The Pork Report

It was 202 some-odd years ago that the rabble-rousing Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers (shoemakers) took to the streets of Philadelphia in what is widely considered the nation’s first strike. The picket line was a powerful tool in the movement’s arsenal and as Labor continued to fight for worker’s rights in Washington, here in the “Workshop of the World” membership soared to record highs. Unfortunately for the unions, and for the city, less expensive labor- first in the South, then globally- pulled many of those high-skilled craft trades out of the region.

By the 1950’s with the days of the Cordwainers behind it, and the then the City’s all powerful Republican machine in its last gasp of air- labor began to form support around the Democratic Party in a structure which still exists today. But as the “dredging war” on the Delaware demonstrated, the labor movement and the progressive movement are not one of the same. And while both locally have strong ties to the Democratic Party, many of their ideals are in complete contradiction. The labor support behind the Clinton candidacy was a clear demonstration of support for the “institutional” or “establishment” candidate. It is not much different in the Philadelphia suburbs where a majority of unions backed Republican Candidates in the Commissioners’ races where the GOP was expected to (and did) coast to victory.

In Pennsylvania, Union membership rose from 13.6 to 15.1% between 2006 and 2007, showing some hope after what for years looked to be a dire situation. And while their organizing strength appears to be rebounding, many question if the political structure is waning. The recent defeat of both Bob Brady and Jonny Doc to candidates who ran as reformers may have revealed a backlash for the establishment. But while inter-union and city committee squabbles have been the norm over the past few years, the “DCC/Labor establishment” has not been unified behind a candidate in a race that could accurately gauge its strength. Furthermore, with rampant claims of the Philadelphia skilled trades being predominantly white suburbanites (from Jersey of all places!) would labor be effective in mobilizing a voter registration and GOTV effort in predominantly black wards?

The upcoming Presidential election will be an interesting assessment of the Philadelphia union’s political might and willingness to adapt with the progressive movement. Assuming that the race is Obama vs. McCain, will labor rally around a progressive candidate with little “institutional” clout, or a moderate Republican who has been serving in the Senate for over 20 years?

All of these answers remain to be seen, but rumors have it that the Cordwainers have already begun to mobilize. This is going to be a fun year.

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