225
The promise was made in the,
the SDGs, the 20, 30 development
306
00:17:17,230 --> 00:17:19,355
agenda and, you know, pre pandemic.
307
00:17:20,005 --> 00:17:21,865
The promise was not being kept.
308
00:17:22,435 --> 00:17:25,915
And there was a contradiction in what
we were doing and what we are doing.
309
00:17:26,215 --> 00:17:30,565
What's the contradiction we've set
ourselves a transformational agenda.
310
00:17:30,595 --> 00:17:35,605
It calls itself a transformational agenda
to deliver all of these wonderful goals,
311
00:17:36,115 --> 00:17:41,395
but we simply refused to adjust the
policy settings that could reasonably
312
00:17:41,455 --> 00:17:44,245
be expected to produce transformation.
313
00:17:44,545 --> 00:17:47,665
We can't simply adjust the settings.
314
00:17:47,670 --> 00:17:48,415
We have to change.
315
00:17:48,830 --> 00:17:51,140
Settings of our policy approaches.
316
00:17:51,380 --> 00:17:58,400
We have lost either the capacity or the
will to actually make capitalism work
317
00:17:58,670 --> 00:18:03,260
in the way that it actually was designed
to work and to spread its benefits.
318
00:18:03,350 --> 00:18:08,180
Why some would say globalization,
some would say technology, some would
319
00:18:08,180 --> 00:18:10,550
say political will has been missing.
320
00:18:11,210 --> 00:18:13,070
We've gotta go back to some basics here.
321
00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:16,130
And yes, it's about the
institutions of work.
322
00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:17,840
It's about the actors of work.
323
00:18:17,840 --> 00:18:23,570
It's about investing in the jobs of the
future, but I idea very, very strongly
324
00:18:23,575 --> 00:18:28,910
to this notion of co-creation in the
way our economies work and deliver.
325
00:18:29,420 --> 00:18:32,120
I think this notion of
a new social contract.
326
00:18:32,565 --> 00:18:36,315
That implies buy in by the
actors is really powerful.
327
00:18:36,405 --> 00:18:41,655
And it goes directly to the notion of
greater equity in our world because you
328
00:18:41,655 --> 00:18:46,605
buy into a contract when you think you're
getting out of it, what you put into it.
329
00:18:46,845 --> 00:18:47,265
And.
330
00:18:47,740 --> 00:18:52,810
Whilst professor makar is quite rightly
in my view, emphasize the role of social
331
00:18:52,810 --> 00:18:54,820
movements and, and, and organized labor.
332
00:18:55,330 --> 00:19:00,070
I sometimes believe as well, speaking to
business representatives that they also
333
00:19:00,070 --> 00:19:05,710
find themselves trapped, trapped by this
financialization of, of business behavior.
334
00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:11,380
Uh, finances become self-serving
rather than a servant of the real
335
00:19:11,380 --> 00:19:13,390
economy and of the needs of us.
336
00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:15,400
And we've gotta put these things, right.
337
00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:20,890
And yes, let's think of this co-creative
social contract approach and draw the
338
00:19:20,890 --> 00:19:25,180
logical consequences of that and what we
are living through today in the pandemic.
339
00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:29,620
We know those countries that
do best in reducing inequality.
340
00:19:30,005 --> 00:19:34,385
And they're countries with progressive
tax systems, they're countries
341
00:19:34,385 --> 00:19:38,465
with strong industrial relations
and collective bargaining systems.
342
00:19:38,735 --> 00:19:42,485
They are countries which take
seriously minimum wage policies
343
00:19:42,635 --> 00:19:46,805
and take seriously the provision of
social protection and public services.
344
00:19:46,895 --> 00:19:52,355
So those are the tried and tested
recipes for reducing inequality.
345
00:19:52,725 --> 00:19:53,985
And we know they work.
346
00:19:54,015 --> 00:19:55,605
I mean, there's no mystery here.
347
00:19:55,965 --> 00:20:00,525
The fact of the matter is for whatever
reason, be it ideological or other.
348
00:20:01,430 --> 00:20:05,090
These policies and these mechanisms
and these institutions have been
349
00:20:05,090 --> 00:20:07,670
allowed to atrophy to some extent.
350
00:20:08,090 --> 00:20:13,220
And I think this underlines, this
notion that somehow, somehow the idea
351
00:20:13,220 --> 00:20:18,350
of social contract, what we think is
fair and decent in society has either
352
00:20:18,355 --> 00:20:22,670
been dismantled or allowed to lapse
and it's time to reconstruct it.
353
00:20:27,250 --> 00:20:27,760
And that's it.
354
00:20:27,970 --> 00:20:29,620
International labor news.
355
00:20:29,620 --> 00:20:30,880
You can use,
356
00:20:33,880 --> 00:20:38,260
you can find our features and
daily newscast@radiolab.net.
357
00:20:38,470 --> 00:20:39,710
Follow us on Twitter at.
358
00:20:39,940 --> 00:20:40,930
Radio label.
359
00:20:41,350 --> 00:20:43,660
I mark LAN, thank you for listening.
360
00:20:43,750 --> 00:20:46,540
And remember, it's all
about global solidarity.
361
00:21:00,533 --> 00:21:02,393
You're listening to educating from the.
362
00:21:03,173 --> 00:21:06,623
Thank you for joining our lively
conversations with teachers,
363
00:21:06,713 --> 00:21:11,093
support professionals, parents, and
students, as they share issues that
364
00:21:11,093 --> 00:21:12,863
matter most in our public schools.
365
00:21:13,283 --> 00:21:16,253
Here are your hosts, Tina
Dunbar and Luke Flyn.
366
00:21:24,033 --> 00:21:27,213
Welcome back to another new season
of educating from the heart.
367
00:21:27,423 --> 00:21:33,243
I'm Tina here with my co-host Luke, and we
are kicking off the start of a brand new
368
00:21:33,243 --> 00:21:38,613
school year as close to 3 million Florida
students head back to their classrooms.
369
00:21:38,703 --> 00:21:42,863
And I bet you could relate to
this, Luke, this is an exciting.
370
00:21:43,253 --> 00:21:46,823
Busy time of year for parent
students and teachers too.
371
00:21:47,303 --> 00:21:48,683
You are absolutely right.
372
00:21:48,683 --> 00:21:49,163
Tina.
373
00:21:49,223 --> 00:21:53,693
As a teacher, there was nothing
more exciting to me than the
374
00:21:53,693 --> 00:21:54,923
start of a new school year.
375
00:21:54,923 --> 00:21:58,403
It was actually my favorite time
of the entire calendar year.
376
00:21:58,613 --> 00:22:01,373
My art teacher, Marilyn
Price still stands out.
377
00:22:01,613 --> 00:22:05,513
She taught me to spend time in reflection
and how to process events in the
378
00:22:05,513 --> 00:22:08,393
world around me, you know, back then.
379
00:22:08,578 --> 00:22:13,168
Teachers were free to openly talk with
their students and answer questions that
380
00:22:13,168 --> 00:22:16,378
made you think and expand your curiosity.
381
00:22:16,558 --> 00:22:19,138
They weren't afraid to answer questions.
382
00:22:19,918 --> 00:22:23,968
I truly believe that sense
of freedom and security.
383
00:22:24,128 --> 00:22:27,308
Helped her to help me Excel in school.
384
00:22:27,608 --> 00:22:28,988
Oh, it absolutely does.
385
00:22:29,018 --> 00:22:32,018
that's why we sat down with
an art teacher from St.
386
00:22:32,018 --> 00:22:34,268
John's county named Alex McKeean.
387
00:22:34,718 --> 00:22:38,048
We spoke with her over the summer
about her experience over the past
388
00:22:38,053 --> 00:22:42,548
school year and her hosts for this
upcoming year in light of some of
389
00:22:42,553 --> 00:22:44,768
the new restrictions educators are.
390
00:22:45,823 --> 00:22:47,053
Hi, I'm Alex McKeean.
391
00:22:47,443 --> 00:22:48,643
Um, I'm from St.
392
00:22:48,643 --> 00:22:49,723
Augustine, Florida.
393
00:22:49,813 --> 00:22:51,733
I teach elementary school art.
394
00:22:51,733 --> 00:22:54,643
I've been doing that for one
year before that I taught
395
00:22:54,648 --> 00:22:56,053
four years of high school art.
