MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, FEBRUARY 2018
This month, I would like to share a horror story with all of you. It is a story about contract negotiators working on behalf of a labor union who met with the business administrator of an organization. Among other things, both sides were negotiating pay increases for the organization’s hundreds of workers. The business administrator distributed a packet with the salaries of the employees. There were no names on the document, only an endless array of numbers. “I wish that I could cut all of these workers and replace them with ones that are less expensive,” said the business administrator. “Then we would be able to settle this contract more easily.”
The thought of not having union protection as a worker is very frightening, particularly when living in a hostile political atmosphere. Collective bargaining is essential to the rights of workers. It has not only resulted in fair labor practices for union members, but for others who enjoy the protections of our Labor Department as well. Such things should never be taken for granted.
You will be happy to learn that the contract being negotiated in my story was eventually settled. You will also be happy to learn that the business manager did not get their wish. The hundreds of loyal workers were able to keep their positions. They were also able to benefit from four years of increased salaries and necessary benefits. All because of the strength of their union membership.
If you are wondering where the events of this potential horror story occurred, I will simply leave you with this... Stay strong, and stay vigilant.
In Solidarity,
Michael Pastore