The Taylor Law was enacted to discipline a series of transit workers strikes in the late 1960s. Through the crises of the 1970s, it helped prevent workers from taking decisive action which may have changed their economic chances during times of de-industrialization, downsizing, and attacks on public sector jobs and housing. Today it scares workers away from striking. This panel is about how New York City workers can mount an effective challenge to one of the country's most backwards and draconian labor laws.

While some argue for its abolition, other point out the possibility for radical action if workers can be pushed to break the law en masse, raising civil rights as well as labor rights issues. What is the best way to challenge it? In the streets or in the courts? What kind of a labor strategy is necessary to defeat it? What does victory even mean--that we can strike without discipline or that the law is abolished?

Some argue that the Wagner Act, which granted folks the right to organize open unions in 1935, was the death knell for radical unionism. How do we deal with this hurdle to building a strong public sector unionism that can take direct action?

Panelists and participants will include members of the Professional Staff Congress-CUNY, the Transit Workers Union and contingent worker organizations.