396
00:22:56,503 --> 00:23:01,333
so I could very clearly imagine, even
though I haven't been in the classroom,
397
00:23:01,333 --> 00:23:07,768
um, in, in a few years, How the political
climate would impact an English classroom.
398
00:23:07,798 --> 00:23:08,368
Yes.
399
00:23:08,458 --> 00:23:08,728
Especially.
400
00:23:09,388 --> 00:23:12,448
Yeah, but help me understand
how it impacts an art classroom.
401
00:23:12,778 --> 00:23:22,228
Well, for me, it's it, the, despite
teaching art, there are plenty of
402
00:23:22,228 --> 00:23:27,388
things that come up in my classroom, cuz
they're doing a lot of independent work
403
00:23:27,388 --> 00:23:28,768
and that is when conversations happen.
404
00:23:30,418 --> 00:23:38,098
if a child says something
inappropriate, I want to explain
405
00:23:38,098 --> 00:23:40,438
to them why that's not okay.
406
00:23:40,478 --> 00:23:45,988
Mm-hmm and there are some rules being
put in place that make it difficult
407
00:23:45,993 --> 00:23:48,688
for me to explain why that is not nice.
408
00:23:48,838 --> 00:23:50,008
That is not kind.
409
00:23:50,158 --> 00:23:55,528
And that is not okay for you to do
period because people see it as.
410
00:23:56,188 --> 00:23:57,898
Oh, that's just your opinion.
411
00:23:57,928 --> 00:24:01,768
I'm like, no, it's either
kind or it's not there's no.
412
00:24:02,158 --> 00:24:03,478
Oh, I think that's nice.
413
00:24:03,508 --> 00:24:06,688
You know, I don't know, like there,
there are offensive things and there
414
00:24:06,688 --> 00:24:10,228
are things that are not offensive
if someone's offended by it.
415
00:24:10,228 --> 00:24:10,978
It's offensive.
416
00:24:11,218 --> 00:24:12,088
That's what offensive is.
417
00:24:12,348 --> 00:24:12,908
Right.
418
00:24:12,908 --> 00:24:17,998
And we're being sort of put in
these boxes where we can't do that
419
00:24:17,998 --> 00:24:22,948
classroom management, because we
don't wanna say something that will.
420
00:24:23,848 --> 00:24:28,888
Yeah, sort of open a, a, a floodgate
to some other conversation, cuz kids
421
00:24:28,888 --> 00:24:32,938
ask all types of questions they are
and they should, and they should, they
422
00:24:32,943 --> 00:24:37,798
should, and we should be able to answer
them and we're being sort of muscled.
423
00:24:38,968 --> 00:24:41,188
and it gets in the way.
424
00:24:41,298 --> 00:24:46,398
So I'm, you know, trying to, to go back
to when I was in elementary school and,
425
00:24:46,398 --> 00:24:52,578
and thinking of the things that I did in
art class, um, and like rainbows, right.
426
00:24:52,638 --> 00:24:55,998
Weather is is, is a thing I, I
make rainbows all the time, right?
427
00:24:55,998 --> 00:24:56,088
Yeah.
428
00:24:56,088 --> 00:24:58,478
I mean, for lots of
reasons, does color theory.
429
00:24:59,523 --> 00:25:03,333
that that's incorporating
science cross curricular is the
430
00:25:03,333 --> 00:25:05,133
best way for kids to retain.
431
00:25:05,133 --> 00:25:09,423
So if I'm gonna teach them about colors,
I should teach them about the rainbow.
432
00:25:09,423 --> 00:25:11,473
And now the rainbow has
this whole new meaning.
433
00:25:12,468 --> 00:25:14,358
but it's also still
just a rainbow rainbow.
434
00:25:14,358 --> 00:25:14,598
Right.
435
00:25:14,598 --> 00:25:17,598
But that's what I was getting at is
that, is there the fear that if a
436
00:25:17,598 --> 00:25:22,608
child little Johnny comes home with
artwork and then mom calls up this
437
00:25:22,608 --> 00:25:26,898
school and says, this art teacher
is having my child paint rainbows.
438
00:25:26,898 --> 00:25:27,798
That is very real.
439
00:25:27,803 --> 00:25:30,948
And like this year, kids
love making bracelets.
440
00:25:31,383 --> 00:25:32,823
They just think it's so fun.
441
00:25:32,913 --> 00:25:34,143
They get to pick the beads.
442
00:25:34,263 --> 00:25:35,703
They're like, I'm gonna spell my name.
443
00:25:36,003 --> 00:25:40,623
And, um, it, it's just a great
way for them to learn like
444
00:25:40,653 --> 00:25:42,393
dexterity and find motor skills.
445
00:25:42,873 --> 00:25:46,503
Um, and one boy came back in and he
was like, can I make another bracelet?
446
00:25:46,503 --> 00:25:49,893
My, my mom won't let me wear,
wear the one I made why.
447
00:25:50,073 --> 00:25:52,863
And he was like, well, cuz
bracelets are for girls.
448
00:25:54,303 --> 00:26:00,513
And so it's things like that where
I never even thought of that.
449
00:26:01,848 --> 00:26:03,078
Men wear jewelry all the time.
450
00:26:03,078 --> 00:26:10,968
Most jewelers are men wear by the bracelet
wearing a bracelet well of men do husband
451
00:26:10,973 --> 00:26:15,078
wears like the leathered ones that are
made for men with the, you know, initials.
452
00:26:15,078 --> 00:26:19,068
I mean, but artistry is not gendered.
453
00:26:20,118 --> 00:26:22,368
You're just producing art.
454
00:26:22,578 --> 00:26:27,858
And like the fact that that was
even taken that way blew my mind.
455
00:26:28,683 --> 00:26:31,773
Never in a thousand years, would
I think making bracelets with
456
00:26:31,773 --> 00:26:38,553
children would be a political problem
because they were just having fun.
457
00:26:38,853 --> 00:26:38,943
Right?
458
00:26:39,843 --> 00:26:41,703
We weren't even talking about anything.
459
00:26:42,513 --> 00:26:43,833
They're like, Ooh, there's purple.
460
00:26:43,833 --> 00:26:47,523
I'm gonna make this one purple and
this one sparkly, and I'm gonna put
461
00:26:47,583 --> 00:26:50,343
B FFF and I'm gonna give it to Sarah.
462
00:26:51,663 --> 00:26:54,873
Like they just love it cuz they
made it and they get to wear.
463
00:26:55,773 --> 00:26:58,533
I think that's everybody's
biggest concern.
464
00:26:58,533 --> 00:27:01,413
Now that's something
that's so basic, so simple.
465
00:27:01,713 --> 00:27:06,423
So innocent can be turned
into something so ugly.
466
00:27:06,483 --> 00:27:06,573
Yes.
467
00:27:06,603 --> 00:27:08,283
So divisive, you know?
468
00:27:08,433 --> 00:27:08,553
Yes.
469
00:27:08,553 --> 00:27:15,303
So hateful and we just wanna
teach them love cuz that's what
470
00:27:15,303 --> 00:27:16,743
we're, that's what we want.
471
00:27:16,743 --> 00:27:18,033
We want them to feel love.
472
00:27:18,033 --> 00:27:22,233
We want them to give love and we
don't wanna put these limitations
473
00:27:22,233 --> 00:27:24,093
on them because they're just kids.
474
00:27:25,368 --> 00:27:27,648
They don't need to see
that big, angry world.
475
00:27:28,788 --> 00:27:29,748
They don't need that hate.
476
00:27:30,858 --> 00:27:32,748
They just need to have fun
and they need to learn.
477
00:27:34,128 --> 00:27:35,748
That's it for this episode.
478
00:27:36,048 --> 00:27:39,378
And until we meet again, keep
educating from the heart.
479
00:27:44,338 --> 00:27:48,328
If you enjoy our podcast, ask your friends
and colleagues to subscribe on our website
480
00:27:48,333 --> 00:27:51,868
at ewe.org/educating from the heart.
481
00:27:52,468 --> 00:27:55,888
Send your comments and feedback
to heart@floridaea.org.
482
00:27:56,338 --> 00:27:57,298
Again, that's hard.
483
00:27:57,538 --> 00:28:02,718
H E a R T at Florida EA dot OG.
484
00:28:03,208 --> 00:28:04,948
Or you can leave a voicemail at eight 50.
