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Always remember ... Solidarity Works!
'All In' for Working Families
California Labor Federation backs three organizing campaigns
Most of the recent issue of Voice of Action is dedicated to "All In to Win," a campaign by the California Labor Federation to support key organizing drives in the state. But before I go into that, I want to share an experience which underscores the need to reach out to young workers.
A couple of weeks ago, I was in the drive-through lane at a fast food restaurant in Northern California. I ordered a chicken sandwich and a Diet Coke.
When I pulled up to the window, the young lady inside — she looked like she could be 18 — handed me my food and then asked about the "UFCW 8-Golden State" logo on my shirt.
I replied: "It's the Union representing people who work in supermarkets and other places."
"I don't understand," she said. "What's a Union?"
The young woman's question was disappointing, but not terribly surprising. Many of today's young people have little or no knowledge of Labor Unions and their historic role in creating the American middle class.
This wasn't the case in my family when I grew up in the '60s and '70s. As a third-generation Union activist, I knew Unions empowered working people, making it possible for them to earn good wages, buy their own homes, send their children to college and, when the time came, retire with dignity.
How Unions work: the power of Solidarity
We also knew how Unions work. Even as young children, we understood Solidarity is the key ingredient for a Union's success in winning a fair share for working people.
My brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, neighbors and schoolmates knew these things as well. We wouldn't think of crossing a picket line any more than we would consider crossing a busy freeway at rush hour.
So, what happened? How did we reach a situation where an intelligent 18-year-old isn't even aware of the concept of "Union"?
In the most recent Voice of Action, Secretary-Treasurer Kirk Vogt describes how, 35 years ago, many Americans were seduced by a disastrous political philosophy. This philosophy is based on the mistaken view that everyone would prosper if we changed our policies to favor rich people and corporations over working people.
As a result, companies were allowed to deny the basic human rights of their employees, including their right to join Unions and improve their lives. Union membership began to decline and fewer people learned the values of Union Solidarity to pass on to their children.
It's time to fight back and rebuild the strength of America's Unions. Our Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers, is proud to lead the way.
Our success will rely a great deal on raising awareness of the "Union Difference."
In the latest Voice of Actioin, you will see facts and figures showing how Union members have better health care, have more paid vacation days and get better pensions than nonmembers.
Our success also relies on building stronger coalitions with other Unions as we bring word of the Union Difference to more workers at more companies in more industries.
In this spirit, the California Labor Federation, comprised of Unions representing 2.1 million workers in our state, has launched "All In to Win." As the effort expands, all of these Unions will support three campaigns:
OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart) — Workers at Walmart are standing up for themselves against low wages and abusive treatment by their employer. The "All In" campaign will help these brave workers gain the respect they need.
Taylor Farms — Employees at the world's largest supplier of fresh-cut vegetables, including packaged salads, are fighting for recognition and dignity. These workers are being organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
USWW (United Security Workers West) — This Labor organization is working to represent the security guards at Apple and Google. Their fight is our fight.
In this issue of Voice of Action, you'll learn more about these campaigns and the support they are receiving from the member Unions of the California Labor Federation. As a vice president of the California Labor Federation, I am proud of the enthusiastic support expressed by members and staff of UFCW 8-Golden State for the "All In to Win" campaign.
Through this initiative and others, we will rebuild the Union movement in America. And the day will come when young women and men at fast-food counters and discount stores and salad packaging plants will all know and appreciate the benefits of working Union.
Solidarity Works!
Jacques Loveall
President, UFCW 8-Golden State
Vice President, UFCW International Union
Chairman, Loveall Foundation for Children
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Jacques Loveall, UFCW 8-Golden State
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