Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

coalition_unwilling

(14,180 posts)
6. Let us not forget also the spinelessness of the AFL-CIO and its head
Fri May 25, 2012, 11:09 AM
May 2012

Geroge Meany in failing to call a general strike to counter Reagan's union busting.

I to this day believe that the credible threat of a general strike would have called Reagan's bluff and forced him and his goons to back down. Reagan might have been able to use the military as scabs for PATCO, but no way could he have kept the economy functioning in the wake of a full general strike. At the time, unions represented 30% of American households, IIRC. That's now down to somewhere just north of 10% (including government workers).

Brought back some painful memories, you did.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The nightmare of Reagan a...»Reply #6