In this case Canadian Auto Workers(CAW) under Buzz Hargrove.
What’s the point,if the Union leadership refuses to stand before the membership and seek their support through the democratic process ?
Earlier this summer, it looked like the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union was about to experience something truly unusual in its history – — a contested campaign for national president. The last contest for the union’s top Canadian officer was in 1960, a quarter of a century before the formation of the CAW
Particularly at a time when the union is facing many difficulties and the membership is demoralized.
Hargrove quickly moved to prevent such an open contest by calling a meeting of the National Executive Board (NEB) and of the appointed staff for July 8th to “put this thing to bed”.
What’s the point,if the leadership would rather hob knob with the elites rather than with the workers they supposedly represent ?
CAW drifted closer to the corporate and political elite (symbolized by the joint dinner with Canada’s business and political elites in the middle of a CAW Bargaining Convention).
And so it goes….
Union membership continues to declines,union solidarity flounders.While a bureaucratic labor aristocracy,as represented by Hargrove et al,continue to do every thing in their power to remain unaccountable and aloof.
Because it’s not about the spirit of unionism or internationalism,it’s not about workers on the shop floor.It’s about the “leadership” their careers & ego’s.
Dollars to donuts after his successor’s coronation.Buzz will show up either in the Senate or in some other appointed position,dependent on patronage rather than merit.
