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Introduction
Throughout our history, workers have joined together - to demand improvements in their wages, benefits and working conditions, usually by forming unions. And today in the United States, the ability of workers to collectively improve their working conditions makes a big difference. Workers who belong to unions earn more than non-union workers, and the difference is even greater for women, immigrants and people of color, who all earn more and get better benefits when they belong to unions.
But the rate of union membership in our country has declined in the last few decades, in large part due to corporations intimidating workers and discouraging organizing drives to narrow political interests dragging unions and union ideals through the mud. In addition, tensions and bad experiences have developed over time between some labor unions and other community members and groups, especially in immigrant and communities of color who at times have been shut out of good job opportunities. This tension needs to be named and acknowledged. As a result of all of these factors, many people in our own communities believe myths and lies about unions. We often don't realize how our common values and collective power benefit when workers join together to improve their jobs and protect their rights.
What are the common values that are the foundation of union and worker organizing, as well as many other movements? The core idea is solidarity - that what affects one person truly affects us all and that by joining together in sisterhood and brotherhood, we build the power to change our workplaces, our neighborhoods and our economy.
This guide is designed to help members, leaders, staff and boards of grassroots organizations to learn about the history of worker organizing, the benefits of labor unions and the current barriers that workers face when trying to organize. The final piece of the curriculum introduces a key piece of legislation pending in Congress right now that would make it easier for all of us to organize - the Employee Free Choice Act. This curriculum will help grassroots organizations understand the Employee Free Choice Act and effectively mobilize support; however the curriculum can also be used without this section to educate members about the power of worker organizing and unions more generally.
Throughout, helpful suggestions for facilitators are noted in italics. We would appreciate hearing your feedback on this guide as well as receiving any suggestions for materials or activities to include in future editions.
Worker Justice Team, Center for Community Change
waje@communitychange.org
