Why is it standard operating procedure, (SOP) of unions today to "order" workers, ("membership") to keep working without a contract ? Isn't a "contract", the reason for being of any union ?, for the worker, I believe it's best to continue to work without a contract, collecting a check, as long as tactics are employed to exert pressure on the company to negotiate. if it becomes working 'business-as-usual, it's a sure win for the company, It should be becoming clear to union workers throughout the US that a house cleaning is in order. Any of them paying attention can see that the union house has become thoroughly bureaucratic and the leadership is solidly aligned against their members. The telecommunications companies are highly profitable and the union leaderships have the gall to demand less pay and benefits, and act in opposition to an expressed strategy (strike) voted for overwhelmingly by their members.
Starting anew is certainly no easy task, but would appear to be necessary. Better now than later? If you agree with the position of the WSWS, the currently existing unions are way too much in the opposing camp for reform to be possible. There is a lot of evidence to support that view.
Who will be the first to start the new Telecommunications Workers of the Americas, the union by and for all telecom workers throughout the US?