First the Carpenters Union leadership said it didn’t want a higher raise (for the members). That would hinder “recapturing market share”, you see. That business term means that the leadership sees the […]
oaklandsocialist
The administrator of this blog site, I am a lifelong socialist and a retired carpenter and the former recording secretary and an expelled member of Carpenters Local 713. I was expelled for my leading role in the 1999 SF Bay Area carpenters wildcat strike as well as for his opposition to the union bureaucracy in general. I was one of the founding members of a small group called Labor Militant, which was the forerunner to Socialist Alternative. Along with a small group of others, I was expelled when that group started to adapt to the union bureaucracy. I have also visited the workers' movement internationally, including in Pakistan, Egypt (during the Arab Spring), Britain, Mexico and Chile (during the uprising there in 2020). Unless otherwise specified, I am the author of the articles that appear here. Although I am the main author, Oaklandsocialist welcomes articles on any issue that relates to the working class. Contact us at Oaklandsocialist@gmail.com.
Calhoon Tugg is fed up
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I Was Expelled From the Carpenters Union (and kept on working)
I was expelled from the carpenters union in 2000. My experience might be helpful to those striking carpenters in Western Washington who are worried that if they violate the Council’s pro-contractor strategy […]
CWA 7250 President: “Hit ‘em Hard!”
Kieran Knutson, President of CWA Local 7250, sent the following solidarity message to the carpenters Peter J. McGuire Group and to all the carpenters in struggle in Western Washington: Fellow workers – […]
The Most Important Strike in America Today
The strike of Western Washington carpenters is the most important strike in America today. There are quite a few other trikes, including the Nabisco strike, that involve a lot more workers (for […]
“The Fight Continues”: A striking carpenter speaks
By Jason Bartos, a striking carpenter The Fight Continues It has been an extremely exhausting week for me, the PJMG, and all of the brothers and sisters on the picket lines. I’m […]
Nina Wurz, striking carpenter, speaks at rally for rent control in Seattle
Here is another striking carpenter, Nina Wurz, speaking. This is at a rally for rent control put on by Socialist Alternative. Introducing her is City Council member Kshama Sawant, the only city […]
Art Francisco, carpenters rank and file strike leader, speaks in Seattle
Carpenters in Western Washington have forced their leadership to call a strike (of sorts). Here is Art Francisco, one of the leaders of the opposition caucus The Peter J. McGuire Group, speaking […]
Oaklandsocialist speaks at Western Washington State carpenters rank and file strike rally
Cheryl Zuur, Former Union President: “Solidarity With Rank-and-File Carpenters”
My name is Cheryl Zuur. I am a retired industrial electrician and former president of AFSCME Local 444 in Oakland, California. I stand in solidarity with your struggle. Your courage to demand […]