Portside

This is the first in a three part series examining the history of the use of paid officers and staff in labor unions. This installment looks at the origins of the practice in the 18th & 19th centuries. Links to parts 2 and 3 at end of article.

The labor movement shows signs of reviving. Helping to build a militant minority in the workplace is in many ways even more important than electoral work, if dealing a death blow to capital is the goal, though the two needn’t be counterpoised.

Despite constant harassment, retaliation and intimidation by permit holders and dispatch companies over the last five years, and despite obstruction by public agencies, the taxi workers workers stuck together, fought back against injustice, and prevailed. It reminds and teaches all of us that a union is not formed by formal government recognition, it is formed by workers standing together to fight for justice and a brighter future for their families.