CLUW, unions demand 'national family policy'

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On May 13, Students for Socialist Action of New York University hosted a forum on "Women at Work: Today's Struggle for Liberation." Sharing their perspectives at the event were union activists Sandra Rosen and Margaret Kelly—members of Socialist Action. Rosen participated in the Yale clerical-workers strike and in the recent Harvard They spoke of the difficult, yet critically important struggle to organize the 86 percent of women workers who are non-unionized, and of the union's role in fighting for affirmative action, comparable worth, and affordable daycare.

6 SOCIALIST ACTION JUNE 1988 lity childcare, services for the elderly, comprehensive healthcare, economic justice, and equity in education."

CLUW's aim was to show that so-called pro-family politicians and preachers who oppose such social services do not speak for the American family.

When asked why they had come, however, few participants cited their support for these official demands of the rally. Instead, they expressed the sentiment that it seemed the place trade-union members should be.

On Solidarity Day in 1981, marchers voiced their heated objections to Reagan's attack on the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO). At this rally, there was no similar show of support for current victims of the bosses' anti-labor drive.

National Organization for Women President Molly Yard, who pledged her organization's support to the Eastern Airlines flight attendants, was the only speaker who even mentioned any current labor struggle.

Democratic Party electioneering Although CLUW's founding charter prohibits it from supporting any political party, a major theme of most rally speeches was electing Democrats in November.

Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, best articulated this sentiment when he said, "Roosevelt tried to 'do something. Other presidents tried. This administration hasn't even tried. But you people care, and come November, were going to make changes. In Washington, we'll have an administration which cares about the poor and homeless."

The speeches were all carefully designed so as not to offend the sensibilities of even the most conservative labor bureaucrat. Thus, while numerous speakers explained that a decent job with a good wage is needed by everyone, and while many called for an increase in the minimum wage, no speaker mentioned wage cuts and benefit concessions as detrimental to the standard of living of the American family.

Speakers called for passage of the Act for Better Childcare, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Kennedy-Waxman Health Benefits Bill. Yet, despite CLUW's long-standing stated support for reproductive rights, there was no mention of federal cutbacks in abortion funding or right-wing assaults on clinics. clerical workers' successful organizing drive.

Similarly, although speakers promoted the right of all Americans to decent housing and quality education, no mention was made of increased racist violence.

The numerous Jesse Jackson buttons in the crowd showed the illusions most trade unionists still have that the attacks on their living standards can be ended by electing the right capitalist politician.

All in all, the speakers carefully skirted many of the real problems facing American workers and their families, doing their best to reinforce hopes in the Democratic Party. Nevertheless, the organized labor contingents that did take part show the potential that exists for workers to use their real power and to organize in their own interests as the economic crisis deepens—inevitably shattering the pro-Democratic Party illusions.

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ACTION Kennedy/Socialist Actior