Portland Solidarity Network
Who We are:
The Portland Solidarity Network (PDXSol) is an all-volunteer organization devoted to advocating for the rights of workers and tenants. We use direct action to confront individuals, organizations, or corporations responsible for exploiting, harassing, or cheating – in monetary or non-monetary terms – workers or tenants. The Seattle Solidarity Network (SeaSol – http://seasol.net), which has been in existence for more than five years, is our chief inspiration and organizational model. (source: PDXSOL)
our purpose:
Portland Solidarity Network embraces the broader struggle for worker and tenant self-determination, but we principally operate within the context of direct action campaigns. We initiate campaigns in response to specific instances of abuse by bosses or landlords. Our campaigns consist of direct action aimed at achieving specific demands for individual workers or tenants. We are dedicated to the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all.. (Source: pdxsol)
LeADING BY EXAMPLE:
PDXSol is an organization truly comprised of equal members. no one individual or organization is over or controls pdxsol. We do not operate on the corporate model, preferring a more horizontal approach. all solidarity networks are operated separately and are able to function and act in the way that works best for the needs of their members and community. there are no bosses, no leaders, no hierarchies. the only leader is the member of the community that we come together to support during a campaign. we do not act on behalf of others. we amplify the voices of people fighting for fairness and lend strength to the powerless through solidarity.
how we effect change:
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case study: miranda vs. her landlord
Miranda was in a terrible situation with a slumlord whose refusal to make necessary repairs caused her to unnecessarily pay greatly increased utility costs while allowing her very limited use of hot water in her home. malfunctioning fixtures that were never repaired led to a complete inability to use them at all. after three years of continued refusal to address this worsening situation, she confronted him and recorded that confrontation. He responded with a text message saying that she would be evicted, contrary to local tenant laws. miranda complied, even moving out before the 30 day deadline but the property manager refused to perform the walkthrough when requested (see below). he then refused to return her deposit and demanded a further $700 for unproven damages. many slumlords take advantage of the fact that the people who live in low income housing cannot afford legal representation and have little to no recourse in the face of this type of injustice.
In the above video, we see miranda leading the campaign. her mother delivered the demand letter, reading it through the door that the property manager refused to open. miranda could not do this herself because the property manager had called the police and she was not allowed on the property. after the demand delivery, pdxsol members began an escalating campaign in earnest, leading to an eventual agreement with the property management company which led to miranda receiving the money she was owed. for more information and details, plus pictures, go here.
when we fight, we win.
SOLIDARITY In action:
WAYS WE CAN HELP also include:
YOU CAN FIGHT WAGE THEFT TO WIN THE MONEY AND THE RESPECT THAT YOU ARE DUE!
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