The Labor Center at the University of California-Berkeley has just published Work, Money and Power: Unions in the 21st Century. The 24-page pamphlet, written by Fred Glass, communications director for the California Federation of Teachers/AFT, is an in-depth, but easy-to-understand, introduction to unions for new members, schools and the public.
Available at low cost for unions across the country, Work, Money and Power explains the role of unions and how they enable workers to benefit by joining together.
The reason why workers need unions boils down to this, says Glass:
Employers have far more power than workers do, especially if workers have to negotiate with them over wages and working conditions as individuals.
By forming unions, workers gain the power that comes with being part of a group created for collective action. As a group, workers can negotiate with their employers with greater chance of success than they can as individuals.
Glass also explains how workers organize and explores labor history. He describes the union advantage:
The record is clear. The power of collective bargaining supports higher wages and benefits and prevents management from viewing the workforce as little different than raw materials. Unionized workplaces have better safety and health conditions, and workers feel more confident that speaking their mind—a right guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution outside the workplace—will not result in termination if the employer disagrees with what they have to say. To belong to a union brings important advantages to workers.
The booklet also highlights how the recent years of anti-worker politics have combined with a decades-long employer offensive against workers and their unions. The result is that workers have experienced lower wages, failing health care coverage, deteriorating health and safety standards and more.
That’s why, Glass writes, working families need unions.
Now, more than ever.
The booklets cost $1.25 each for up to 99 copies or $1 each for 100 or more. Click here to order online or call 510-643-7089.
Tags: U.C. Berkley Labor Center, California Federation of Teachers
Channels: Organizing & Bargaining
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