Raised poor in the Bronx, my mother, Muriel, never graduated high school but she was street smart and could spot someone trying to play her from a mile away.
Elected shop steward by her coworkers mid-life, she was the union’s voice at the medical center where she managed the front desk and phones. She protected her team fiercely and also demanded they show up and put in 100% every day, knowing that everyone had to work harder if one of them wasn’t contributing fully. Management and union leadership developed respect for Muriel and eventually she became the first woman to sit at the contract negotiating table. That meant she had to work a full day at the medical center, grab a quick bite, and then negotiate the contract until around 10 p.m. During one session she had spotted a provision in the proposed contract she didn’t like. She raised an objection and a man from management sitting next to her patted her hand and said “Little lady, don’t you worry about things like that. We know what’s best.” She came home furious.
The next morning as she picked up her coffee at the Cove Luncheonette, a place where I’d started working as a youngster, she spotted her cousin on the cover of the newspaper. He was the lawyer defending a member of a notorious crime family and the photo showed him standing in court next to his infamous client. She got an idea. That night before negotiations started she sat next to the patting hand man again and told him she planned to demand that the provision she didn’t like be stricken. He said “Now didn’t I tell you to leave that alone?” She took out her newspaper and tapped on the front page photo. She said “I called my cousin, who is a really good lawyer, and he said I was right and I shouldn’t back down.” The provision was stricken. In the end my mother helped negotiate a great contract, one that was fair to the employees and management. She remained shop steward for decades and when she retired union leadership and management praised her life of service.
On Oct. 3, I watched Vice President Kamala Harris speak to a group of firefighters in Michigan. My mother came to mind. Harris talked about collective bargaining. “So, here’s the thing about collective bargaining. If you want the outcome to be fair, you’ve got to realize, if you’re requiring the one worker to negotiate against the big entity, do we really think that the outcome is going to be fair? Probably not. But if you let the workers together, as the collective, then negotiate against the big entity, it’s more likely that the outcome will be fair. That’s the basic point of collective bargaining. That’s the basic point of why we want our unions to be able to do their work on behalf of workers every day, because we know when union wages go up, everyone’s wages go up. And when union workplaces are safer, all workplaces are safer. And the bottom line is: When unions are strong, America is strong. And our unions have always fought to make our nation, then, more equal, more fair, and more free.”
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Muriel, fellow shop stewards, and union staffers, negotiated good contracts over many years on behalf of thousands of union members. When management refused to be fair, the union struck and members stayed on the picket lines until management made a fair offer. Whether you work a union job or not, many of the benefits you enjoy in the United States today came from union negotiations. If you like your weekends off, sick leave, health coverage, paid vacation and lunch breaks, to name just a few things, thank a union.
As a senator, Kamala Harris picketed with the UAW. Last year, President Joe Biden was the first president in history to join workers on a picket line. When asked if he would support invoking the Taft-Hartley Act to break the recent East Coast port worker strike he said “No! I believe in collective bargaining.” The Biden/Harris administration negotiated with the owners and workers and got the ports reopened in a few days.
In Vice President Harris’ Michigan remarks she said, “We fight for a future where we protect the fundamental freedom to organize. We fight for a future where workers, all workers, are treated with dignity and respect; a future where we tap into the ambition and the aspirations of the American people and build what I call an ‘opportunity economy’ so that every American has an opportunity to buy a home, start a business, build wealth — intergenerational wealth for their family.”
That’s what Muriel and Kamala fought for. I miss you mom. Vote for Kamala.
Craig Wiesner is the co-owner of Reach And Teach, a book, toy and cultural gift shop on San Carlos Avenue in San Carlos.
Regarding the dock workers 62 percent over six years. All things will be more expensive, many are against tariffs, but essentially got them with this negotiation. Inflation is out of control and this will make it worse. I thought Kamala was about bring prices down.
Jorg - doe your wife allow you to go shopping for groceries and gas? If so, you are either filthy rich or just you just don't care that most daily sustenance items have increased by 20% since Biden/Harris took over. What would you call a 20% increase over 3.5 years?