485
00:28:05,623 --> 00:28:07,933
2 0 1 3, 3 8, 4.
486
00:28:11,593 --> 00:28:16,243
Educating from the heart is a production
of the Florida education association.
487
00:28:16,603 --> 00:28:22,473
FAA is the statewide educators union
with more than 150,000 members, including
488
00:28:22,633 --> 00:28:27,793
teachers, education, staff professionals,
higher education faculty, graduate
489
00:28:27,793 --> 00:28:32,383
assistants, students preparing to
become teachers and retired educators.
490
00:28:38,933 --> 00:28:43,613
And that's it for this edition of
the labor radio podcast, weekly,
491
00:28:43,613 --> 00:28:48,893
our Roundup of highlights from just
a few of the more than 150 labor
492
00:28:48,893 --> 00:28:53,433
radio shows and podcasts that make
up the labor radio podcast network.
493
00:28:54,053 --> 00:28:57,713
We've got links to the shows you heard
today in the show notes for the podcast,
494
00:28:57,713 --> 00:28:59,333
you'll find all the network shows.
495
00:28:59,693 --> 00:29:01,333
Labor radio network.org.
496
00:29:02,033 --> 00:29:05,963
And you can also find them use
the hashtag labor radio pod on
497
00:29:05,993 --> 00:29:07,733
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
498
00:29:08,499 --> 00:29:13,419
Labor radio podcast weekly was
edited this week by Patrick Dickson
499
00:29:13,449 --> 00:29:18,999
and me, I produced the show and
our social media guru as always.
500
00:29:19,269 --> 00:29:19,899
Is Mr.
501
00:29:19,899 --> 00:29:20,979
Harold Phillips.
502
00:29:21,519 --> 00:29:25,179
You can follow us on Twitter
and Instagram, labor radio net.
503
00:29:25,179 --> 00:29:28,809
Find out more on our
website, labor radio network.
504
00:29:29,289 --> 00:29:29,899
Dot org.
505
00:29:30,819 --> 00:29:33,399
For labor radio podcast weekly.
506
00:29:33,399 --> 00:29:35,099
This has been Chris Garlock.
507
00:29:35,469 --> 00:29:37,199
Stay active and stay tuned.
508
00:29:37,899 --> 00:29:40,599
To your local labor radio podcast show.
00:00:05,042 --> 00:00:08,732
You're listening to the
labor radio podcast weekly.
2
00:00:09,261 --> 00:00:10,821
this strike isn't about money.
3
00:00:10,871 --> 00:00:12,131
It's about quality of life.
4
00:00:12,131 --> 00:00:15,851
I mean, our folks wanna be
treated with dignity and respect
5
00:00:15,901 --> 00:00:18,281
they wanna put less
locomotives on the, rails.
6
00:00:18,696 --> 00:00:23,791
build longer trains, which puts a
big strain on everybody and everything
7
00:00:24,241 --> 00:00:26,341
it was 100% patient safety.
8
00:00:26,671 --> 00:00:28,081
That is what we're here about.
9
00:00:28,081 --> 00:00:29,731
That is why we are nurses.
10
00:00:29,731 --> 00:00:31,061
It's patient safety.
11
00:00:31,111 --> 00:00:38,131
We have lost either the capacity or the
will to actually make capitalism work
12
00:00:38,401 --> 00:00:42,991
in the way that it actually was designed
to work and to spread its benefits.
13
00:00:43,091 --> 00:00:46,181
Never in a thousand years, would
I think making bracelets with
14
00:00:46,181 --> 00:00:49,961
children would be a political problem
15
00:00:51,251 --> 00:00:54,941
You're listening to the
labor radio podcast weekly.
16
00:00:55,843 --> 00:00:57,373
On today's show a strike.
17
00:00:57,373 --> 00:01:03,853
That wasn't an one that was from the Rick
Smith show and America's workforce radio.
18
00:01:04,123 --> 00:01:08,653
We have two reports on the issues that
nearly forced tens of thousands of
19
00:01:08,653 --> 00:01:10,813
rail workers out on strike this week.
20
00:01:11,353 --> 00:01:15,433
Early Thursday morning, the Biden
administration brokered a tentative
21
00:01:15,433 --> 00:01:19,993
agreement that at least for now has
averted a nationwide rail strike.
22
00:01:20,718 --> 00:01:25,308
On your rights at work, we hear
from one of the 15,000 nurses in
23
00:01:25,308 --> 00:01:30,278
Minnesota who struck for three days
this week, over patient safety issues.
24
00:01:31,068 --> 00:01:35,118
And radio labor is back from it's
summer break with an interview with
25
00:01:35,148 --> 00:01:39,678
guy writer, director general of the
international labor organization.
26
00:01:40,428 --> 00:01:44,838
Our final show this week, educating
from the heart takes a look at how
27
00:01:44,868 --> 00:01:49,678
even art classes are not immune
from the ongoing culture wars.
28
00:01:50,538 --> 00:01:55,158
That's all coming On this edition
of the labor radio podcast weekly.
29
00:01:55,458 --> 00:01:57,318
Hey, if you like what
you hear when we sure.
30
00:01:57,318 --> 00:01:57,678
Hope you do.
31
00:01:57,978 --> 00:02:00,978
I help build the labor
radio podcast movement.
32
00:02:01,578 --> 00:02:04,278
Take a moment to subscribe
and share the show.
33
00:02:05,118 --> 00:02:06,878
Sonic solidarity works.
34
00:02:07,878 --> 00:02:08,978
Um, Chris Garlock.
35
00:02:09,468 --> 00:02:12,078
And this is the labor
radio podcast weekly.
36
00:02:13,098 --> 00:02:13,678
Here's the show.
37
00:02:19,844 --> 00:02:21,644
Welcome back to the Rick Smith show.
38
00:02:21,704 --> 00:02:23,414
Now here is Rick Smith.
39
00:02:27,374 --> 00:02:31,214
So I'm looking at the news and
the, the big note news is there's
40
00:02:31,214 --> 00:02:36,344
a freight strike coming, uh, a rail
strike coming, and it's gonna cost $2
41
00:02:36,344 --> 00:02:38,774
billion a day, according to reports.
42
00:02:38,954 --> 00:02:42,704
And again, this is supposed to make
us look at the workers and, and blame
43
00:02:42,704 --> 00:02:45,614
them, uh, because I've heard a bunch
of people say, well, you know, if those
44
00:02:45,614 --> 00:02:50,414
rail workers go on strike, you know,
the supply chain, it's gonna, these
45
00:02:50,444 --> 00:02:53,804
workers work in, in bad conditions.
46
00:02:54,224 --> 00:02:56,714
Uh, I mean, I've been the
stories I've been hearing.
47
00:02:57,404 --> 00:02:59,174
I gotta tell you, I
don't know how you don't.
48
00:02:59,804 --> 00:03:03,284
You don't strike in these moments,
uh, but here to share some thoughts
49
00:03:03,284 --> 00:03:07,694
of where things are gonna go, the
deadline September 16th, I believe, uh,
50
00:03:07,694 --> 00:03:13,154
as, as we, we move towards that day,
uh, the possibility of a nationwide
51
00:03:13,154 --> 00:03:15,194
rail strike, uh, can be painful.
52
00:03:15,254 --> 00:03:17,714
I, I'm not saying it's not gonna be,
but here to share some thoughts on
53
00:03:17,954 --> 00:03:21,644
where things are, where things may go
and, and maybe the whys and hows I've
54
00:03:21,644 --> 00:03:23,174
asked Jared Cassin to come talk with us.
55
00:03:23,414 --> 00:03:26,834
He's the assistant national legislative
director of the smart union to sheet
56
00:03:26,834 --> 00:03:31,064
metal, air rail, transport union,
Jared, thanks for taking time for us.
57
00:03:31,814 --> 00:03:32,504
Thanks for having me again.
58
00:03:32,504 --> 00:03:33,974
I appreciate it and happy to be here.
59
00:03:34,554 --> 00:03:37,914
while we don't want to strike our
membership, is, is suffering the
60
00:03:37,914 --> 00:03:41,394
consequences of what these railroads
have done for, for the last five years.
61
00:03:41,444 --> 00:03:43,004
this strike isn't about money.
62
00:03:43,064 --> 00:03:45,854
It's, it's not about putting
more money in our wallets.
