Tag: Labor Day

Labor Day From The Madison, Wisconsin Perspective – A Call For Workers To Mobilize- 09/03/12

Labor Day From The Madison, Wisconsin Perspective – A Call For Workers To Mobilize- 09/03/12

9/3/2012

By Doug Cunningham

Millions of American workers coast to coast celebrated Labor Day 2012, taking a family day off to attend parades, cookouts and hear political speeches. In Madison, Wisconsin  American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Vice-President Gary Mitchell Vice-President Gary Mitchell said it’s vital that working people – union or non-union – not fall for the Big Lie that Romney-Ryan really cares about workin’ people.

[Gary Mitchell]: “The truth is these guys are not on your side. They’ve been stealing form you for thirty years, ever since Ronald Reagan shifted the money away from workin’ class people to the rich. It only accelerated under Bush and it looks like they want to accelerate it some more. The banana republic of the United States is not where we need to be.”

Dave Branson is Executive Director of the Building and Construction Trades Council of South-Central Wisconsin. He says Republicans want to take away money and union protections from hard-working construction workers when instead the GOP should be supporting Obama initiatives to create construction jobs. Continue reading “Labor Day From The Madison, Wisconsin Perspective – A Call For Workers To Mobilize- 09/03/12”

Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video!

Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Labor Day, working men and women are doing more than enjoying the unofficial end of summer with our family and friends. We remember the true meaning of this national holiday, honoring the strength and spirit of the labor movement and working people.

The last decade has been a difficult one for America’s middle class. But we aren’t giving up. Today, we are launching a video that recognizes the role working men and women play in our communities–from the things they do at work to the things they do in our neighborhoods.

You can watch the video here. Continue reading “Chicago Federation of Labor – Watch This Video!”

AFL-CIO: All Labor Has Dignity

Share Thanks for Labor Day

Before you hit your Labor Day parade or cookout, I wanted to recognize the work you do every day to make this country great—and take the chance to say “thank you.”

It’s America’s workers who built this country, make it run and keep it going.

Take a moment to celebrate Labor Day—watch my video “thank you” and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and through email. 

There has been a lot of talk lately about the future of our country and who should get credit for building America. Frankly, I believe we all deserve credit. Everyone’s work is critical to keeping our country moving. We depend on each other and we should recognize the dignity of all work. Continue reading “AFL-CIO: All Labor Has Dignity”

Barbara J. Easterling: We Must Educate Younger People About Unions

 

09/02/2012; Barbara Easterling

 Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America.

Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America.  

As we near Labor Day, I want to encourage you to help younger generations better understand why labor unions are so important. Too many people either know very little about unions or only know what politicians and Fox News tell them.

I joined a union on my very first day on the job as a telephone operator in Akron, Ohio. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Our generation—and those who came before us—used our rights at work in the community to create good jobs and good wages. We helped build strong neighborhoods where you could raise a family.

In my experience, a union is the only way workers can earn good pay and be treated with respect and fairness on the job. It’s just too tough any other way.  When you look at the powerful interests that workers are up against—whether it is right-wing politicians or cold-hearted corporations—you see how badly the deck is stacked against you if you don’t have a union.

As union members, you can speak firsthand how collective bargaining helps earn the wages and benefits that support families and build strong, stable communities. And for former union members, collective bargaining directly affects retirement—the better you work, the better you retire. I worry that decades of low wages, little or no health insurance and inadequate savings are sowing the seeds for a serious retirement security crisis that will affect everyone in our country.

While some politicians mock unions as a cheap way to score political points, we all know the truth—collective bargaining is a backbone of the American middle class. We have a lot to be proud of—so let’s get out there and spread the word!

The AFL-CIO and other unions such as ASFCME have young worker outreach programs designed to get younger union members more involved. Learn more about the AFL-CIO’s outreach with young workers.

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