Union ranks sponsor concessions meeting

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and for the full period of unemployment, was another measure fought for-although only a minimal version was won.

But the labor bureaucrats today are deadopposed to such solutions. They know that these can only be won at the expense of private profit. They also know that it would take a massive mobilization of the working class to wrench these demands from the bosses and their government.

They are in deadly fear of being caught in such a struggle between an aroused rank and file, on one side, and a ruthless capitalist class, on the the other. The call for a protectionist trade policy goes in the opposite direction. It signals the AFLCIO's commitment to the profit interests of their capitalist "partners."

The "Buy American!" campaign is not new. But it is now being given center stage in order to fend off growing criticism from the ranks, who are beginning to demand a course of action in defense of their inter -ests. The bureaucrats hope that blaming lower-paid foreign workers for labor's woes Will appeal to the most conservative and chauvinist sentiments of a sector of the working class.

The APL-CIO convention also approved SOCIALIST ACTION On Oct. 19, about 50 workers gathered at the USWA Local 1397 hall in Homestead, Pa., to hear plans for the founding con -ference of the National Rank-and-File Against Concessions scheduled for Dec. 6-8 at the Mart Plaza Holiday Inn in Chicago.

John Tirpak, Vice President USWA Local 1223, which represents workers at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Yorkville, Ohio mill, described the tentative settlement agreement: "Under normal circumstances it would be a pleasureable experience to say we have a tentative settlement. Under these circumstances, I believe it's a eulogy... Our pay check won't shrink much but it's at the expense of things my grandfather and father and others like them fought for."

Pete Winkles from UFCW P-9 in Austin, Minn., described their strike against the George A. Hormel meat pack -DECEMBER 1985 ing plant. He said this plant has the technology of the 21st century and manage -ment attitudes of the 18th century.

Workers at Hormel gave 16 major concessions in 23 years—only to see all management's promises broken. Unsafe working conditions and speed-up have led to a 119-percent increase in major lost time injuries. Over 33 percent of the work force suffers a lost-time injury each year. Saying the fight is really for their childrens' future, he described the efforts to win support for their struggle throughout the Midwest.

Two miners described the strike at A. T. Massey by saying, "A.T. Massey really wants the biggest concession of all: no union." They warned that if A.T. Massey is successful, it will set the standards for the coal industry.

Darrell Becker, president of Shipbuilders Local 6 at Dravo in Pittsburgh, said he was proud to be on the same platform as steel - workers, coal miners, and meat packers because the corporations are working together and it's about time workers do the same.

Ron Weisen, president of USWA Local 1397, ended the meeting by announcing U.S. Steel's intention to shut down more Mon Valley facilities. Urging those present to attend the national conference, he said, "We're under attack and it's going to get worse. g9 l Bay Area labor delegation report on FENASTRAS 17th Congress:

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Ann Coughlin, president OPEU Local 29 Ignacio De La Fuente, Molders 164 Al Lannon, president ILWU Local 6 Ellen Starbird, Santa Clara Labor • Dec. 11, 7 p.m.—Oakland IAM Hall, 8130 Baldwin St.

with Bob Johnson, CISPES & CTA and Margy Wilkinson, AFSCME 10 • Dec. 12, 7 p.m., S.F.

ILWU Hall, 255 Ninth St.

with Carl Anderson, SEIU Local 14 and Carl Finamore, OCAW 3-126 • Dec. 15, 1 p.m., San Jose Casa Del Pueblo, 200 S. Market