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Labor Unions Are Good For The Community |
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Tuesday, 27 November 2007 |
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We hear it all the time: Organized labor is just a "special interest. They only care about themselves." Why single out unions in a negative way as a special interest?
It is an attempt to turn the union into a "third party," to undercut support. The intent is to make people think the union is something other than its members, and that the union looks out for "itself" and nothing else. The truth, of course, is that a union is its members, and the members are the community. First and foremost, the people in this and every community want that most basic thing -- to be able to take care of our families. We want to provide food, shelter and other necessities, and to make sure our children have access to a good education and our elders have a chance for a secure retirement. We want to make sure medical care is there when we need it, and that we live in safe and secure neighborhoods. People form unions to act on that value with the belief that when we work together we can achieve more both for each other and ourselves. Unions are the members and are only as powerful as the membership is active. But the critical thing to remember is that union members are also an integral part of their communities. Studies indicate that through collective bargaining and political and legislative action union wages are between 15 and 20 percent higher. Therefore, we have more money to spend supporting the local economy. Moreover, we have some disposable income to spend on recreation and in doing so support stadiums, entertainment venues, marinas, and vacation destinations. But more importantly, union members donate money, time and expertise for the betterment of our communities and others less fortunate. United Way would have the ability to help far fewer families if it were not for the donations from union members. In addition to individual good works, unions also give members an organization through which to act collectively to make their communities better. Labor unions are made up of working people working together to solve problems, build stronger workplaces and give working families a real voice. Unions give workers a voice on the job about safety, security, pay, benefits—and about the best ways to get the work done. Union workers earn 28 percent more each week than nonunion workers and are much more likely to have health and pension benefits. Unions give working people a voice in government. They represent working families before lawmakers, and make sure politicians never forget that working families voted them into office. Does that make us a "special interest?" It makes us, union members, a force for good in the community. Unions are the members. Our members are the community. |
