Yes, Biden hitting the rail workers with a back-to-work order was a blow to labour, but I think it’s important to understand how much of what politicians does is symbolic, and, importantly, reactive.
The symbolism of Biden not just showing support for striking auto workers, but also working the picket line, is a MASSIVE. And it reflects the growing and persistent public support for striking workers in the US. He’s not sticking his neck out here, he’s trying to catch a wave in public sentiment, and his engagement has the potential to grow that wave even further.
That’s huge, and it speaks to some truly significant shifts in the labour movement.
It also makes “will you join the workers” a valid question to apply to every other politician from now on. Previously they could hide behind norms of neutrality to avoid the question, but now if they’re not going to visibly and publicly support strikers it can be reported on.
Yes, Biden hitting the rail workers with a back-to-work order was a blow to labour, but I think it’s important to understand how much of what politicians does is symbolic, and, importantly, reactive.
The symbolism of Biden not just showing support for striking auto workers, but also working the picket line, is a MASSIVE. And it reflects the growing and persistent public support for striking workers in the US. He’s not sticking his neck out here, he’s trying to catch a wave in public sentiment, and his engagement has the potential to grow that wave even further.
That’s huge, and it speaks to some truly significant shifts in the labour movement.
It also makes “will you join the workers” a valid question to apply to every other politician from now on. Previously they could hide behind norms of neutrality to avoid the question, but now if they’re not going to visibly and publicly support strikers it can be reported on.
Showing up for a 12 minute photo op is not working the picket line.