63
00:03:45,854 --> 00:03:47,114
It's about quality of life.
64
00:03:47,114 --> 00:03:51,704
I mean, our folks wanna be treated with
dignity and respect and, and, you know,
65
00:03:51,704 --> 00:03:54,404
the railroads just come out, swinging
with something like this when they
66
00:03:54,404 --> 00:04:00,704
refuse to even consider, um, really
minor items like sick leave and us being
67
00:04:00,709 --> 00:04:03,614
able to take care of ourselves and our
members be able to go to the doctor.
68
00:04:03,784 --> 00:04:04,564
what's the problem here?
69
00:04:05,224 --> 00:04:06,334
Money is not the problem.
70
00:04:06,394 --> 00:04:07,444
Uh, control is the problem.
71
00:04:07,864 --> 00:04:12,274
Uh, the railroads are the most profitable
American, um, industry in, in the country.
72
00:04:12,334 --> 00:04:15,664
And I mean, they make 50%
profit, uh, year over year.
73
00:04:15,664 --> 00:04:19,919
as we discussed last time, uh, quarter
after quarter after quarter, they're
74
00:04:19,919 --> 00:04:21,689
turning billion dollars profits.
75
00:04:21,694 --> 00:04:23,614
the other issue that
we're we're dealing with.
76
00:04:23,614 --> 00:04:26,314
And this is one of the ones that's
the most disturbing for me to wrap my
77
00:04:26,314 --> 00:04:27,904
head around is we're just trying to.
78
00:04:28,714 --> 00:04:32,704
Two preventative or two sick days
a year that we can get preventative
79
00:04:32,704 --> 00:04:37,084
care and, and not be disciplined or,
or fired for just trying to go to the
80
00:04:37,084 --> 00:04:39,304
doctor and, and get our physical exams.
81
00:04:39,304 --> 00:04:43,624
And we're also trying to get, leave
or make it possible for us to get sick
82
00:04:43,624 --> 00:04:45,454
and go to the doctor and be treated or.
83
00:04:46,174 --> 00:04:50,404
Uh, be a husband, be a father to our kids
and, and be able to take care of them
84
00:04:50,404 --> 00:04:54,544
when they're sick too, without fear of
retribution, because the way it is now,
85
00:04:54,874 --> 00:04:58,324
if we simply try to take care of a child
when they're sick or, or to do anything,
86
00:04:58,324 --> 00:05:02,104
to help out on the family, if there's
a leaky faucet, God forbid in a house.
87
00:05:02,104 --> 00:05:06,214
When you come home from a 12 hour shift
and have no time to rest, there's no
88
00:05:06,214 --> 00:05:09,724
reprieve from being able to take care
of the things you need to take care
89
00:05:09,724 --> 00:05:13,444
of as a husband, as a father, as a
homeowner, whatever the situation may be.
90
00:05:13,894 --> 00:05:17,044
And we are just trying to get some
sick leave in place so that we
91
00:05:17,044 --> 00:05:20,674
can have some protection for our
folks to be able to do the things
92
00:05:20,679 --> 00:05:22,174
that they need to do for selling.
93
00:05:22,499 --> 00:05:24,149
Healthcare and betterment
of their families.
94
00:05:24,689 --> 00:05:25,679
Hey, listen to the Rick Smith show.
95
00:05:25,679 --> 00:05:28,779
We're here with Jared Cassidy assistant
national legislative director for
96
00:05:28,779 --> 00:05:32,529
the smart unions, the sheet metal
air rail and transport union.
97
00:05:32,529 --> 00:05:35,049
You can check out their
website, smart-union.org.
98
00:05:35,379 --> 00:05:42,599
you've been listening to the Rick Smith
show, email Rick email, Rick at Rick
99
00:05:42,659 --> 00:05:49,919
at the Rick Smith show.com until next
time, this has been the Rick Smith
100
00:05:49,919 --> 00:05:52,289
show where working people come to talk.
101
00:05:54,623 --> 00:05:58,403
welcome to the America's
workforce radio podcast.
102
00:05:59,048 --> 00:06:03,338
The flagship production of the
American workers, radio and podcast
103
00:06:03,343 --> 00:06:08,168
network where organized labor and
its never ending fight to protect
104
00:06:08,168 --> 00:06:09,998
the rights of the American worker.
105
00:06:10,028 --> 00:06:12,003
Let's go to the state
of Arkansas right now.
106
00:06:12,513 --> 00:06:13,323
Joining us on line.
107
00:06:13,328 --> 00:06:14,943
Number two is Mr.
108
00:06:14,943 --> 00:06:16,863
Thomas Modica comes to us from the.
109
00:06:17,048 --> 00:06:19,088
International brotherhood
of electrical workers.
110
00:06:19,088 --> 00:06:24,248
This would be a local 8 0 7 and
they represent rail workers.
111
00:06:24,248 --> 00:06:28,268
And as you know, there's been a lot
of negotiations going on right now.
112
00:06:28,273 --> 00:06:33,188
There's actually about a dozen unions
that, uh, are involved in the freight
113
00:06:33,188 --> 00:06:37,448
railroads and the negotiations
have been very, very difficult.
114
00:06:37,448 --> 00:06:41,798
And the I B E w is one of those unions
and they just reached an agreement here.
115
00:06:42,338 --> 00:06:43,538
Hey Tom, welcome to the show.
116
00:06:43,538 --> 00:06:44,168
How are we doing today?
117
00:06:44,168 --> 00:06:44,618
My brother.
118
00:06:45,528 --> 00:06:46,818
You're doing wonderful yourself.
119
00:06:46,818 --> 00:06:48,078
Good, good, good, good.
120
00:06:48,078 --> 00:06:49,518
Well, you gotta be pretty happy here.
121
00:06:49,518 --> 00:06:50,118
Talk to me.
122
00:06:50,118 --> 00:06:51,708
Well, well, how many
members in your local?
123
00:06:51,708 --> 00:06:52,698
136.
124
00:06:52,698 --> 00:06:53,268
Is that right?
125
00:06:54,048 --> 00:06:54,318
Yes.
126
00:06:54,318 --> 00:06:56,538
We have 136 due dues paying members.
127
00:06:56,658 --> 00:06:57,048
All right.
128
00:06:57,138 --> 00:07:00,858
And we are, and we are a hundred
percent, uh, organized, uh,
129
00:07:00,858 --> 00:07:02,088
according to railway labor act.
130
00:07:02,088 --> 00:07:03,138
That's where we have to operate.
131
00:07:03,148 --> 00:07:03,638
Okay.
132
00:07:03,798 --> 00:07:04,218
Okay.
133
00:07:04,518 --> 00:07:06,798
So you have a tentative agreement.
134
00:07:06,798 --> 00:07:07,938
Talk to me about that part.
135
00:07:09,138 --> 00:07:09,798
Uh, yes, sir.
136
00:07:09,858 --> 00:07:13,248
Uh, according to the railroad labor
act, you know, we went to negotiation,
137
00:07:13,248 --> 00:07:16,068
went through mediation and it's
been about two and a half years
138
00:07:16,068 --> 00:07:17,388
until we had a contract renewal.
139
00:07:17,393 --> 00:07:21,288
Of course, our contract under the
railway labor act does not expire, um,
140
00:07:21,858 --> 00:07:23,358
and went through mediation process.
141
00:07:23,358 --> 00:07:27,348
And then, uh, we got released from
mediation, went to, uh, P P B and,
142
00:07:27,348 --> 00:07:29,568
uh, the PEB major recommendations.
143
00:07:29,568 --> 00:07:31,968
And now they're being
sent out for ratification.
144
00:07:32,838 --> 00:07:36,368
So from what you've been able to
gather, how do you feel about it?
145
00:07:37,563 --> 00:07:41,973
Well, I've been doing this for 25
years now, and this is the highest,
146
00:07:42,033 --> 00:07:43,533
uh, rate that we've got in courses.
147
00:07:43,563 --> 00:07:47,763
The highest interest I've seen
in 25 years, too inflation.
148
00:07:48,423 --> 00:07:53,133
Um, but, uh, we didn't get everything
we wanted, but the carrier darner
149
00:07:53,133 --> 00:07:54,093
didn't get what they wanted.
150
00:07:55,743 --> 00:07:57,873
So what are you hearing so far?
