Connecting the Movement: Curtis Hierro
Curtis Hierro is a graduate student at the University of Central Florida.
How’d you get involved with SLAP?
I was looking to get involved in a campus group that took direct action in community issues. Historically, the labor movement has always acted as a catalyst for progressive change in the United States. When people are empowered in their workplace they become empowered in their community. SLAP has always been active on my campus and I identified with their campaign against state budget cuts. Additionally, UCF SLAP was a strong supporter of the DREAM Act, which would open a pathway to citizenship for thousands of undocumented students, and stands as something which is really important to me.
What are the biggest problem facing workers in the country?
The assault on working families has reached on all time high in the past 30 years. We have seen American workers productivity almost double over this time frame while wages have remained stagnant. At one time people could turn to their political representation for help in the fight against big business and corporate oligarchs. However, we are living in a time when politicians are attacking workers fundamental right to collectively bargain in the name of so-called fiscal responsibility. The use of this logic is a complete facade as these business backed politicians are actually shifting the burden to the working class, essentially espousing corporate welfare for the few off the backs of the many.
For example take Florida’s Governor Rick Scott, who cut teacher’s salaries at the same time he cut the business tax in half for the state’s richest corporations, costing the state millions upon millions in needed revenue. Corporate influence over our political system is the biggest threat to the nation, as we are seeing the institutions of our democracy corrupted by corporations who see the American dream in terms of the power of profit rather than the power of the people.
What is the importance of having students in the fight for workers rights?
Whether it was the labor movements of the 1930s or the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and 60s students have always played an integral role alongside labor in pushing for a more progressive, equitable society. Students have a stake in worker rights since upon graduation we become a part of the workforce. The same politicians that are raising our tuition and cutting our financial aid are the ones attacking the right to collectively bargain and slashing worker benefits. Students and workers have a common enemy- a plutocratic political class that promotes a brand of socio-economic Darwinism based on survival of the richest. Unity among students, workers and even the unemployed is key to maintaining the survival of America’s middle class.
What campaigns have you and your group been working on this year?
In the past year UCF SLAP has been plugged into the fight against budget cuts in Florida. We have stormed representatives offices demanding an end to the cuts, taken part in large events and sponsored a GROW training to empower students around campus. We have also previously worked on campaigns against sweatshop labor, worked toward political coalitions on campus to facilitate direct action for students, and supported numerous allies around the Central Florida area. UCF SLAP has been a dominant force in partnering students with the larger Orlando labor community.
What are you most excited for at the Jobs with Justice national conference?
A big part of student organizing is thinking outside of the box, and trying new things. Thus I am excited to meet with organizers from all over the United States and pick their brains on campaigns they have run, what worked and what did not. Additionally, the national conference offers SLAPatistas a great chance to not only network but learn the skills they need to be effective organizers on their campuses and beyond.
