Boeing strike

Scan page 20

Dear editor, The article in the December issue of Socialist Action concerning the Boeing strike settlement was right on target when it stated that the company had an "ace in the hole" with the current union misleadership.

What the article didn't mention was that there was public disagreement among the union negotiating team over whether or not to accept the settlement that was proposed by the so-called neutral mediator.

Justin Astro, an IAM international vice-president and head of the union's aerospace division, sat in on the negotiations without a vote and urged the negotiations committee not to accept the sell-out proposal. Although two members of the negotiating team agreed with Astro, when it came time to vote on the proposal at a explained to my friends about the Cuban Revolution. Rumors flew around town that I was a communist, and I was ostracized.

The Vietnam War almost tore my family apart, and I didn't return to my home town until recently. Now my family asks me what's going on in El Salvador and to explain what the ozone layer is. My friends are interested in my ideas, and I don't seem so odd to these Yankee folks anymore. I guess we've come a long way—and Jennifer is welcome at home.

L.T., Branford, Conn.

I read Jeff Mackler's article, "U.S. military aid fuels Salvador war, repression" in your December issue. The article was inspiring, as it gives some solid facts about what exactly is happening in El Saldome stadium, Astro did not voice his opposition to the proposed agreement.

One of the key tactical factors that led to this loss was the lack of communication between the union misleadership and the strikers. While Boeing took out full-page ads in the press and let the electronic media do its work for them, those on the picketline were left wondering about various rumors: what was the current status of negotiations, etc. Most strikers got their strike news and updates from the local media which, needless to say, were in Boeing's pocket.

I must add, however, that the unionists stood their ground and did not get fooled by some elements among the strikers who circulated a petition among the machinists that essentially urged an early settlement on Boeing's terms. The machinists showed that they were more than willing to fight. The strike could have been won if the union had a leadPhoto is worth...

Dear editor, I think your paper is one of the best socialist papers around, and here is my check for a year's subscription. My group is endeavoring to put out a libertarian socialist paper in Chicago to begin this spring.

One thing that really struck me was the photo by Tina Beacock on the back page of your December issue. This picture is truly worth a thousand words. If ever a placard brought home an issue, it was this one. (A placard in the photo read: "How would you like the police to investigate your miscarriage? Keep abortion legal."] I would appreciate your permission to reprint this photo in our paper and on a flier dealing with abortion rights.

L.K., Chicago, Ill. spective.

Until the union moved into its new $10 million headquarters last year (with its nice new bronze plaque donated by Boeing), I worked next door to the IAM local representing Boeing workers. For several years, I would see the IAM District Lodge 751 president and his 15 hand-picked business agents coming and going. These bureaucrats dressed better and drove better cars than the capitalist owners of the outfit I work for.

When I attended a union rally for the strikers in November, it was literally the first time I'd seen the union president in anything but a fancy suit. I am confident, however, that the day will come when unions like District Lodge 751 will have real leaders from its ranks that don't identify with the bosses and will be willing to lead a fighting union in the tradition of the early CIO.

Rich Smith, Seattle, Wash.

scape.

One of the most important new agricultural instruments was the heavy plow, which saved labor, allowed previously unpenetrable land to be cultivated, and effectively turned over the furrows and aerated the ground.

In addition, the three-field system of crop rotation was introduced;

grain crops were often alternated with beans or peas-which added nitrogen to the soil. Farmers were able to keep more land under cultivation than in earlier periods. Waterways were dammed; a watermill (or windmill) could grind grain in the same time that it would have taken 40 people to do by hand.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, a great movement of landclearing was undertaken. The forests were mowed down; the swamps were drained. Population grew and additional territory was opened to settlement.

The new ability to produce an agricultural surplus enabled the feudal lords to turn over large areas

----- pull-quotes -----

Gets around Dear editor,