Essential Workers Fighting For Union Democracy
Essential workers are in a fight for our future. Our union and very democracy have been under enormous threat for decades. This threat aims to curtail our civil, constitutional, and human rights.
Today, this threat is extreme as we attempt to rebuild after a global pandemic. To fight back against the agenda of corporate elites we need strong unions. To have strong unions, we need leadership that reflects the desires of workers.
Essential Worker's rights are being undermined
The rights of essential workers have been under siege for the last four decades. The Right-Wing and the so-called “Right to Work” movement have decimated unions. Unionized workforces are target for groups like the Freedom Foundation.
While these are the main causes of the erosion of workers’ rights, unions that shield themselves from rank and file accountability also contribute to the problem.
Millions of workers are without a democratic voice in their workplace unions. This impacts their ability to fight for fair pay, job protections, and safe workplaces. It has turned jobs that were once skilled career professions into part-time work.
The Covid-19 pandemic is one that will define our world for decades to come. It is a Sea-change moment in history, but it is not clear yet, what that change will look like. The Right-Wing is planning for a post-pandemic world that aligns with their vision. All unions should have a long-term strategic plan to counter this vision.
Public Support for Unions Skyrocketing
A recent Gallup poll showed that 72% of Americans approve of organized labor. And this support has been growing since 2008.
A Pew Research national poll shows that 75% of people ages 18 to 29 approve of labor.
A national poll of workers earning less than $15/hour found 82% of African-Americans, 79% of Latinos, and 77% of Southerners favorable to unions.
If the crisis we face is the result of an attack on workers and our democratic institutions, then the only way forward is to rebuild them with a rejuvenated and resurgent base of worker power.
We will need thousands of new leaders to emerge and help us expand power and democracy within every union. With a renewed rank and file leadership, we can build a new future together.
Reformed labor unions can be a united front that advances pro-people solutions.
We Must Expand Worker Democracy
A universal right for all workers in all jobs to organize by reaching a simple majority without intimidation from their employer
Medicare for all and reformation of the for-profit healthcare delivery system
Radical Debt Reduction in the form of student loan forgiveness, ending predatory lending, and a bailout for the working class
A Green New Deal
A workers’ bill of rights which includes: Paid sick leave, paid family/medical leave, secure scheduling, $20 minimum wage, Equal Pay for Equal Work
Pension reform that will grant government aid to struggling pensions
Reparations
Overturn Citizen’s United
Immigration Reform
Limit CEO Pay and accumulated individual wealth
A fair tax system where everyone pays their fair share
Redefining essential work, placing a community value on first responders, health care providers, food supply workers
Criminal Justice Reform
A functional and well-funded government infrastructure with a dependable social safety net.
Universal voting rights and an end to gerrymandering and voter suppression.