151
00:07:57,873 --> 00:08:01,323
Because these have been pretty brutal
talks and, and I know one of the
152
00:08:01,323 --> 00:08:05,673
big issues is the attendance policy
and how workers are getting docked.
153
00:08:05,673 --> 00:08:09,033
Even if they, you know, if they're
sick for the day it's, it's ridiculous.
154
00:08:09,033 --> 00:08:12,063
And if you get so many points
again, so you could lose your.
155
00:08:12,983 --> 00:08:14,193
what, what are the workers say?
156
00:08:14,193 --> 00:08:14,283
Yes.
157
00:08:14,283 --> 00:08:17,793
That, yes, that's in the engineering
department or the engineer department.
158
00:08:18,243 --> 00:08:22,833
Um, I'm on the mechanical side and we
have a, we don't have a point system
159
00:08:23,073 --> 00:08:26,163
per se, but you know, those guys
over there in engineering department,
160
00:08:26,193 --> 00:08:30,993
the engineers and conductors on
transportation, um, they're on call.
161
00:08:31,298 --> 00:08:32,288
24 7.
162
00:08:32,678 --> 00:08:36,188
And if you wanna work in that side of
the department, you're gonna, I mean,
163
00:08:36,188 --> 00:08:39,518
they make pretty good money, but you
don't have any family time at all.
164
00:08:39,728 --> 00:08:44,258
And even on our side with our attendance
policy, that nothing's excused.
165
00:08:44,408 --> 00:08:49,238
So we have benefits like we to go
annual businesss to go see our doctor.
166
00:08:49,238 --> 00:08:50,288
And that's what we ask for.
167
00:08:50,288 --> 00:08:54,578
We're gonna back in, um, after the PEB
recommendations, we met with the carriers
168
00:08:54,578 --> 00:08:57,878
again, and, uh, we tried to get excuse.
169
00:08:58,563 --> 00:09:03,093
Uh, absences to where we can have our
annual checkups so we can stay healthy.
170
00:09:03,393 --> 00:09:04,863
And they're not excusing anything.
171
00:09:04,863 --> 00:09:06,813
They're squeezing everything
because they wanna do more with
172
00:09:06,813 --> 00:09:09,453
we . You can't even get a checkup.
173
00:09:10,983 --> 00:09:14,193
no, now that's no, that's ridiculous.
174
00:09:14,243 --> 00:09:18,083
Did this all change when these
companies were taken over by
175
00:09:18,083 --> 00:09:19,833
like wall street, hedge funds?
176
00:09:20,198 --> 00:09:24,338
And, and they, you know, got on the,
uh, on the public trading market.
177
00:09:24,338 --> 00:09:27,518
Is, is that when everything
started getting to the point where
178
00:09:27,518 --> 00:09:29,048
it is today, in your opinion?
179
00:09:29,138 --> 00:09:29,558
Yes.
180
00:09:30,038 --> 00:09:30,488
Yes.
181
00:09:30,668 --> 00:09:32,648
And PSR has not helped out either.
182
00:09:33,278 --> 00:09:36,878
Now PSR is what precision
schedule, raw routing.
183
00:09:37,378 --> 00:09:39,278
And can you explain what that is?
184
00:09:40,178 --> 00:09:43,958
Well, it's, it's basically they're
streamlining all their, uh, they wanna do
185
00:09:44,918 --> 00:09:47,078
put less locomotives on the, uh, rails.
186
00:09:47,543 --> 00:09:54,203
Uh, build longer trains, um, which puts
a big strain on everybody and everything,
187
00:09:54,653 --> 00:09:56,573
uh, just where they can make more money.
188
00:09:56,963 --> 00:10:02,633
Um, they, uh, they've done a time
study on us to find out how much,
189
00:10:02,663 --> 00:10:03,953
how long it takes to do a job.
190
00:10:03,953 --> 00:10:04,853
Of course, you know, there's.
191
00:10:05,213 --> 00:10:07,253
There's no way to accurately time it.
192
00:10:07,823 --> 00:10:10,463
And, uh, that way they can
create how many man hours you
193
00:10:10,463 --> 00:10:12,563
need as far as, uh, workforce.
194
00:10:12,923 --> 00:10:14,423
So we're doing more with less.
195
00:10:14,423 --> 00:10:17,813
We don't have any relief positions
anywhere for vacation relief.
196
00:10:17,863 --> 00:10:19,343
It, it makes it very difficult.
197
00:10:20,163 --> 00:10:22,863
It sounds like they want to
turn you into robots right now.
198
00:10:22,913 --> 00:10:25,073
You take care, stay
strong and stay in touch.
199
00:10:25,073 --> 00:10:25,553
Okay, brother.
200
00:10:26,573 --> 00:10:27,803
Yes, sir, have a wonderful day.
201
00:10:57,527 --> 00:10:58,667
All right, everybody.
202
00:10:58,667 --> 00:10:59,177
Welcome.
203
00:10:59,177 --> 00:11:04,037
Welcome to your rights at work, Chris
Garlock here once again with Mr.
204
00:11:04,497 --> 00:11:04,787
Ed Smith.
205
00:11:04,787 --> 00:11:08,537
Hey, if you've got questions
about your workplace, writes the
206
00:11:08,537 --> 00:11:12,347
ones you have, the ones you don't
have, the ones you wish you had.
207
00:11:12,347 --> 00:11:12,977
Now's the time.
208
00:11:12,982 --> 00:11:13,547
Give us a call.
209
00:11:13,552 --> 00:11:16,727
2 0 2 5 8 8 0 8 9 3.
210
00:11:16,795 --> 00:11:18,460
Hey, great show today.
211
00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:24,080
15,000 Minnesota nurses stage a three
day counter three day strike this week.
212
00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:28,490
It's the largest private sector
nurses strike in us history.
213
00:11:28,820 --> 00:11:34,670
We're gonna talk about why they want also
millennials and gen Zers are the most
214
00:11:34,670 --> 00:11:40,910
pro-union generation since the 1930s and
1940s American prospect editor at large
215
00:11:40,910 --> 00:11:46,605
Harold Myerson joins us to talk about
why he's dubbed them generation union.
216
00:11:46,605 --> 00:11:48,676
joining us, from St.
217
00:11:48,676 --> 00:11:51,976
Louis Park, Minnesota,
Victoria, Z handler.
218
00:11:52,026 --> 00:11:53,493
Hi, nice to be here with you.
219
00:11:53,493 --> 00:11:57,504
it was 15,000 nurses
total, that went on strike.
220
00:11:57,504 --> 00:12:01,014
it got to a point where we needed
to really make a statement.
221
00:12:01,129 --> 00:12:08,419
we have nurses that are being oriented
to the intensive care unit that don't get
222
00:12:08,419 --> 00:12:13,529
to be oriented, because they are being
pulled to float to their old floors.
223
00:12:14,009 --> 00:12:19,019
We have observation units that are being
closed down because they're being used
224
00:12:19,019 --> 00:12:21,299
as a float pool to go to other floors.
225
00:12:21,379 --> 00:12:24,559
this really is crisis conditions.
226
00:12:24,677 --> 00:12:30,937
and we have not had any meaningful
staffing counters from the hospital.
227
00:12:31,001 --> 00:12:32,798
throughout the entire negotiations.
228
00:12:32,798 --> 00:12:34,450
And that's what we did our strike for.
229
00:12:35,140 --> 00:12:37,240
it was 100% patient safety.
230
00:12:37,570 --> 00:12:38,980
That is what we're here about.
231
00:12:38,980 --> 00:12:40,630
That is why we are nurses.
232
00:12:40,630 --> 00:12:41,960
It's patient safety.
233
00:12:42,010 --> 00:12:44,440
Joining us now is Harold Myerson.
234
00:12:44,440 --> 00:12:48,757
He had a terrific labor
day piece, generation union
235
00:12:48,757 --> 00:12:51,577
it's available@prospect.org.
236
00:12:51,637 --> 00:12:55,195
Victoria, I think you might be
in this demographic or fairly
237
00:12:55,195 --> 00:12:57,390
close, in Harold's piece.
238
00:12:57,390 --> 00:13:03,553
He pointed out that 72% of Americans,
18 to 34, years of age approve
239
00:13:03,553 --> 00:13:09,253
of unions, but that just 3% of SM
demographic actually belong to unions.
240
00:13:09,253 --> 00:13:10,843
Harold, welcome to your rights at work.
