Intro to Organized Labor Strengthening Partnerships with the Democratic Party San Diego Labor Democratic Club
MLK Jr. on Unions The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress... The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome.
Why Do We Need Unions Today? There is a direct correlation between union density and the disappearance of the middle class. 20.1% in 1983 11.1% today, 6% in the private sector As union density has declined, so too have good paying jobs, and an economic disparity has emerged that rivals that of the great depression era. 4 IN 10 SAN DIEGANS CANNOT MAKE ENDS MEET
The Democratic Party and Labor Common Goals. We are connected. Troubled past and have suffered recent defeat. We are organizing the same people. Holding Elected Accountable to our Progressive Values. Succeed by strengthening our partnerships.
What is a Union? Unions are essentially working people standing together to form collective power in the workplace and political arena. Typically divided up by industry or skill set. Structured democratically to allow for participation and support on the local, state and national level. Historically, unions have been the only significant institution representing the rights of working people. Organize workers across ideological lines and expose them to progressive values.
Labor History Before unions, workers had virtually no rights in the workplace. There were no laws protecting workers safety, preventing children from working in factories and coal mines. When workers spoke up, they were often fired or even worse.
Labor History WAGNER ACT Introduced by Senator Wagner, and was signed into Law by President Roosevelt on July 5, 1935. Also called the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Gave employees the right (under section 7) to form and join unions. It obligated employers to bargain collectively with unions selected by a majority of employees. Much like purchasing power, collective bargaining empowers employees to get a better deal than they would be on their own.
Labor History The passage of the NLRA sparked a wave of unionization that led to three decades of shared prosperity and what some call the Great Compression : When the share of national income taken by the very rich was cut by one-third. The countervailing power of labor unions gave them the ability to raise wages and working conditions for members and non-members alike. (Union Density in 1956 :31%)
Structure National AFL-CIO State Federation California Labor Federation Central Labor Council (Local) San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
We Are All Workers Unions: Internationals + Locals Councils: County Council of Firefighters; Building and Construction Trades Council Worker Centers: United Taxi Workers of San Diego, Employee Rights Center Over 200,000 union families work in San Diego and Imperial County Collective Bargaining benefits represented workers and un-represented workers. (OSHA / Heat Illness Prevention, Higher min wages, Concerted Activity, Prevailing wage etc.
Who are Union Members? Private and Public Sectors Building Trades Teachers and College Professors Firefighters and Police Hotel Workers Football Players Actors and musicians Your neighbors!
Societal Benefits Minimum Wage Overtime Pay Work Injury Protection (OSHA) Secure Retirement Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining (NLRA) The Weekend Child Labor Laws Family Medical Leave Act Paid Leave
Union Principles The labor movement is arguably the largest women's rights, racial justice, immigration rights, and civil rights movement in the country. Freedom from discrimination and inequality Immigration reform Voting rights and structural change to level the playing field Access to education and apprenticeships
The Union Difference Over every industry, Unionized labor increases employees salary Hotel Housekeeping: 15 rooms per shift vs. 32 (Hyatt hotels in San Diego) Nursing: 18 percent more nurses to patients Teaching: Smaller Class Sizes, Higher Compensation Construction: 80% of workers have employer provided health insurance (46% in unrepresented construction)
How Can I Help? Be an ally. Stay away from conservative rhetoric like Union Bosses and Union Thugs. Buy Union, Buy American Made, Buy Local Oppose Right-To-Work Legislation. JANUS v. AFSCME Support workers in their fights for higher wages and better working conditions. Do not cross picket lines or shop at businesses that have labor disputes. RESIST Trump and his anti-worker, anti-immigrant agenda. Support our Public Schools and challenge privatization of public services.
Join Our Club Meetings: First Sunday of the month @ 2:00pm 541 E. 24 th St, National City CA Email : SDLaborDemClub@Gmail.com