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FIRE THE BOSS

Recuperated Factory Workers and Unemployed Worker Movements in Argentina to share experiences with workers in North America.

Edited by Ajowa Ifateyo

In 2001, Argentina's economy collapsed.  Factories began closing, foreign banks began pulling their money out of the country, leaving the poor of the country in shambles.  But the workers in Argentina didn't take this laying down.  They took control over their factories, seized the machines and once again started to produce, without the boss.

In November, those workers will be in the United States telling their stories about experiences on the shop floor, in their communities, and in the streets.  

Members of Argentina's Recuperated Factories Movement and Unemployed Workers' Movement ("piqueteros") will tour North America November 6-18, 2005 speaking with local unions, independent workers' organizations, day laborers, community organizations, and students.
"We hope to create a space where we can learn from each others struggles, find common ground, and forge strategies for building international solidarity," said an organizer.
The "unemployed movements" continued to provide for the unmet needs of their communities, creating bakeries, small cooperatives, and community gardens to provide food and jobs.

Fire the Boss in your hometown!
Organizers are looking for community organizations, labor unions, student groups, and other groups of people to sponsor the tour and help organize events in their cities and towns.

Hosts are needed who can:

  • Organize an event with an organization of workers, poor people or people of color such as a local union, community organization, day laborers, tenants association.
  • Be responsible for considerable fundraising.
  • Provide housing for 4-6 people (ideally with Spanish speakers)

Tour sponsors are also needed who can:

  • Organize at least one stop on the tour
  • Commit to raising a considerable amount of money to help with airline flights, visas and other tour costs
  • Comment to developing long-term relationships with the Argentinean movements.

If you are interested in hosting or co-sponsoring the tour, or would like more information, contact Jon Everhart at (213)842-9956, or jonathaneverhart@yahoo.com.

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