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Work with the NEU
Workers have disruptive power: let’s use it
It’s not just about getting workers into any union wherever they work, but making sure we are not divided into different bargaining units — and thinking about which workers control the ‘choke points’ of capitalism, argues US author ROBERT OVETZ
CHOKE HOLD: Workers in industries like shipping, logistics and rail control the actual flow of goods, making them uniquely powerful - and the boss class knows this

THE most important thing workers have is power. That power doesn’t come from having a collective bargaining agreement but from being so well organised they can disrupt business as usual to get what they want.

There are different kinds of power — and not all are the same or have the same impact. Knowing which one we have is the key to getting what we need.

Many unions over-rely on the kind of power that is located away from work. They limit their efforts to going into the streets or the halls of government for support. This kind of public support away from work is important, but inadequate by itself.

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