the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Sep 18, 2023
1,100 workers at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) were called on strike by UAW leaders on September 13. These workers have faced many years of wages not keeping up with prices and jobs being outsourced.
The UAW leaders negotiating their contract had extended the contract twice after the August 31 deadline and then let it run out without saying anything to the workers. The BCBSM workers were surprised to get a last minute email on September 12, telling them they would be on strike at midnight that night. BCBSM workers were also surprised to find out that Blue Care Network (BCN) workers, whose contract was being negotiated jointly with their own, were not being called out on strike and would continue working.
Despite all this, at the beginning of the strike the BCBSM workers were enthusiastic on the picket lines. So, what happens next? Can the workers find the way to put themselves forward to make it their own strike?