Dirk, Jorg is filthy rich and is sewn from the same cloth as Bernie Sanders who owns three homes. Jorg lives in the 94402 zip code which by default makes him "filthy rich." BTW way Jorg's wife washes the dishes, cleans the home, keeps the yard, cleans the gutters and does the shopping so he can stay filthy rich : )
No NutSo, Just sheer luck that we bought this Eichler 50 years ago for 1/50 of what it is worth today, - only thanks to my dear wife’s insistence, - foresight and financial brilliance. So there you have it.
Jorg, you reap what you sow. Speaking of sow… during lunch, remember that bacon goes with everything, even the crow you partake of on a regular basis. Perhaps humble pie for dessert?
Jorg, that’s mighty big talk for a little man. You seem to forget our dear readers have easily destroyed your hysterical screeching and nothingburgers in writing. There’s no need to meet unless we want a laugh in your presence. Speaking of chicken, did you order chicken or something other than the crow you eat on a daily basis? Or does Neal’s have a new dish in honor of Kamala – word salad?
As to your lack of decent conversation, let me borrow from Kamala, “We will work together, and continue to work together, to address these issues, to tackle these challenges, and to work together as we continue to work operating from the new norms, rules, and agreements, that we will convene to work together…We will work together.” I know this is more difficult to swallow than your lunch, but enjoy!
NutSo: So, you didn't find Craig's piece inspiring enough to honor any of your relatives, only sufficiently inspiring to get it back on me? 'splains a lot about a lost soul!
Jorge, there is nothing inspiring about Craig's blind allegiance to unions. Unions bankrupt companies and most notably cause cities like San Mateo to place bonds and parcel taxes on ballots to cover the cost to be in compliance with union greed. There is nothing wrong with All people being paid well, but there is huge problem when the union mafia thugs shake down companies and cities and bring "the people" to their financial knees to cover their greed.
BTW Jorge, YOU YOU YOU are the one who made it about YOU YOU YOU, perhaps you can set your Obama like narcissistic personality YOU YOU YOU side aside and not bring YOU YOU YOU into this LTE because it was NOT NOT NOT about YOU YOU YOU
Yes Craig, talk is cheap "“We fight for a future where we protect the fundamental freedom to organize. We fight for a future where workers, all workers, are treated with dignity and respect; a future where we tap into the ambition and the aspirations of the American people and build what I call an ‘opportunity economy’ so that every American has an opportunity to buy a home, start a business, build wealth — intergenerational wealth for their family.” That runs counter to everything that Kamala stands for. Buy a home? sure with an *% mortgage. Start a business, sure, with a major grant from Harris. Freedom to organize? Yes, as long as it is with corrupt labor unions. What has she done for the middle class over the past 3.5 years? Cuase inflation of 20%, allowed in millions of cheap labor to replace American workers? Freedom of expression? Yes, as long as you don't question anything her government says and does. What joke, Craig to drag your Mom into this morass. this n
Thanks for your column, Mr. Wiesner. It appears your almost three months ago “promise” to write columns that would move anyone who isn’t already on one side or the other, to give people hope or motivate them to do better, or to spark mutually helpful discussions was never meant to be serious. Perhaps it was included only to increase your column word count?
Meanwhile, we get a story about your mom (good for her) but I have to imagine that Muriel, like many union workers during this campaign season, would be casting her vote for Trump. Why? Well, let’s look at the other side of the coin to potentially move anyone who isn’t already on one side or the other, to give people hope or motivate them to do better, or to spark mutually helpful discussions…
Recently, the International Association of Fire Fighters (over 300,000 strong) and the Teamsters Union (over 1 million strong with nearly 60% supporting Trump) have refused to endorse Harris after previously endorsing Democrats in the past. And then we have the UAW who doesn’t realize Harris wants to force a government mandate forcing manufacturers to build EV’s – basically pushing for fewer workers in the UAW. Try to figure that one out. Perhaps that’s why a number of UAW workers created the Auto Workers for Trump group. Estimates are that more than half of autoworkers support Trump.
And let’s not forget two years ago, Harris promised to help lead the most pro-union administration in America’s history. What’s happened since then? Union membership among employed Americans has fallen to record lows. So much for Harris’s promise... But of course, we know Harris but can’t walk the walk. Harris would promise the moon and the stars, and of course fail, if you vote for her. Instead vote for Trump, who can walk the walk.
