A job ad for an organizer shows the so-called ‘Fight for $15 movement’ has never been a grassroots movement of fast-food workers.
Since the Service Employees International Union launched its campaign to unionize the fast-food industry in late 2009, as opposed to the SEIU’s traditional top-down organizing model, the union has used a slick PR campaign to try to portray the campaign as a movement launched by workers.
However, after spending nearly $100 million dollars on its campaign, and with billions in union dues as a potential payoff, the SEIU’s overseeing of the fast-food campaign is rather obvious, as is the fact that the campaign itself is a paid effort.
One glaring example of this is an ad on Craigslist in Boston, which is advertising for a labor organizer “to learn how the campaign mobilizes low wage workers and builds a committed worker committee for an innovative and ground-breaking campaign that is bringing together fast food and low wage workers to fight for $15 an hour and a union. [Emphasis added.]”
‘FIGHT FOR 15’ CAMPAIGN ORGANIZER
Labor Organizer – Bilingual preferred
Boston, MAThe Massachusetts “Fight for 15” campaign is seeking candidates committed to the fight for economic and social justice. This is an exciting opportunity to learn how the campaign mobilizes low wage workers and builds a committed worker committee for an innovative and ground-breaking campaign that is bringing together fast food and low wage workers to fight for $15 an hour and a union. The position is a three week long boot camp paid at $17/hr with the potential to be hired at ~$50,000/yr salary position.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct outreach to low wage workers through work site, off site and house visits.
Identify worker issues and mobilize workers to join the Fight for $15 campaign.
Identify, recruit and develop worksite leaders.
Mobilize workers to participate in and lead worksite actions and public mobilizations and events. Organizing towards big action on July 18th.
Assist with planning and executing campaign strategy, events and actions.
Additional responsibilities and duties as requiredREQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and worker rights.
Previous experience working on progressive campaigns with campus, community, political, labor OR issue-based organizations is desirable.
Valid U.S. driver’s license, working automobile (to be used for work purposes) and valid auto insurance
Preferred proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean creole, and Haitian creole
Ability to work independently and effectively within a team.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills.
Ability to work calmly and effectively under demanding deadlines.
Flexible and able to adjust to rapidly changing campaign priorities.
Share our commitment to building a diverse union.
PAY:
Three week trial period. Candidates will be considered for permanent salaried positions after performance in the three weeks.
During the three weeks, $17/hr for 40 hours per week, $50 for car use and $20 for phone.
The so-called #FightFor15 was never anything more than a well-crafted strategy to unionize fast-food workers.
It wasn’t back in 2009, when the strategy was first written, and it isn’t today.
It is, however, a clever top-down organizing model wrapped in a “living wage” PR blanket.
