[Peace-discuss] ontario activist strategy and tactic

[Mark Enslin]

i'm forwarding a couple of reports on recent actions by the Ontario
Coalition Against Poverty (although the issues they're organizing around 
are different from what we're doing) as an addition to possible ways to
think about and enact mobilizations. 
--mark

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 12:10:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: OCAP <ocap at tao.ca>
To: undisclosed-recipients:  ;
Subject: O16: CUPE 3903 Report

Approximately 80 members of CUPE 3903 participated in the launch of a
campaign of economic disruption organized by the Ontario Common Front
(OCF) to defeat the Conservative government.  OCF is a coalition of
over 80 organizations, including CUPE Ontario, Canadian Federation of
Students, Toronto Mobilisation for Global Justice, Ontario Coalition
Against Poverty, and a number of First Nations communities and social
justice coalitions.  After years of trying to appeal to this government
through symbolic protests, OCF has turned to the strategy of
economically disrupting the operations of its financial backers.  This
approach is similar to the CUPE 3903 strike last year, which disrupted
the operations of York University, forcing the administration to
behave.

Over 2000 activists successfully disrupted the economic operations of
Toronto's financial district on the morning of October 16.  Despite
police provocation and several cases of police brutally assaulting
activists, protestors avoided confrontation and were steadfast in
carrying out the goal of economic disruption.  Police began
intimidating and provoking activists on their way to Nathan Phillips
Square with arbirtary searches.  Several people were arrested for
carrying protective gear, such as swimming goggles, gas masks, and
bandanas soaked in vinegar.  Three of our members were arrested or
detained, and were released later in the day.  Legal assistance was
provided by CUPE Ontario to members of CUPE who were arrested, and
lawyers were also able to secure the release of a member of Local 3913
as well as the women who were arrested with her.

Despite the effort of hundreds of riot police, mounted police, and
snipers on roof-tops, to prevent activists from entering the financial
district, the police were out-manoeuvered by splitting into several
marches and weaving around the slow-moving troops.  This "snake march"
tactic was successful and will likely be used in the actions that are
planned in virtually every major city across Ontario in the coming
weeks.

Our local was joined by CUPE activists and flying squads from across
the province, such as CUPE 79, 1281, 1334, 3907, 3913, 4600, as well as
the newly-formed CUPE 5500 flying squad (transit workers from the
Ottawa area).

Those who were in Quebec City for the anti-globalization protests last
year will know the infinite gap between the reality of an anti
-corporate event and its representation in the corporate media.  The
allegations of Mayor Mel Lastman are as factual as his fears of being
eaten by natives in Kenya.  The Mayor's threat to sue OCAP and CUPE for
the protests were rebuffed by CUPE Ontario president, Sid Ryan, who
also reaffirmed CUPE's committment to continue funding and supporting
OCAP.

While we can't take all the credit for Harris' resignation, it is the
coordinated efforts and accumulated pressure of numerous organizations
(like the Ontario Common Front and CUPE 3903) in resisting the Tories
over the last six years which have played a part in contributing to his
resignation.  This pressure must continue.

Solidarity,
Clarice Kuhling, Co-Chair, Women's Caucus
Alex Levant, VP Unit 1
CUPE 3903



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