Another big fail on moving folks to another side, unless you’re talking about moving more Dems to the Trump side… Big fail on giving people hope or motivating them to do better, unless you’re talking about motivating folks to do better in doing homework to educate themselves on Harris’s failures… Big fail on sparking mutually helpful discussions, because your one-sided columns are based on demonizing Trump while willfully ignoring everything Harris… You previously asserted that you didn’t, “expect that absolutely hard-core MAGA Trump/Vance supporters might be moved.” After the last series of columns, and this one, I’d say you shouldn’t expect soft-core Trump/Vance supporters or Democrats on the fence OR union workers to move to your POV. Vote for Trump to Make America Great Again. Many union workers understand Harris isn’t their friend.
Jorg, that’s mighty big talk for a little man. You seem to forget our dear readers have easily destroyed your hysterical screeching and nothingburgers in writing. There’s no need to meet unless we want a laugh in your presence. Speaking of chicken, I’d recommend ordering chicken or something other than the crow you eat on a daily basis. Or check if Neal’s is serving a new dish in honor of Kamala – word salad. You can chew on this one as an appetizer, “So, I think it’s very important, as you have heard from so many incredible leaders, for us at every moment in time — and certainly this one — to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past but the future.” I know it's hard to swallow, but enjoy!
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(26) comments
Regarding the dock workers 62 percent over six years. All things will be more expensive, many are against tariffs, but essentially got them with this negotiation. Inflation is out of control and this will make it worse. I thought Kamala was about bring prices down.
"Inflation is out of control"? Where did you get that from, Mr. Morgan? The FOX Lie Channel?
It is out of control and Sacramento politicians are having a special meeting the day after the election to put a new 74 cent tax on gas.
Jorg - doe your wife allow you to go shopping for groceries and gas? If so, you are either filthy rich or just you just don't care that most daily sustenance items have increased by 20% since Biden/Harris took over. What would you call a 20% increase over 3.5 years?
"Filthy rich"? Far from it. Comfortable? Certainly.
Dirk, Jorg is filthy rich and is sewn from the same cloth as Bernie Sanders who owns three homes. Jorg lives in the 94402 zip code which by default makes him "filthy rich." BTW way Jorg's wife washes the dishes, cleans the home, keeps the yard, cleans the gutters and does the shopping so he can stay filthy rich : )
Hey, Not So Common...
Let's keep the focus on positions not personalities. There's a lot to say about this topic.
No NutSo, Just sheer luck that we bought this Eichler 50 years ago for 1/50 of what it is worth today, - only thanks to my dear wife’s insistence, - foresight and financial brilliance. So there you have it.
What kind of pervert are you? Why aren't you decent enough to let me dear, beautiful wife RIP?!
Jorg, you reap what you sow. Speaking of sow… during lunch, remember that bacon goes with everything, even the crow you partake of on a regular basis. Perhaps humble pie for dessert?
Terence Y: Are you a deranged HS dropout as many of us believe? Dare to show up at the DJ Opinion luncheon at Neal's today?
Terence Y: As expected, you didn't dare to show up! What a chicken, hiding behind this opinion page!
Jorg, that’s mighty big talk for a little man. You seem to forget our dear readers have easily destroyed your hysterical screeching and nothingburgers in writing. There’s no need to meet unless we want a laugh in your presence. Speaking of chicken, did you order chicken or something other than the crow you eat on a daily basis? Or does Neal’s have a new dish in honor of Kamala – word salad?
As to your lack of decent conversation, let me borrow from Kamala, “We will work together, and continue to work together, to address these issues, to tackle these challenges, and to work together as we continue to work operating from the new norms, rules, and agreements, that we will convene to work together…We will work together.” I know this is more difficult to swallow than your lunch, but enjoy!
From the Federal Government
Thanks for such a nice tribute to your Mom, Craig! Brings back fond memories of mine, also hard working, with only a middle-school education!
Jorge chimes in and makes Craig's hit piece about HIM and HIS mom. Good grief.
NutSo: So, you didn't find Craig's piece inspiring enough to honor any of your relatives, only sufficiently inspiring to get it back on me? 'splains a lot about a lost soul!
Jorge, there is nothing inspiring about Craig's blind allegiance to unions. Unions bankrupt companies and most notably cause cities like San Mateo to place bonds and parcel taxes on ballots to cover the cost to be in compliance with union greed. There is nothing wrong with All people being paid well, but there is huge problem when the union mafia thugs shake down companies and cities and bring "the people" to their financial knees to cover their greed.