241
00:13:10,843 --> 00:13:11,773
What is going on?
242
00:13:11,826 --> 00:13:18,310
what is going on is that, the national
labor relations act has been so weakened
243
00:13:18,310 --> 00:13:24,612
by decades of court decisions and
intransigent employer opposition, and
244
00:13:24,617 --> 00:13:26,442
the weakening of the act, basically.
245
00:13:27,017 --> 00:13:32,479
Has meant that, employers can violate
the national labor relations act by
246
00:13:32,479 --> 00:13:39,089
firing activists, and organizers in
organizing campaigns to, basically
247
00:13:39,359 --> 00:13:43,203
compel those campaigns to lose,
that's been going on for a long time.
248
00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:47,211
uh, as you well know, president Biden
himself announced the, tentative
249
00:13:47,211 --> 00:13:49,433
agreement with, averting, the rail strike.
250
00:13:49,433 --> 00:13:50,932
quick reaction thoughts on that.
251
00:13:50,954 --> 00:13:55,839
Well, I mean, the, the two unions that,
had not reached agreement, the, the issue
252
00:13:55,839 --> 00:13:58,299
was their ability to go see a doctor.
253
00:13:58,366 --> 00:14:00,288
and not have that counted against them.
254
00:14:00,288 --> 00:14:03,637
In other words, to have, not even
paid leave in the settlement, but
255
00:14:03,637 --> 00:14:07,026
simply leave, to go and, see a doctor.
256
00:14:07,026 --> 00:14:13,776
So this simply, reflects, what is all too
common in American labor relations, which
257
00:14:13,776 --> 00:14:16,241
is, punishing workers for having a life.
258
00:14:16,308 --> 00:14:21,128
and, railroads of course were the
first, interstate industry in the
259
00:14:21,128 --> 00:14:26,974
United States and the history of,
railroad worker militants goes.
260
00:14:27,769 --> 00:14:29,353
To the 1870s.
261
00:14:29,366 --> 00:14:33,664
the government has not always
supported that, in the strike of
262
00:14:33,664 --> 00:14:39,094
1877, they sent in the army to bust
it, which they did again in 1894.
263
00:14:39,123 --> 00:14:43,034
and it, it's been a challenge for
railroad workers throughout American
264
00:14:43,039 --> 00:14:48,442
history, what the Biden administration
did was really, I think, try to, get
265
00:14:48,442 --> 00:14:51,254
something for the workers, Biden himself.
266
00:14:51,254 --> 00:14:57,845
the last time there was, a railroad,
lockout and or strike in 1992 voted
267
00:14:57,845 --> 00:15:02,352
against, a congressional, bill,
requiring the workers to go back to work.
268
00:15:02,352 --> 00:15:03,642
So I think he tried to.
269
00:15:03,942 --> 00:15:09,612
Maintain really what is in one of
the brightest parts of his presidency
270
00:15:09,612 --> 00:15:14,292
so far, which is its pro worker
pro-union stance in the settlement.
271
00:15:14,422 --> 00:15:15,222
He announced today.
272
00:15:15,552 --> 00:15:18,072
thank you both Victoria and Harold.
273
00:15:18,162 --> 00:15:20,947
so much for joining us,
Victoria, keep up the fight.
274
00:15:20,982 --> 00:15:24,768
and Harold, just keep those wonderful
pieces going at, at prospect.org.
275
00:15:24,768 --> 00:15:25,368
Thanks.
276
00:15:25,828 --> 00:15:26,128
Will do.
277
00:15:26,768 --> 00:15:27,568
Thank you.
278
00:15:28,528 --> 00:15:32,458
Victoria's a handler is a one of
the striking nurses in Minnesota,
279
00:15:32,458 --> 00:15:37,258
Harold, my editor at large at the
American prospect terrific piece on
280
00:15:37,288 --> 00:15:40,828
young folks organizing@prospect.org.
281
00:15:41,188 --> 00:15:44,608
Hey, you have been listening to
your rights at work engineered
282
00:15:44,613 --> 00:15:49,978
today as always with a plum by
Michael NAELA and Kalia, Chapman.
283
00:15:49,978 --> 00:15:51,238
Thanks so much to them.
284
00:15:51,238 --> 00:15:55,888
Thanks to our guests and as always,
thanks to you all for listening
285
00:15:56,218 --> 00:15:58,258
Stay tuned and we will see you.
286
00:15:58,318 --> 00:16:00,028
Oh, next.
287
00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:05,000
This is solidarity news on radio labor.
288
00:16:06,830 --> 00:16:12,320
This is a radio labor report recorded
on Monday, September 12th, 2022.
289
00:16:12,680 --> 00:16:13,850
I'm Markia.
290
00:16:17,870 --> 00:16:22,310
The international labor organization
is calling on countries to build
291
00:16:22,310 --> 00:16:26,660
a new social contract, to be
implemented by government's business.
292
00:16:26,660 --> 00:16:26,870
And.
293
00:16:27,350 --> 00:16:32,840
In a post pandemic world in a recent
webinar, the director general of the ILO
294
00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:39,530
guy writer said that currently capitalism
is not working to decrease inequality or
295
00:16:39,530 --> 00:16:41,900
provide adequate and decent employment.
296
00:16:42,320 --> 00:16:46,910
The ILO is the UN specialized
agency focused on matters of work
297
00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:49,010
in the world, in the webinar.
298
00:16:49,065 --> 00:16:53,325
Mr rider mentions the UN's
sustainable development goals.
299
00:16:53,475 --> 00:16:59,535
The SDGs as they are known are 17
goals related to topics such as decent
300
00:16:59,540 --> 00:17:02,205
work education and gender equality.
301
00:17:02,585 --> 00:17:06,155
Mr writer, we're in the midst of
this pandemic from which we should
302
00:17:06,155 --> 00:17:07,805
learn some lessons, I think.
303
00:17:08,165 --> 00:17:11,405
But the biggest lesson of all is
I think we've made the promises.
304
00:17:11,405 --> 00:17:12,935
You keeping the promise.
305
00:17:12,940 --> 00:17:17,225
The promise was made in the,
the SDGs, the 20, 30 development
306
00:17:17,230 --> 00:17:19,355
agenda and, you know, pre pandemic.
307
00:17:20,005 --> 00:17:21,865
The promise was not being kept.
308
00:17:22,435 --> 00:17:25,915
And there was a contradiction in what
we were doing and what we are doing.
309
00:17:26,215 --> 00:17:30,565
What's the contradiction we've set
ourselves a transformational agenda.
310
00:17:30,595 --> 00:17:35,605
It calls itself a transformational agenda
to deliver all of these wonderful goals,
311
00:17:36,115 --> 00:17:41,395
but we simply refused to adjust the
policy settings that could reasonably
312
00:17:41,455 --> 00:17:44,245
be expected to produce transformation.
313
00:17:44,545 --> 00:17:47,665
We can't simply adjust the settings.
314
00:17:47,670 --> 00:17:48,415
We have to change.
315
00:17:48,830 --> 00:17:51,140
Settings of our policy approaches.
316
00:17:51,380 --> 00:17:58,400
We have lost either the capacity or the
will to actually make capitalism work
317
00:17:58,670 --> 00:18:03,260
in the way that it actually was designed
to work and to spread its benefits.
318
00:18:03,350 --> 00:18:08,180
Why some would say globalization,
some would say technology, some would
319
00:18:08,180 --> 00:18:10,550
say political will has been missing.
320
00:18:11,210 --> 00:18:13,070
We've gotta go back to some basics here.
321
00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:16,130
And yes, it's about the
institutions of work.
322
00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:17,840
It's about the actors of work.
323
00:18:17,840 --> 00:18:23,570
It's about investing in the jobs of the
future, but I idea very, very strongly
324
00:18:23,575 --> 00:18:28,910
to this notion of co-creation in the
way our economies work and deliver.
325
00:18:29,420 --> 00:18:32,120
I think this notion of
a new social contract.
326
00:18:32,565 --> 00:18:36,315
That implies buy in by the
actors is really powerful.
327
00:18:36,405 --> 00:18:41,655
And it goes directly to the notion of
greater equity in our world because you
328
00:18:41,655 --> 00:18:46,605
buy into a contract when you think you're
getting out of it, what you put into it.
329
00:18:46,845 --> 00:18:47,265
And.
