unfathomable
This is maybe the coolest thing I’ve ever reblogged.
The fact that so many people don’t have any idea how to function without Uber and Lyft should really be highlighting how important their work is and how much more they should be valued by the community. “The boss needs you, you don’t need him” is a slogan for a reason. Workers are needed. Every job in a community counts.
Realizing how hard life would be without workers in a given industry should be a reason to *support* strikes. Strikes are temporary, demonstrating what the effects on everyone would be if all those workers left, to show the power they have in collectively bargaining. Notice this demonstration, and support the strike and the collective demands of workers so that they don’t all up and leave.
You can support them for 12 hours and then go back to continuing to benefit from their service afterwards, or you can demonstrate to them and their bosses that even though you couldn’t function without these workers, they aren’t valued enough by their communities to deserve living wages and safe working conditions.
Workers on strike are relying on their communities to support them. It is a scary act of trust in fellow workers to put yourself in a position vulnerable enough to lose your income, your job, your reputation in the industry, out of sheer belief in your fellow workers and your community that they will have your back. They are trusting you. Please don’t betray them. If you, too, feel that supporting the strike puts you in a vulnerable position, please work with the unions to come up with solutions. Reach out to your community. Follow their lead and trust them like they trust you.
Mutual aid is important. Reach out for help, offer help, and show that communities are willing to stand up for each other. There is power in compassion for each other.
