A SHARED INTEREST
Solidarity is valuable when people act together around a real common interest. It is not a duty to sacrifice members’ wages, jobs or political position for another organization without a clear reason.
Solidarity is valuable when people act together around a real common interest. It is not a duty to sacrifice members’ wages, jobs or political position for another organization without a clear reason.
Being careful with solidarity is not hostility. It is loyalty to the members whose union is being asked to act.
Before offering support, the union identifies what its members gain or protect: stronger bargaining power, reciprocal support, a policy result or another measurable benefit.
A general appeal to unity is not enough when the practical burden falls on particular workers.
Support requires a written agreement stating the common interest, each side’s actions, cost, duration, exit terms and responsibility for losses.
The agreement prevents friendship between leaders from becoming an open-ended commitment of member resources.
If members are asked not to cross another group’s protest or picket line, lost wages and related costs must be fully compensated under the support agreement.
The organization receiving support should normally cover those losses because its dispute created the request. Different terms require a clear member mandate.
Convention sets the course and boundaries. The Executive may negotiate and carry out an agreement only within that mandate.
A commitment that directly affects member income, assets or strategic interests requires the separate decision reserved by the Constitution.
The full agreement, approved costs, actions and outcome are available in the secure member portal. Members can compare what was promised with what both sides delivered.
Solidarity becomes stronger, not weaker, when it is honest, mutual and accountable.