330
00:18:47,740 --> 00:18:52,810
Whilst professor makar is quite rightly
in my view, emphasize the role of social
331
00:18:52,810 --> 00:18:54,820
movements and, and, and organized labor.
332
00:18:55,330 --> 00:19:00,070
I sometimes believe as well, speaking to
business representatives that they also
333
00:19:00,070 --> 00:19:05,710
find themselves trapped, trapped by this
financialization of, of business behavior.
334
00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:11,380
Uh, finances become self-serving
rather than a servant of the real
335
00:19:11,380 --> 00:19:13,390
economy and of the needs of us.
336
00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:15,400
And we've gotta put these things, right.
337
00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:20,890
And yes, let's think of this co-creative
social contract approach and draw the
338
00:19:20,890 --> 00:19:25,180
logical consequences of that and what we
are living through today in the pandemic.
339
00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:29,620
We know those countries that
do best in reducing inequality.
340
00:19:30,005 --> 00:19:34,385
And they're countries with progressive
tax systems, they're countries
341
00:19:34,385 --> 00:19:38,465
with strong industrial relations
and collective bargaining systems.
342
00:19:38,735 --> 00:19:42,485
They are countries which take
seriously minimum wage policies
343
00:19:42,635 --> 00:19:46,805
and take seriously the provision of
social protection and public services.
344
00:19:46,895 --> 00:19:52,355
So those are the tried and tested
recipes for reducing inequality.
345
00:19:52,725 --> 00:19:53,985
And we know they work.
346
00:19:54,015 --> 00:19:55,605
I mean, there's no mystery here.
347
00:19:55,965 --> 00:20:00,525
The fact of the matter is for whatever
reason, be it ideological or other.
348
00:20:01,430 --> 00:20:05,090
These policies and these mechanisms
and these institutions have been
349
00:20:05,090 --> 00:20:07,670
allowed to atrophy to some extent.
350
00:20:08,090 --> 00:20:13,220
And I think this underlines, this
notion that somehow, somehow the idea
351
00:20:13,220 --> 00:20:18,350
of social contract, what we think is
fair and decent in society has either
352
00:20:18,355 --> 00:20:22,670
been dismantled or allowed to lapse
and it's time to reconstruct it.
353
00:20:27,250 --> 00:20:27,760
And that's it.
354
00:20:27,970 --> 00:20:29,620
International labor news.
355
00:20:29,620 --> 00:20:30,880
You can use,
356
00:20:33,880 --> 00:20:38,260
you can find our features and
daily newscast@radiolab.net.
357
00:20:38,470 --> 00:20:39,710
Follow us on Twitter at.
358
00:20:39,940 --> 00:20:40,930
Radio label.
359
00:20:41,350 --> 00:20:43,660
I mark LAN, thank you for listening.
360
00:20:43,750 --> 00:20:46,540
And remember, it's all
about global solidarity.
361
00:21:00,533 --> 00:21:02,393
You're listening to educating from the.
362
00:21:03,173 --> 00:21:06,623
Thank you for joining our lively
conversations with teachers,
363
00:21:06,713 --> 00:21:11,093
support professionals, parents, and
students, as they share issues that
364
00:21:11,093 --> 00:21:12,863
matter most in our public schools.
365
00:21:13,283 --> 00:21:16,253
Here are your hosts, Tina
Dunbar and Luke Flyn.
366
00:21:24,033 --> 00:21:27,213
Welcome back to another new season
of educating from the heart.
367
00:21:27,423 --> 00:21:33,243
I'm Tina here with my co-host Luke, and we
are kicking off the start of a brand new
368
00:21:33,243 --> 00:21:38,613
school year as close to 3 million Florida
students head back to their classrooms.
369
00:21:38,703 --> 00:21:42,863
And I bet you could relate to
this, Luke, this is an exciting.
370
00:21:43,253 --> 00:21:46,823
Busy time of year for parent
students and teachers too.
371
00:21:47,303 --> 00:21:48,683
You are absolutely right.
372
00:21:48,683 --> 00:21:49,163
Tina.
373
00:21:49,223 --> 00:21:53,693
As a teacher, there was nothing
more exciting to me than the
374
00:21:53,693 --> 00:21:54,923
start of a new school year.
375
00:21:54,923 --> 00:21:58,403
It was actually my favorite time
of the entire calendar year.
376
00:21:58,613 --> 00:22:01,373
My art teacher, Marilyn
Price still stands out.
377
00:22:01,613 --> 00:22:05,513
She taught me to spend time in reflection
and how to process events in the
378
00:22:05,513 --> 00:22:08,393
world around me, you know, back then.
379
00:22:08,578 --> 00:22:13,168
Teachers were free to openly talk with
their students and answer questions that
380
00:22:13,168 --> 00:22:16,378
made you think and expand your curiosity.
381
00:22:16,558 --> 00:22:19,138
They weren't afraid to answer questions.
382
00:22:19,918 --> 00:22:23,968
I truly believe that sense
of freedom and security.
383
00:22:24,128 --> 00:22:27,308
Helped her to help me Excel in school.
384
00:22:27,608 --> 00:22:28,988
Oh, it absolutely does.
385
00:22:29,018 --> 00:22:32,018
that's why we sat down with
an art teacher from St.
386
00:22:32,018 --> 00:22:34,268
John's county named Alex McKeean.
387
00:22:34,718 --> 00:22:38,048
We spoke with her over the summer
about her experience over the past
388
00:22:38,053 --> 00:22:42,548
school year and her hosts for this
upcoming year in light of some of
389
00:22:42,553 --> 00:22:44,768
the new restrictions educators are.
390
00:22:45,823 --> 00:22:47,053
Hi, I'm Alex McKeean.
391
00:22:47,443 --> 00:22:48,643
Um, I'm from St.
392
00:22:48,643 --> 00:22:49,723
Augustine, Florida.
393
00:22:49,813 --> 00:22:51,733
I teach elementary school art.
394
00:22:51,733 --> 00:22:54,643
I've been doing that for one
year before that I taught
395
00:22:54,648 --> 00:22:56,053
four years of high school art.
396
00:22:56,503 --> 00:23:01,333
so I could very clearly imagine, even
though I haven't been in the classroom,
397
00:23:01,333 --> 00:23:07,768
um, in, in a few years, How the political
climate would impact an English classroom.
398
00:23:07,798 --> 00:23:08,368
Yes.
399
00:23:08,458 --> 00:23:08,728
Especially.
400
00:23:09,388 --> 00:23:12,448
Yeah, but help me understand
how it impacts an art classroom.
401
00:23:12,778 --> 00:23:22,228
Well, for me, it's it, the, despite
teaching art, there are plenty of
402
00:23:22,228 --> 00:23:27,388
things that come up in my classroom, cuz
they're doing a lot of independent work
403
00:23:27,388 --> 00:23:28,768
and that is when conversations happen.
404
00:23:30,418 --> 00:23:38,098
if a child says something
inappropriate, I want to explain
405
00:23:38,098 --> 00:23:40,438
to them why that's not okay.
406
00:23:40,478 --> 00:23:45,988
Mm-hmm and there are some rules being
put in place that make it difficult
407
00:23:45,993 --> 00:23:48,688
for me to explain why that is not nice.
408
00:23:48,838 --> 00:23:50,008
That is not kind.
409
00:23:50,158 --> 00:23:55,528
And that is not okay for you to do
period because people see it as.
410
00:23:56,188 --> 00:23:57,898
Oh, that's just your opinion.
411
00:23:57,928 --> 00:24:01,768
I'm like, no, it's either
kind or it's not there's no.
412
00:24:02,158 --> 00:24:03,478
Oh, I think that's nice.
413
00:24:03,508 --> 00:24:06,688
You know, I don't know, like there,
there are offensive things and there
414
00:24:06,688 --> 00:24:10,228
are things that are not offensive
if someone's offended by it.
415
00:24:10,228 --> 00:24:10,978
It's offensive.
416
00:24:11,218 --> 00:24:12,088
That's what offensive is.
417
00:24:12,348 --> 00:24:12,908
Right.
418
00:24:12,908 --> 00:24:17,998
And we're being sort of put in
these boxes where we can't do that
419
00:24:17,998 --> 00:24:22,948
classroom management, because we
don't wanna say something that will.