BTW Jorge, YOU YOU YOU are the one who made it about YOU YOU YOU, perhaps you can set your Obama like narcissistic personality YOU YOU YOU side aside and not bring YOU YOU YOU into this LTE because it was NOT NOT NOT about YOU YOU YOU
Thanks Craig. Your mother sounds like an inspiration to all. And I so enjoy reading your columns.
Yes Craig, talk is cheap "“We fight for a future where we protect the fundamental freedom to organize. We fight for a future where workers, all workers, are treated with dignity and respect; a future where we tap into the ambition and the aspirations of the American people and build what I call an ‘opportunity economy’ so that every American has an opportunity to buy a home, start a business, build wealth — intergenerational wealth for their family.” That runs counter to everything that Kamala stands for. Buy a home? sure with an *% mortgage. Start a business, sure, with a major grant from Harris. Freedom to organize? Yes, as long as it is with corrupt labor unions. What has she done for the middle class over the past 3.5 years? Cuase inflation of 20%, allowed in millions of cheap labor to replace American workers? Freedom of expression? Yes, as long as you don't question anything her government says and does. What joke, Craig to drag your Mom into this morass. this n
Thanks for your column, Mr. Wiesner. It appears your almost three months ago “promise” to write columns that would move anyone who isn’t already on one side or the other, to give people hope or motivate them to do better, or to spark mutually helpful discussions was never meant to be serious. Perhaps it was included only to increase your column word count?
Meanwhile, we get a story about your mom (good for her) but I have to imagine that Muriel, like many union workers during this campaign season, would be casting her vote for Trump. Why? Well, let’s look at the other side of the coin to potentially move anyone who isn’t already on one side or the other, to give people hope or motivate them to do better, or to spark mutually helpful discussions…
Recently, the International Association of Fire Fighters (over 300,000 strong) and the Teamsters Union (over 1 million strong with nearly 60% supporting Trump) have refused to endorse Harris after previously endorsing Democrats in the past. And then we have the UAW who doesn’t realize Harris wants to force a government mandate forcing manufacturers to build EV’s – basically pushing for fewer workers in the UAW. Try to figure that one out. Perhaps that’s why a number of UAW workers created the Auto Workers for Trump group. Estimates are that more than half of autoworkers support Trump.
And let’s not forget two years ago, Harris promised to help lead the most pro-union administration in America’s history. What’s happened since then? Union membership among employed Americans has fallen to record lows. So much for Harris’s promise... But of course, we know Harris but can’t walk the walk. Harris would promise the moon and the stars, and of course fail, if you vote for her. Instead vote for Trump, who can walk the walk.
Another big fail on moving folks to another side, unless you’re talking about moving more Dems to the Trump side… Big fail on giving people hope or motivating them to do better, unless you’re talking about motivating folks to do better in doing homework to educate themselves on Harris’s failures… Big fail on sparking mutually helpful discussions, because your one-sided columns are based on demonizing Trump while willfully ignoring everything Harris… You previously asserted that you didn’t, “expect that absolutely hard-core MAGA Trump/Vance supporters might be moved.” After the last series of columns, and this one, I’d say you shouldn’t expect soft-core Trump/Vance supporters or Democrats on the fence OR union workers to move to your POV. Vote for Trump to Make America Great Again. Many union workers understand Harris isn’t their friend.
I bet you wouldn’t be brave enough to show up with your face in person at the DJ Opinion gathering at Neal’s around Noon Thursday!
I guess the answer is NO! Not a chance! You chickened out, as usual!
Jorg, I have not received the memo on an opinion meeting. is it this coming Thursday? More details please.
Yes, Noon-time this coming Thursday, Rel!
Hoping to see you there, and would like to get your e-mail address at the same time!
Jorg, that’s mighty big talk for a little man. You seem to forget our dear readers have easily destroyed your hysterical screeching and nothingburgers in writing. There’s no need to meet unless we want a laugh in your presence. Speaking of chicken, I’d recommend ordering chicken or something other than the crow you eat on a daily basis. Or check if Neal’s is serving a new dish in honor of Kamala – word salad. You can chew on this one as an appetizer, “So, I think it’s very important, as you have heard from so many incredible leaders, for us at every moment in time — and certainly this one — to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past but the future.” I know it's hard to swallow, but enjoy!
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