Union activism is not just about strikes, demonstrations and employee
representative bodies. These are also actions that are not very visible butessential to create contact with isolated employees and the trade unionism ofstruggle. We interviewed Carole, who has recently taken up a mandate as uniondefender in her local Union CGT. ---- AL: Carole, can you introduce yourself fromthe union point of view? ---- I have been a member of the CGT for more than tenyears, at the time of the fight against retirement at age 62. I work in a verysmall company and union activity is impossible for me. I wanted to do more thancontribute and recently, I had the opportunity with my local union to which Ibelong, to become a union defender. That is to say, to defend employees beforethe Labor Court.The workforce of the company in which I work does not allow me to have timededicated to this, ten hours a month. So I have to juggle my personal time,because I'm part-time. It's a bit of a combat sport. One more as a woman !What conclusions do you draw from it?I learn a lot of things, it's emancipatory. This allows union members from verysmall companies to campaign, to take their part in the CGT.I discuss with the employees who come to the local union offices. We learn a lotabout working conditions in companies, generally small ones, but not only. Thereis plenty to do on the grounds for dismissal, overtime, etc.This does not change the world, but it is a start to restore their confidence inthe collective. They must join and we explain what the contribution is for, inparticular that it makes possible this reception (including a rented room) andthis defense. The Local Union only exists financially through membership fees.These people can thus " touch " trade unionism, it dispels the fantasies relayedelsewhere. They see concretely : a place, people like them, a friendly welcome,attentive listening. This is essential to convince of the interest of continuingthe membership after the closure of the case in court. This is an important tradeunion activity in the current situation. Under certain conditions of course.That's to say? Can you specify?We must maintain the collective aspect, which is the very meaning of tradeunionism. As there are several of us who do union defense in the Local Union, wework together on some of our files. This counteracts the natural tendency oflegal activity to close in on itself.Moreover, we are starting a reflection to put in place a legal strategy in orderto fight the recent modifications on the abandonment of post, which will now beconsidered a priori as a resignation. This strategy will also require theinvolvement of the employees concerned, therefore to act and no longer lowertheir heads in despair in their loneliness.Then, you have to have a permanent link with the militant collective of the LocalUnion. In the legal knowledge that I can acquire and the judgments won, it isnecessary to seek with the Local Union what could serve as a follow-up to themilitant teams in the companies for the defense of rights and also to bring claims.Interview by Michel (UCL Vosges)https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Entretien-avec-Carole-militante-CGT-Defenseure-syndicale-un-sport-de-combat_________________________________________A - I N F O S N E W S S E R V I C EBy, For, and About AnarchistsSend news reports to A-infos-en mailing listA-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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