420
00:24:23,848 --> 00:24:28,888
Yeah, sort of open a, a, a floodgate
to some other conversation, cuz kids
421
00:24:28,888 --> 00:24:32,938
ask all types of questions they are
and they should, and they should, they
422
00:24:32,943 --> 00:24:37,798
should, and we should be able to answer
them and we're being sort of muscled.
423
00:24:38,968 --> 00:24:41,188
and it gets in the way.
424
00:24:41,298 --> 00:24:46,398
So I'm, you know, trying to, to go back
to when I was in elementary school and,
425
00:24:46,398 --> 00:24:52,578
and thinking of the things that I did in
art class, um, and like rainbows, right.
426
00:24:52,638 --> 00:24:55,998
Weather is is, is a thing I, I
make rainbows all the time, right?
427
00:24:55,998 --> 00:24:56,088
Yeah.
428
00:24:56,088 --> 00:24:58,478
I mean, for lots of
reasons, does color theory.
429
00:24:59,523 --> 00:25:03,333
that that's incorporating
science cross curricular is the
430
00:25:03,333 --> 00:25:05,133
best way for kids to retain.
431
00:25:05,133 --> 00:25:09,423
So if I'm gonna teach them about colors,
I should teach them about the rainbow.
432
00:25:09,423 --> 00:25:11,473
And now the rainbow has
this whole new meaning.
433
00:25:12,468 --> 00:25:14,358
but it's also still
just a rainbow rainbow.
434
00:25:14,358 --> 00:25:14,598
Right.
435
00:25:14,598 --> 00:25:17,598
But that's what I was getting at is
that, is there the fear that if a
436
00:25:17,598 --> 00:25:22,608
child little Johnny comes home with
artwork and then mom calls up this
437
00:25:22,608 --> 00:25:26,898
school and says, this art teacher
is having my child paint rainbows.
438
00:25:26,898 --> 00:25:27,798
That is very real.
439
00:25:27,803 --> 00:25:30,948
And like this year, kids
love making bracelets.
440
00:25:31,383 --> 00:25:32,823
They just think it's so fun.
441
00:25:32,913 --> 00:25:34,143
They get to pick the beads.
442
00:25:34,263 --> 00:25:35,703
They're like, I'm gonna spell my name.
443
00:25:36,003 --> 00:25:40,623
And, um, it, it's just a great
way for them to learn like
444
00:25:40,653 --> 00:25:42,393
dexterity and find motor skills.
445
00:25:42,873 --> 00:25:46,503
Um, and one boy came back in and he
was like, can I make another bracelet?
446
00:25:46,503 --> 00:25:49,893
My, my mom won't let me wear,
wear the one I made why.
447
00:25:50,073 --> 00:25:52,863
And he was like, well, cuz
bracelets are for girls.
448
00:25:54,303 --> 00:26:00,513
And so it's things like that where
I never even thought of that.
449
00:26:01,848 --> 00:26:03,078
Men wear jewelry all the time.
450
00:26:03,078 --> 00:26:10,968
Most jewelers are men wear by the bracelet
wearing a bracelet well of men do husband
451
00:26:10,973 --> 00:26:15,078
wears like the leathered ones that are
made for men with the, you know, initials.
452
00:26:15,078 --> 00:26:19,068
I mean, but artistry is not gendered.
453
00:26:20,118 --> 00:26:22,368
You're just producing art.
454
00:26:22,578 --> 00:26:27,858
And like the fact that that was
even taken that way blew my mind.
455
00:26:28,683 --> 00:26:31,773
Never in a thousand years, would
I think making bracelets with
456
00:26:31,773 --> 00:26:38,553
children would be a political problem
because they were just having fun.
457
00:26:38,853 --> 00:26:38,943
Right?
458
00:26:39,843 --> 00:26:41,703
We weren't even talking about anything.
459
00:26:42,513 --> 00:26:43,833
They're like, Ooh, there's purple.
460
00:26:43,833 --> 00:26:47,523
I'm gonna make this one purple and
this one sparkly, and I'm gonna put
461
00:26:47,583 --> 00:26:50,343
B FFF and I'm gonna give it to Sarah.
462
00:26:51,663 --> 00:26:54,873
Like they just love it cuz they
made it and they get to wear.
463
00:26:55,773 --> 00:26:58,533
I think that's everybody's
biggest concern.
464
00:26:58,533 --> 00:27:01,413
Now that's something
that's so basic, so simple.
465
00:27:01,713 --> 00:27:06,423
So innocent can be turned
into something so ugly.
466
00:27:06,483 --> 00:27:06,573
Yes.
467
00:27:06,603 --> 00:27:08,283
So divisive, you know?
468
00:27:08,433 --> 00:27:08,553
Yes.
469
00:27:08,553 --> 00:27:15,303
So hateful and we just wanna
teach them love cuz that's what
470
00:27:15,303 --> 00:27:16,743
we're, that's what we want.
471
00:27:16,743 --> 00:27:18,033
We want them to feel love.
472
00:27:18,033 --> 00:27:22,233
We want them to give love and we
don't wanna put these limitations
473
00:27:22,233 --> 00:27:24,093
on them because they're just kids.
474
00:27:25,368 --> 00:27:27,648
They don't need to see
that big, angry world.
475
00:27:28,788 --> 00:27:29,748
They don't need that hate.
476
00:27:30,858 --> 00:27:32,748
They just need to have fun
and they need to learn.
477
00:27:34,128 --> 00:27:35,748
That's it for this episode.
478
00:27:36,048 --> 00:27:39,378
And until we meet again, keep
educating from the heart.
479
00:27:44,338 --> 00:27:48,328
If you enjoy our podcast, ask your friends
and colleagues to subscribe on our website
480
00:27:48,333 --> 00:27:51,868
at ewe.org/educating from the heart.
481
00:27:52,468 --> 00:27:55,888
Send your comments and feedback
to heart@floridaea.org.
482
00:27:56,338 --> 00:27:57,298
Again, that's hard.
483
00:27:57,538 --> 00:28:02,718
H E a R T at Florida EA dot OG.
484
00:28:03,208 --> 00:28:04,948
Or you can leave a voicemail at eight 50.
485
00:28:05,623 --> 00:28:07,933
2 0 1 3, 3 8, 4.
486
00:28:11,593 --> 00:28:16,243
Educating from the heart is a production
of the Florida education association.
487
00:28:16,603 --> 00:28:22,473
FAA is the statewide educators union
with more than 150,000 members, including
488
00:28:22,633 --> 00:28:27,793
teachers, education, staff professionals,
higher education faculty, graduate
489
00:28:27,793 --> 00:28:32,383
assistants, students preparing to
become teachers and retired educators.
490
00:28:38,933 --> 00:28:43,613
And that's it for this edition of
the labor radio podcast, weekly,
491
00:28:43,613 --> 00:28:48,893
our Roundup of highlights from just
a few of the more than 150 labor
492
00:28:48,893 --> 00:28:53,433
radio shows and podcasts that make
up the labor radio podcast network.
493
00:28:54,053 --> 00:28:57,713
We've got links to the shows you heard
today in the show notes for the podcast,
494
00:28:57,713 --> 00:28:59,333
you'll find all the network shows.
495
00:28:59,693 --> 00:29:01,333
Labor radio network.org.
496
00:29:02,033 --> 00:29:05,963
And you can also find them use
the hashtag labor radio pod on
497
00:29:05,993 --> 00:29:07,733
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
498
00:29:08,499 --> 00:29:13,419
Labor radio podcast weekly was
edited this week by Patrick Dickson
499
00:29:13,449 --> 00:29:18,999
and me, I produced the show and
our social media guru as always.
500
00:29:19,269 --> 00:29:19,899
Is Mr.
501
00:29:19,899 --> 00:29:20,979
Harold Phillips.
502
00:29:21,519 --> 00:29:25,179
You can follow us on Twitter
and Instagram, labor radio net.
503
00:29:25,179 --> 00:29:28,809
Find out more on our
website, labor radio network.
504
00:29:29,289 --> 00:29:29,899
Dot org.
505
00:29:30,819 --> 00:29:33,399
For labor radio podcast weekly.
506
00:29:33,399 --> 00:29:35,099
This has been Chris Garlock.
507
00:29:35,469 --> 00:29:37,199
Stay active and stay tuned.
508
00:29:37,899 --> 00:29:40,599
To your local labor radio podcast show.
